Job Information
Aquatic Health Specialist (Level 8)
Company Information
Job Information
Description
Company
Government of Jamaica
Website
http://bit.ly/GOJJobListing
Contact Name
Office of the Services Commission
Contact Email
communications@osc.gov.jm
Job Type
Full-time
Department
Executive Agency
Category
Agriculture / Horticulture
Posted
12-11-2024
Job Status
Start Publishing
12-11-2024
Stop Publishing
21-11-2024
Applications are invited to fill the following vacant post in the National Fisheries Authority (NFA): Aquatic Health Specialist (Level 8) - Aquaculture Division/Aquaculture Research Branch, salary range $5,198,035 - $6,990,779 per annum.
Job Purpose
Under the general direction of the Director, Aquaculture Research Branch, the Aquatic Health Specialist is responsible for undertaking the day-to-day monitoring, control and surveillance of the fish health programme and associated research activities geared toward the effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention of aquatic health problems.
The Aquatic Health Specialist uses various disciplines including fisheries biology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology and histopathology to provide an accurate evaluation of fish health issues. There is a requirement for the incumbent to provide technical advice to fishers and fish farmers in terms of prevention and control of pathogens in the production system.
In addition, the incumbent provides policy guidance, recommends the review of prevention, control and quarantine measures for fish diseases and pathogens as well as provides advice on chemicals and medicines to be used in fish production systems. He/she compiles data and prepares regular and specialized reports.
Key Responsibilities
Technical/professional:
- Formulates the operational plan and budget for the Fish Health Programme;
- Co-ordinates and implements the programme, which is designed to enhance the health of cultured and other fish production/processing systems,
- Co-ordinates with relevant internal and external stakeholders in order to provide accurate evaluations and diagnoses of fish health problems;
- Provides advice on the sources for diagnostic and treatment supplies.
- Deploys material and resources necessary for the implementation of the planned initiatives;
- Collaborates with relevant personnel to ensure that diagnostic and treatment supplies are available in adequate supply and that they are used efficiently;
- Coordinates with relevant health authorities to access diagnostic and treatment supplies
- Collaborates with internal and external entities to facilitate the sharing of relevant information;
- Seeks appropriate specialized assistance in determining the etiology of complex fish health problems;
- Represents the Authority in professional fora related to fish health, including internal and external meetings and working groups as well as local, regional and international conferences, seminars and workshops;
- Writes background papers, briefs, technical reports and other documents, makes presentations at local and international fora, as well as at training workshops for technical staff, fish farmers and other stakeholders;
- Advices the Director of the Research Branch on fish health issues and conducts research to determine new treatment measures, new fish disease quarantines or changes in existing fish disease quarantines;
- Maintains and applies current knowledge of research techniques and mechanisms for the aquatic environment to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of fish health diagnostics;
- Designs and conducts research to address fish health concerns, improve understanding and methods of fish health management, and enhance fish production;
- Conducts fish health inspections at fish hatcheries as well as fish production and processing sites:
- Collects and processes samples according to standard methods for routine surveillance testing/inspections and for diagnostic purposes;
- Co-ordinates with research staff regarding pathogen testing and interpretation of results;
- Disseminates results to research and production staff, extension officers as well as to the Fisheries Statistics and Data Management Branch;
- Conducts annual audits in support of fish health management and aquatic invasive species control and maintains Fish Health Improvement Plans for the Authority’s hatcheries, fishers and fish farmers;
- Presents research findings to external stakeholders in order to expose new initiatives within the fisheries Sector
- Contributes to Extension Education Programmes focused on fish health by preparing and presenting technical information on the subject;
- Collaborates with the Veterinary Services Division (VSD), where necessary, in determining the potential harm to the country of fish imports;
- Makes recommendations on requests for live fish import permits and advises on the movement of fish between production sites;
- Maintains a network of other experts engaged in the evaluation and diagnosis of fish diseases to facilitate sharing of relevant information and data
- Makes contributions to and prepares publication for fish producers and their customers on fish health management practices;
- Assists the Authority in the evaluation of various fish and fish product ventures by undertaking surveillance for fish pathogens and making appropriate recommendations;
- Performs any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Director, Aquaculture Research Branch.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Core:
- Good leadership and management skills;
- Good interpersonal and people management skills;
- Strong oral and written communication skills;
- Excellent problem-solving skills;
- Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications.
Technical:
- Sound knowledge of the Fisheries Act 2018 and related regulations and guidelines;
- Sound knowledge of the policies and procedures of the National Fisheries Authority;
- Sound knowledge of the standard methods for identifying infectious agents and other causes of morbidity/mortality in fish and the techniques for preventing and treating fish diseases;
- Sound knowledge of Fish health research methodologies and techniques;
- Sound knowledge of fish pathology, parasitology, aquatic biology, fish genetics and hatchery production;
- Sound knowledge of drugs and their recommended use and dosage levels for control of fish disease;
- Working knowledge of fish production practices, nutritional requirements and ingredients used in fish diets.
- Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
OR - Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences or related area of study; plus
- Specialized training in Fish Health diagnosis, treatment and management.
Special Conditions Associated with the Job
- Exposed to medium stress and required to respond to challenges at very short notice;
- Required to work in ponds, brackish, riverine, coastal and offshore marine environment;
- Exposed to long periods in direct sunlight;
- Exposed to long periods of standing;
- Exposure to work in static and flowing water and is exposed to regular wetting;
- May encounter predatory aquatic animals;
- Moderate travelling islandwide and overseas;
- Exposed to working in volatile communities;
- Exposure to harmful chemicals;
- Occasional diving.
Applications accompanied by detailed résumés, including the names of two (2) referees, should be submitted no later than Wednesday, 20th November, 2024 to:
Senior Director
Corporate Services Division
National Fisheries Authority
2c Newport East
Kingston 11
National Fisheries Authority
2c Newport East
Kingston 11
Email: fisherieshr@moa.gov.jm
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
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