Shellfish Positions Available

Submit your job opportunity in paragraph form to us by clicking here. Include job details in the body of the email or as an attachment.  (.doc or .pdf). The 'posted' date is when the job was posted to THIS job board, not when the position opened.

Announcements will be removed after 3 months unless otherwise indicated in the post.

Director of Research (Maine, USA):  The Downeast Institute (DEI) seeks an accomplished and visionary Director of Research to lead and grow its applied marine science program at the intersection of fisheries, aquaculture, coastal ecosystems, and working waterfront communities. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to secure competitive research funding and translate scientific innovation into sustainable program growth. This is a unique leadership opportunity for a scientist who is passionate about conducting research with real-world impact. Building on DEI's long-standing reputation for practical, field-based science, the Director of Research will shape and expand a research portfolio focused on commercially important marine species, coastal resilience, and innovation that directly supports fishermen, aquaculturists, resource managers, and coastal communities in Maine and beyond.  The successful candidate will develop and sustain an independent, externally funded research program aligned with DEI's mission to strengthen wild and cultured fisheries through science, innovation, and education. In addition to leading their own research program, the Director of Research will help expand DEI's overall research enterprise by developing strategic partnerships, attracting collaborative projects and visiting scientists, increasing utilization of DEI's research facilities, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, supervising research staff, and helping position the Institute as a national leader in applied marine science and fisheries innovation. This is not a laboratory-bound position. The ideal candidate is as comfortable on a mudflat, aboard a research vessel, or on a working waterfront as they are writing grants, publishing scientific findings, and building collaborative research programs.  Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in marine biology, fisheries science, aquaculture, ecology, oceanography, or a related discipline and have demonstrated success securing competitive external research funding. Candidates should possess a strong record of scientific leadership, publications, collaborative research, and field-based marine science. Experience engaging directly with fishermen, aquaculture operators, industry stakeholders, and coastal communities is essential, while familiarity with shellfish biology, aquaculture, stock enhancement, or fisheries science is highly desirable. DEI offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, professional development support, and a flexible work environment. Exceptional candidates with a demonstrated history of securing major external research funding may be eligible for additional incentive-based compensation tied to grant performance and program growth.  For more job details, visit: https://downeastinstitute.org/about-us/jobs-internships/. To apply, please submit a cover letter and résumé to [email protected] by July 27, 2026. Questions about the position may be directed to [email protected]. Additional information about the Downeast Institute can be found at:  www.downeastinstitute.org.  (posted 6/29/26)

Oyster Farm Manager (Rhode Island, USA): Matunuck Oyster Farm is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Oyster Farm Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of oyster cultivation and farm operations. The Oyster Farm Manager is a hands-on leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of oyster farming operations, nursery management, grow-out operations, harvesting, equipment maintenance, crew supervision, environmental stewardship, and public engagement.  This role requires active participation on the water and in the field throughout the year. The Oyster Farm Manager will coordinate daily farm activities, manage a small team, maintain production schedules, conduct farm tours, and ensure the farm consistently produces high-quality oysters for Matunuck Oyster Bar and other sales channels.  The successful candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a passion for aquaculture, strong communication abilities, and the capacity to work safely and efficiently in a dynamic marine environment.  Farm Operations: Oversee all daily oyster farming activities including nursery, grow-out, grading, sorting, tumbling, harvesting, and inventory management; Monitor oyster growth, survival rates, and overall crop health; Develop and implement production plans to meet harvest and inventory goals; Forecast seed requirements and coordinate seed purchases with suppliers; Maintain accurate crop records from seed to harvest.  Harvesting & Production:  Coordinate harvest schedules to meet restaurant and wholesale demand; Ensure oysters are harvested, handled, and transported according to food safety regulations and company standards; Maintain product quality and consistency throughout the production process; Track production metrics and identify opportunities for increased efficiency; Crew Leadership: Lead, train, schedule, and supervise farm crew members; Foster a positive, productive, and safety-focused work environment; Conduct employee training and performance evaluations; Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures; Manage employee onboarding, training documentation, and required certifications.  Equipment & Facilities:  Oversee maintenance and repair of boats, floats, cages, grading equipment, tractor, trailers, and farm infrastructure; Coordinate preventative maintenance schedules; Maintain inventory of supplies, tools, and equipment; Work with management to plan equipment upgrades and capital improvements.  Environmental Stewardship & Compliance:  Ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local aquaculture regulations; Maintain permits, reporting requirements, and environmental records; Promote sustainable aquaculture practices that support the health of Rhode Island's coastal ecosystems; Work cooperatively with regulatory agencies, researchers, and community stakeholders when necessary.  Farm Tours & Public Engagement:  Conduct private and group oyster farm tours for guests, corporate groups, media, educational organizations, and special events; Ensure all tour participants have a safe, engaging, and memorable experience on the water and around farm operations; Coordinate tour logistics, scheduling, vessel readiness, and safety requirements with management and event teams; Represent the farm professionally during media appearances, community events, and promotional opportunities as needed.  Planning & Budgeting:  Assist in developing annual production plans and operating budgets; Monitor labor, equipment, and operating costs; Recommend improvements to increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability; Work with ownership and management to develop long-term farm growth strategies.  Communication:  Maintain strong communication with ownership, restaurant leadership, vendors, regulators, and farm staff; Participate in management meetings and operational planning discussions.   Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities.  Preferred Qualifications:  Degree in Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred; Minimum 3 years of shellfish farming, aquaculture, commercial fishing, marine operations, or agricultural management experience; Previous supervisory or team leadership experience; Knowledge of oyster cultivation techniques and shellfish biology.  Skills & Competencies:  Strong leadership and team management skills; Excellent organizational and planning abilities; Strong communication and public speaking skills; Comfortable engaging with guests, media representatives, educational groups, and community organizations; Ability to communicate aquaculture concepts in an engaging and approachable manner; Strong interpersonal and customer service skills; Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions; Ability to learn and utilize farm management and inventory tracking systems; Experience operating boats, tractor, trailers, and marine equipment preferred; Mechanical aptitude and equipment maintenance experience preferred.  Benefits: 401(k), 401(k) matching, Dental insurance, Employee discount, Paid time off, Vision insurance.  Applicants can apply by sending their resume to [email protected]. (posted 6/9/26)

