Shrimp Larviculture Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing project TCP/GUY/4101 to enhance shrimp aquaculture production capacity in Guyana via improved hatchery capabilities. This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Department, aligns with FAO’s Strategic Framework, focusing on Blue Transformation, Sustainable Agriculture, and Gender Equality. The project aims to strengthen coordination, operational delivery, and stakeholder engagement across the shrimp aquaculture value chain for sustainable and inclusive sector development.

Job Purpose

The Shrimp Larviculture Specialist will establish and manage a fully functional shrimp larviculture system within the hatchery. This role involves ensuring the proper operation of the system, including plant and equipment, and collaborating closely with other specialists (Live food production, Maturation, Water Quality) and the Production Team. The primary goal is to achieve optimal larval rearing conditions, ensuring the system meets operational requirements and contributes to the overall success of the project's objectives in strengthening national capacity for shrimp aquaculture.

Responsibilities

Provide technical support for live feed production systems, including Artemia and other feeds, ensuring optimal larval nutrition. Monitor hatchery performance through sampling and parameter assessment, recommending adjustments for improved growth and survival. Advise on water quality management, including exchange protocols and environmental monitoring. Oversee the culture and management of shrimp larval stages, ensuring adherence to protocols and continuous improvement. Support the development and implementation of hatchery health management and biosecurity measures, including disease recognition and risk mitigation. Assist in strengthening health surveillance systems, assessing gaps, and recommending laboratory capabilities and partnerships. Develop and maintain technical documentation, production records, and SOPs for traceability and quality assurance. Promote compliance with biosafety, GMP, GLP, and other relevant standards. Design and deliver training for hatchery personnel and stakeholders. Prepare technical reports, progress updates, and knowledge products for FAO and stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Contribute to national capacity building in hatchery management through innovative technologies and best practices.

Work Experience

One year of relevant work experience in aquaculture hatcheries, with a preference for experience in shrimp larviculture, is preferred. This experience should align with the educational requirements for Consultants or PSAs.

Skills

Understanding of crustacean life cycle and larval stages. Knowledge of water quality management and related equipment. Familiarity with live feeds production and formulated feeds. Basic record-keeping, data entry, and reporting skills. Ability to troubleshoot equipment and environmental issues. Familiarity with hatchery biosecurity protocols and disinfection procedures. Basic understanding of larval quality assessment methods. Core competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing.

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