Associate Technical Advisor (Aquaculture)

Job Details

The Associate Technical Advisor is responsible for the direct field implementation of technical assistance and training activities for the project's aquaculture producers. Their primary role is to ensure that producers adopt best management practices and support them in improving their productivity and guaranteeing product safety. The Associate Technical Advisor acts as TechnoServe's daily point of contact with the communities, providing technical support, collecting field data, and facilitating the administrative and commercial organization of the producer groups under their responsibility.

About the Aquaculture Pilot Project:

This initiative focuses on strengthening small and medium-sized aquaculture producers in the states of Michoacán, Tabasco, and others. The project aims to validate a sustainable and profitable production model through the implementation of best management practices, optimization of water resource use, and the strengthening of local value chains. The main objective is to improve producers' productivity and market access, ensuring the preservation of aquatic ecosystems and the economic development of coastal and riverside communities. 

Main Functions and Responsibilities

1. Technical Implementation in the Field

• Diagnose and provide personalized technical assistance in production units (farms/ponds) on density management, feeding, water quality and aquaculture health.

• Train producers in taking physical-chemical parameters (oxygen, pH, temperature) and using production records.

• Consider and develop group training sessions when they are appropriate for the needs of the producers.

• Detect and immediately report health or biological emergencies, proposing corrective measures under the supervision of the Project Manager.

• Facilitate the organization of producers for the management of consolidated purchases of inputs (feed, breeding stock) and joint sales.

2. Quality and Safety Implementation

• Train producers and support staff in Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

• Directly supervise the harvest days, ensuring hygienic handling, the implementation of animal welfare techniques (humane slaughter) to ensure product quality and strict maintenance of the cold chain.

• Implement the necessary food safety controls to comply with HACCP standards at collection and packaging points.

3. Data Management and Monitoring (MEL)

• Conduct field data collection: baseline surveys and production log records.

• Perform periodic biometric measurements for the estimation of growth, biomass, and weekly harvest projections.

• Report weekly progress indicators (survival, feed conversion, sales volumes) to the Project Manager and the MEL liaison.

4. Marketing and Administration Support

• Advise producers on calculating their production costs and profitability per cycle.

• Support the logistics of collection, ensuring that the product is ready, weighed and packed according to the buyer's specifications.

• Collect and organize the necessary documentation for the formalization of producer groups or local companies.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Academic Background: University or technical degree in Aquaculture Engineering, Biology, Veterinary Medicine, Agronomy or related technical careers.
• Experience: 2 years of operational experience in aquaculture farms.
• Operational Skills: Proven ability to perform biometrics, water quality analysis and production record management.
• Mobility: Ability to drive a standard transmission vehicle and have a valid driver's license (essential for field work).

Desired Qualifications

• Residence in the intervention area (Michoacán or Tabasco) or availability to reside near the production units.
• Experience in adult training.
• Knowledge of the specific species of the project (tilapia and shrimp).
• Knowledge of the supply chain for these species and the purchasing requirements of formal markets. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective communication: Ability to explain technical concepts in a simple way to rural producers.
• Field analysis: Ability to interpret basic production data and make quick decisions in the ponds.
• Autonomy: Ability to organize your own visit route and meet the work schedule with minimal daily supervision.
• Proactivity and problem-solving: Ability to promptly detect and propose solutions to unforeseen challenges.
• Digital tools: Basic knowledge of Excel or mobile applications for data collection.

Travel Requirement: 90% (The position is essentially field-based, visiting producers daily).

Languages: Native or fluent Spanish.

Contact Information

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