[Coral-List] Hatchery Intern position with Grupo Puntacana Foundation

[Victor Galvan]

*TITLE: *Hatchery Intern       *REPORTS TO: *Hatchery Coordinator

*DATE: *To start as soon as possible for a period of six months



*Description:*

The hatchery intern at assists in the day-to-day operation of a small-scale
marine ornamental fish and invertebrate hatchery at Grupo Puntacana
Foundation, Dominican Republic. This is a full-time, 6-month position
supported by a European Union, GIZ grant titled Biodiversity and Business
en America Central y Republica Dominicana. Technical support is also
provided by Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, USA. General shift
would be 7am-4pm, or 9am-6pm. This position will also require weekends, and
some nights due to the nature of animal care. This position also requires
health insurance or the purchase of insurance in the Dominican Republic and
DAN divers insurance.



*Responsibilities:*

·      Assisting in live food culturing: zooplankton (copepods, rotifers,
and artemia), and phytoplankton (microalgae)

·      Feeding including broodstock, growout, and larval fishes

·      Water quality monitoring

·      System maintenance for broodstock, growout, and larval fish

·      Broodstock fish management, conditioning, and spawning

·      Egg incubation; larval fish rearing

·      Literature review, experimental design and implementation

·      Data collection & analysis

·      Presentations for staff and volunteers; and design and
implementation of laboratory activities for tours of the Marine Center for
Innovation

·      Assisting with the collection of fish and invertebrates for the
hatchery

·      Assisting in other areas of the Marine Center of Innovation
including: coral propagation, sea turtle husbandry, and other general
husbandry tasks

·      Assisting in all aspects of upkeep for hatchery including: sweeping,
mopping, scrubbing, wiping down tanks, and washing filter socks



*Prerequisite Qualifications:*

·      Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, wildlife management or
a related field.

·      Experience in the maintenance of fresh and saltwater aquarium
systems;

·      Excellent organization skills to manage time to meet workload and
deadline demands.

·      Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills to a
wide variety of audiences including guests, volunteers, students and staff
to influence productive outcomes.

·      Able to work independently while maintaining consistent and frequent
communication with supervisor.

·      Available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends as needed
or to respond to emergency situations.



*Preferred Qualifications:*

·         Experience in a public aquarium or nature center environment.

·         Knowledge and understanding of local natural wildlife.

·         Conversational Spanish.

·         Scuba Certification

·         Marine finfish aquaculture experience

·         Live feeds culture experience, including brine shrimp, copepods,
rotifers, and microalgae;

·         Experience in the maintenance of fresh and saltwater aquarium
systems

·         Knowledge of mechanical, biological and chemical aquarium
filtration systems.

·         Proficient in MS Office programs with the ability to collect and
report on data and to prepare written reports and grant information.



*Physical Demands:*

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must
be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
Sitting, standing, walking, and bending are required of this position. Use
of a computer keyboard and computer screen for periods of time with close
vision and the ability to adjust visual focus plus manual dexterity are
required. Comfortable with getting dirty, wet, and smelly.



Ability to lift 50 pounds or more on a frequent basis.   Must be able to
climb ladders, stairs and other devices within and without the work
environment to perform job duties.  Ability to perform cleaning tasks for
hatchery.



*Expected Performance Outcomes:*

Prior to concluding the internship, the intern must (a) prepare and present
a Powerpoint presentation to foundation staff related to his/her work done
as an intern and (b) prepare and a technical report of the work completed
(for Foundation use). The intern is encouraged to develop a posterboard
display at the Center for Marine Innovation, as well as a peer reviewed
manuscript for publication.



Interns will work with other staff to design and develop printed material
promoting the hatchery and their work done as an intern.Interns (if
applicable) will be required to present at national, regional or
international conferences.



*Benefits:*

·         Dorm style housing (may have roommates)

·         Bicycle for travel to hatchery, if desired.

·         In addition to lodging, a stipend ranging from US$300-500/ month
will be provided depending on the qualifications of the intern. This
stipend is to compensate for personal expenses while participating in the
internship