Yumbah Clean Seas, now proudly part of Yumbah Aquaculture, is a global leader in the full cycle breeding, production and sale of Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK, Seriola lalandi), renowned worldwide for its premium quality fish. We are known for our innovative Yellowtail Kingfish farming, with operations spanning multiple farm sites on the Spencer Gulf, a Hatchery in Arno Bay and a Processing Facility and support functions in Adelaide.
About the Role
Based at our Hatchery at Arno Bay on the beautiful Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, the role of Hatchery Team Leader is responsible for leading and coordinating day-to-day hatchery operations across Brood Stock, Nursery, Larval Rearing, Live Feed, and RAS systems.
This role ensures a strong Safety-First culture, drives operational efficiency, and maintains optimal biological and environmental conditions to meet production targets.
Core functional accountability includes:
* Leading safe work practices and fostering a proactive safety culture
* Coordinating hatchery operations including brood stock, larval rearing, live feed production, nursery, and RAS systems
* Managing fish health, environmental conditions, and system performance
* Ensuring production targets, timelines, and quality standards are met.
A competitive remuneration package including an 8/6 roster and free, shared onsite accommodation will be in place for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operational Coordination & Leadership
* Plan and coordinate employees, equipment, and resources across all hatchery functions
* Structure workflows and allocate tasks to optimise team efficiency and productivity
* Provide leadership, coaching, and development to team members
* Maintain high levels of communication with internal stakeholders
2. Brood Stock & Breeding Management
* Manage brood stock populations both on-site and in sea cages
* Plan and implement spawning regimes aligned with production targets
* Maintain genetic diversity and minimise inbreeding through structured breeding programs
* Coordinate selection of brood stock candidates from production populations
* Oversee egg production, collection, and incubation to meet delivery timelines
3. Larval Rearing & Nursery Management
* Oversee larval rearing processes ensuring optimal survival and growth rates
* Manage nursery operations including grading, sorting, and weaning
* Monitor fish health, identify risks, and implement treatments as required
* Coordinate fish transfers between systems and production phases
4. Live Feed Production
* Manage year-round production and enrichment of live feeds including rotifers and artemia
* Ensure consistent supply aligned with larval production schedules
* Maintain quality and nutritional standards of live feed cultures
5. RAS & Water Quality Management
* Oversee Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) including setup, operation, and maintenance
* Monitor and maintain water quality parameters to ensure optimal fish health
* Utilise and interpret systems such as Oxyguard for environmental monitoring
* Prepare systems for stocking, transfers, and production cycles
6. Fish Health & Growth Management
* Monitor fish growth rates and adjust management strategies accordingly
* Identify diseases, environmental threats, and implement corrective actions
* Manage feeding regimes, environmental conditions, and stocking densities
* Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
* Maintain accurate records, data entry, and reporting of hatchery activities
* Analyse performance data to inform operational decisions
* Contribute to development and implementation of SOPs, JSAs, and new technologies
8. Work Health & Safety (WHS)
* Lead and enforce safe work practices across all hatchery operations
* Ensure PPE and safety equipment are used at all times
* Participate in and enforce emergency response procedures
* Promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing of staff
* Ensure compliance with WHS policies and procedures
Qualifications/Experience
* Relevant Degree or Diploma in Aquaculture or related field
* Minimum four (4) years' experience in aquaculture or hatchery operations
* Ability to maintain high standards of biosecurity, cleanliness, and operational discipline
* Demonstrated leadership and team management capability
* Strong problem-solving and decision‐making skills
* High level organisational and time management skills
* Effective written and verbal communication skills
* Strong coaching and people development capability
* Basic computer literacy and data management skills
* Ability to influence team culture and drive performance
Why Yumbah?
* Opportunity to contribute to a sustainable, future‐focused industry.
* A values‐led business with a strong, supportive team culture.
* Training and development to support your career growth.
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