Aquaculture Technician

Location available: Dixon, CA

As an Aquaculture Technician at Sterling Caviar, you will be an essential part of our daily operations as a member of the Production Team. We are currently looking for Aquaculture Technician for our Wilton, California farm. Your primary responsibilities will revolve around the well-being and care of our White Sturgeon (_Acipenser transmontanus_), contributing to their health and ensuring their optimal growth. You will actively participate in general maintenance and farm upkeep tasks to keep the location running smoothly. Additionally, you will play a critical role in maintaining the aquaculture systems and equipment, ensuring they operate efficiently to support our sustainable caviar production.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Ensure the health and well-being of our White Sturgeon by maintaining optimal water quality with testing and flow measurement.
- Follow a structured feeding regimen to provide essential nutrition and monitor sturgeon for signs of illness or distress.
- Uphold humane treatment standards for all animals on or around the farm.
- Assist in repairs, maintenance, and upgrades of aquaculture systems and equipment.
- Participate in an on-call rotation, responding to alarms outside regular hours.
- Train to operate and maintain company vehicles, tractors, and heavy machinery.
- Handle, sort, and transfer fish on and between farms.
- Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of aquaculture equipment and tanks.
- Contribute to the upkeep of the farm by maintaining site cleanliness and appearance, creating a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment for both fish and staff.
- Keep and update daily records of site activities.
- Occasional travel between farms to aid in various production activities ranging from biopsies, spawning, and pond seining.

**QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS**:

- Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree or higher in aquaculture, biology, chemistry, agriculture, or a related natural sciences discipline, though it is not mandatory.
- Proficiency in mechanical skills, including demonstrated knowledge of tasks such as equipment maintenance and repair, plumbing installations, and aquatic circulation system troubleshooting.
- Have the ability to lift 50+ pounds, along with a record of dependability, reliability, and integrity.
- Physical fitness is highly valued for this role, given the genuine nature of our fish farm and our strong emphasis on farm work, although it is not mandatory.
- Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain a Class “A” license with training is favorable, but not a requirement _(there is additional compensation for those that obtain their Class “A” license)_
- Ability to build strong relationships with internal staff.
- Good written and oral communication skills; strong follow-through skills.
- Proactive and goal-driven, taking initiative to ensure success in their role.
- Sharp attention to detail.
- A history of successful collaboration within a team-oriented work environment.

Pay: $21.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

**Benefits**:

- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- On call

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

**Experience**:

- Animal husbandry: 2 years (preferred)
- Plumbing: 3 years (preferred)

Shift availability:

- Overnight Shift (preferred)
- Day Shift (preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

- Dixon, CA 95620: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person