Science Director & Curator (Florida, USA): The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium (BMNSM&A) seeks qualified applicants for the position of Science Director and Curator to oversee the care and management of the Museum’s scientific collection of shells and other specimens, lead the institution’s work in research and publication, and help shape the Museum’s public engagement and impact through exhibits and educational programs. The ideal candidate will have skill and enthusiasm for communicating science and natural history to the public, a strong knowledge and passion for molluscs (with a preference for expertise in shelled molluscs such as gastropods or bivalves), commitment to guiding the future of the institution’s science and research priorities, a record of publication and grant writing, and a collaborative and collegial working style.  This is a full-time position with benefits and reports to the Executive Director. Primary Responsibility Areas: Collections - Oversee the care, management, and growth of the scientific collection and maintain best-practice museum standards; Oversee management of the collection’s cloud-based software (Specify);  Collaborate with aquarium staff on the selection, care, and interpretation of the living collection; Build and maintain relationships with collectors and institutions to create new opportunities for collections-based projects and growth of the Museum’s collection; Engage in fundraising for the collection including grant writing and dialogue with donors; Oversee management of the malacological library; Manage collections support staff and volunteers.  Science - Establish a vision for a research program that expands upon a foundation of local molluscs, their evolutionary relationships, and conservation;  Play an active role in professional networks and associations to help advance the study and appreciation of molluscs, create opportunities for partnerships, and maintain the Museum as a key presence and contributor to the field; Collaborate with Museum staff and regional partners to identify and pursue research priorities; Seek grant funding in support of science and research projects; Publish in peer-reviewed journals. Exhibits, Education, and Engagement - Working with the Executive Director and other staff, help develop ideas for new permanent and temporary exhibitions and ensure their scientific accuracy and content; Be a public advocate for molluscs, their conservation, the Museum, and the field through presentations, in-person interaction with the public, press appearances, and digital media;  Working with the Education Department, help identify topics for programs (such as lectures, classes, and community science) and in select cases deliver them;  Be available to participate in events and meetings with Museum constituents including the Board of Trustees, donors, Museum Members, institutional partners, shell clubs and enthusiasts, and others. Qualifications and Requirements: Ph.D. in Zoology, Marine Biology, Geology, Paleontology, Conservation Ecology, or a related field. Postdoctoral experience preferred; Specialization and expertise in the study of molluscs, with a preference for strength in knowledge mollusks of the western Atlantic; Experience in best-practice stewardship, cataloguing, and imaging of a natural history collection, preferably a mollusc collection; Experience operating collection management software and databases; A record of publication in peer-reviewed journals; Experience in writing research grants; Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers; An enthusiasm and aptitude for working with living animals and the aquarists on research and interpretation of the living collection, with a preference for some experience working with living molluscs; Familiarity with accreditation standards and processes for the American Alliance of Museums and/or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is preferred but not required; Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well and work positively with a broad diversity of individuals including Museum staff, science professionals, mollusc enthusiasts, Museum constituents, and the public; A sense of humor is a plus. To Apply: Please submit a letter of interest and resume/CV by email to Executive Director Sam Ankerson: [email protected]. (posted 5/7/26)