Broodstock is the backbone of any successful animal production business venture. That is why broodstock production and management are crucial to the sustainability of an aquaculture farm. The Yalelo broodstock section is part of the hatchery department and it’s tasked to produce and maintain genetically diverse and robust breeding candidates. Relatedly, it’s also tasked to produce good quality fry at a sustained rate throughout the year to fuel production and expansion of the business. The broodstock section is also responsible for the continuous genetic improvement of the YU tilapia stocks under the selective breeding program at the Butembe site and maintenance of the broodstock bank at the Mukono site.

2. Job Purpose

The primary role of the broodstock supervisor shall be but not limited to overseeing/supervising the execution of broodstock activities with major emphasis on broodstock transfers, feeding, and the selective breeding program at the lake.

3. Key duties       

Broodstock transfers

• Plan process flow and execution of broodstock transfers “within”, “from, and to” both Butembe and Mukono hatcheries.
• Plan manpower and logistical requirements for every broodstock activity and liaise with the team lead for any non-conformances as stipulated in the Broodstock transfer SOP.
• Ensure strict adherence to the broodstock transfer SOP and hold team members accountable for any non-conformances.
• Conduct routine refresher training in fish handling for the transfer technicians

Selective breeding program activities

• Timely plan and communicate to the human resource department for the required manpower to execute broodstock at the lake.
• Plan and coordinate all the required logistics with the lake services department before execution of the planned broodstock activity.
• Oversee/supervise broodstock sexing and selection activities ensuring more than 95% accuracy and less than 2% mortalities after handling.
• Conduct routine training (refreshers) for the sexing and selection team in sex identification and fish handling.

Broodstock feeding and feed management

• Supervise/ oversee in-production broodstock feeding to ensure satiation for maximized spawning activity.
• Supervise/oversee future broodstock feeding to ensure satiation for maximized growth rates and more than 75% hatchery survivability.

• Ensure proper feed dispensation and rationing for future broodstock and stock management. This should include weekly feedstock takes and proper storage.

Water Quality and Biosecurity Management

• Monitor water quality measurements as reported by the water quality team visa vie the fish behaviour and provide constructive feedback to the water quality team.
• Participate in the supervision of every broodstock pond preparation activities
• Ensure strict adherence to set biosecurity protocols/ practices by YU members when accessing broodstock ponds/workstations

Other responsibilities

• Plan and conduct monthly broodstock sampling and stock take at both Butembe and Mukono hatcheries.
• Plan and coordinate delivery of supplies to the Mukono hatchery.

4. Required technical skills training and experience           

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries and aquaculture from a recognized institution
• Basic knowledge of fish/animal breeding and genetics
• At least 2 years of experience in fish husbandry, transfers, and handling
• Proficiency in tilapia sex identification/sexing
• Ability to swim
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead a team of both skilled and unskilled workforce
• Demonstrated ability to communicate both written and orally
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

5. Point to note                

The purpose of this job description is to indicate the general level of duties and responsibilities of the position. The detailed duties may vary occasionally without changing the general character or level of responsibility. You may also be required to assist other sections in the hatchery when it arises.