Live Food Specialist for Shrimp Larviculture

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing project TCP/GUY/4101 in Guyana to enhance national shrimp aquaculture production capacity through 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 innovation, and gender equality. The project aims to strengthen coordination, operational delivery, and stakeholder engagement across the shrimp aquaculture value chain for sustainable sector development.

Job Purpose

The Live Food Specialist for Shrimp Larviculture will ensure the consistent availability and quality of live feeds, specifically microalgae and Artemia, essential for shrimp larviculture. This role involves implementing and managing the production, cultivation, and quality control of these live feeds to meet minimum technical standards. The specialist will conduct necessary tests, review and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and contribute to strengthening public-private partnerships and value chain integration, ultimately supporting the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Guyana's shrimp aquaculture sector.

Responsibilities

The Specialist is responsible for all microalgae production activities, including establishing and maintaining pure strains, preparing culture media with essential nutrients, and operating production systems for continuous supply. This involves scaling up cultures from stock strains to mass production stages to meet hatchery demands. The role requires daily monitoring of algal culture performance, including cell density, purity, and growth rates, using microscopy. Maintaining optimal environmental and water quality parameters, such as temperature, salinity, and pH, is crucial. The Specialist will screen for contamination, implement biosecurity and disinfection protocols, and verify sterilization effectiveness. Responsibilities also include managing Artemia production systems, harvesting microalgae at optimal stages, maintaining detailed production records, identifying operational risks, and contributing to system improvements through data analysis and best practices.

Work Experience

A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience in aquaculture hatcheries, with a specific focus on live food production, is preferred. For Consultants with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience beyond the degree are required. Experience in managing microalgae and Artemia production systems is highly beneficial.

Skills

Essential skills include a strong technical understanding of live feed production (Artemia, microalgae), including hatchery operations and enrichment. Proficiency in water quality management and familiarity with relevant hatchery equipment are necessary. The role requires basic record-keeping, data entry, and reporting abilities, along with the capacity to troubleshoot equipment and environmental issues. Knowledge of hatchery biosecurity protocols, pathogen exclusion, and disinfection procedures is vital. Compliance with safety protocols for handling chemicals and live cultures, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and immediate reporting of hazards are also required.

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