Live Food Specialist for Shrimp Larviculture

The Live Food Specialist for Shrimp Larviculture will implement production, cultivation, management, and quality control of live feeds, specifically microalgae and Artemia, used in shrimp larviculture. The role supports the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme project TCP/GUY/4101 to strengthen shrimp aquaculture production capacity in Guyana.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain pure strains of microalgae suitable for shrimp larval production, including species such as Chaetoceros and Thalassiosira.
• Prepare and manage agar and liquid culture media, including the formulation of macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, probiotics and other additives required for optimal algal growth.
• Operate and maintain batch and semi-continuous microalgae production systems, ensuring adequate culture redundancy and continuity of supply.
• Scale up microalgae cultures from stock strains through primary, secondary and mass culture stages to meet hatchery production requirements.
• Monitor algal culture performance through daily assessment of cell density, purity, physiological condition, growth rates and doubling times using microscopy and standard counting techniques.
• Monitor and maintain optimal environmental and water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, light intensity and nutrient concentrations.
• Conduct routine screening for contamination, including bacterial load, protozoa and potential pathogens such as Vibrio spp., and coordinate laboratory verification as required.
• Implement and enforce biosecurity, cleaning and disinfection protocols throughout all microalgae and live feed production systems.
• Ensure appropriate treatment and sterilization of water used in microalgae and Artemia production through filtration, UV sterilization, chlorination and other approved methods.
• Verify the effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection measures through routine monitoring and record keeping.
• Harvest microalgae cultures at appropriate growth stages to maximize nutritional quality and production efficiency.
• Manage Artemia production systems, including hatching, enrichment, harvesting, production monitoring and quality control activities.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on production, consumption, mortality, water quality, biosecurity measures and operational performance.
• Identify operational risks and implement corrective measures to ensure consistent production, resource optimization and compliance with established hatchery protocols.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of microalgae and Artemia production systems through data analysis, quality assurance and adoption of best management practices.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in aquaculture, fisheries, biology, marine science, or related field; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• For PSAs: Technical degree/certificate in aquaculture, fisheries, biology, marine science, or related field.
• 1 year of relevant work experience in aquaculture hatcheries, especially live food is preferred.
• Working knowledge of English.
• Highly technical knowledge with live feeds production (Artemia cysts, nauplii hatchery, enrichment) and formulated feeds.
• Knowledge of water quality management and equipment (Incubators, aerators, filtration, pumps, heaters, salinity controllers).
• Basic record-keeping, data entry, and reporting skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and environmental issues.
• Familiarity with hatchery biosecurity zoning (clean/dirty areas), pathogen exclusion protocols, and disinfection procedures.
• Compliance with safety protocols for handling chemicals (e.g., chlorine, iodine), live cultures, and hatchery equipment.
• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Immediate reporting of hazards or incidents.

Skills

• Live Feeds Production
• Artemia cysts hatchery
• Nauplii hatchery
• Live feed enrichment
• Formulated feeds knowledge
• Water Quality Management
• Incubator operation
• Aerator operation
• Filtration system management
• Pump operation
• Heater operation
• Salinity control
• Records Keeping
• Data Entry
• Reporting Skills
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Environmental troubleshooting
• Hatchery biosecurity
• Pathogen exclusion protocols
• Disinfection Procedures
• Chemical safety handling
• Personal Protective Equipment Use

Languages

English