Hatchery Assistant – Kelp Hatchery & Nursery
Location:
On location, in Sooke, BC.
Hours:
Variable schedule. Average of 40hrs/week with seasonal overtime and occasional weekend work as required.
Wage:
Starting at $25-$27/hr + 4% vacation. Starting wage is dependent on prior skills and experience.
United Kelp Co-op is seeking a Hatchery Assistant to support the Hatchery Manager in the day-to-day operation of the kelp hatchery and nursery. This role combines laboratory work, nursery operations, field collection, and hands-on facility development, and is well suited to candidates with a strong interest in marine biology, phycology, or aquaculture.
Company Summary:
United Kelp Cooperative (UKC) is a BC-based marine plant growing, harvesting, processing and manufacturing Co-op. UKC was formed to partner Indigenous Nations with marine agri-food experts, and promote responsible kelp farming and harvesting practices while supporting local economies. United Kelp has worked toward developing a framework for sustainable Kelp farming off of
BC’s coast. As one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, Kelp absorbs large amounts of carbon and nitrogen, helping to clean coastal waters and combat climate change. Its forests provide habitat for marine life, supporting healthier ecosystems. As Kelp requires no freshwater, fertilizer, or arable land to grow, it’s an incredibly sustainable crop. At the same time, Kelp farming creates new opportunities for coastal communities by supplying ingredients for food, and biostimulants.
Key Responsibilities
- Laboratory Operations
- Assist with daily lab activities, including preparation of solutions and culture media
- Autoclave labware and maintain sterile techniques
- Track reagent inventories and assist with ordering supplies
- Gametophyte Seed Bank Maintenance
- Maintain kelp gametophyte cultures
- Conduct regular health assessments using microscopy
- Perform media changes and monitor growth
- Identify, manage, and document contamination
- Maintain accurate culture records
- Nursery Operations
- Assist with spool seeding and nursery setup during the nursery season
- Conduct daily nursery tasks, including water quality testing
- Adjust growth conditions as required
- Monitor and manage biological contamination
- Sorus Collection and Culture Initiation
- Assist with the collection of wild kelp during reproductive season
- Process sorus tissue and initiate new cultures from spores
- Experimental Work
- Assist with experiments aimed at optimizing culture conditions across multiple kelp species
- Support data collection and record-keeping for experimental trials
- Facilities & System Development
- Assist with the construction and modification of seawater culture systems
- Help install and maintain pumps, tanks, filters, and plumbing components
- Education & Experience
Education & Experience
Required / Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Biology or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
- Experience or demonstrated competence in one or more of the following:
- Biological laboratory work, including comfort with microscopy
- Rearing or culturing marine organisms (seaweeds, algae, invertebrates, or fish)
- Experience with bacterial cultures, plants, or fungi
- Setting up or maintaining aquaculture or recirculating water systems
- Working with plumbing and aquaculture equipment (pumps, filters, valves)
Skills & Attributes
- Ability to maintain a clean, well-organized laboratory environment
- Ability to follow and consistently apply detailed protocols
- Experience with basic data collection and record-keeping
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a small team