Shellfish Positions Available

Two Post-doc Positions (Hong Kong): Hong Kong Oyster Hatchery and Innovation Research Unit (HKO-HIRU) is looking to fill 2 post-doc positions. Qualifications: Degree in Marine Chemistry or Molecular Biology or Marine biology or Aquaculture or related field with good honors degree or outstanding academic records (e.g. GPA >3.6/4).  Post doc Position in Digital Breeding: You will be using variety of digital phenotypic data (images) and SNP markers to correlate with commercial traits to evaluate breeding values    of wild and hatchery populations using big data and machine learning tools. We have established collaborations with relevant experts to provide the post doc adequate training to kick start this innovative project.  For more information: https://www.hkuoyster.com/post-doctoral-position-in-molecular.  Post doc Position in Seafood Chemistry and Climate change: You will study how environmental conditions, especially carbonate system dynamics and salinity are affecting oyster meat quality in estuarine gradient suing different aquaculture sites in Hong Kong and south China. The post-doc may work around the topic “Health of a carbon-neutral delicacy, the oyster, and the Environment”. Good training in food chemistry analysis using appropriate tools is necessary.  For more information: https://www.hkuoyster.com/copy-of-post-doc-position-in-molecu.  The successful applicants are expected to work in an interdisciplinary environment as a team with academics, government, oyster growers and aquaculture industry.  How to apply:  Please send your query or CV to Rajan via Email:[email protected] or WhatsApp: 852-95757923 or WeChat: wxid_s610q4iljvdu22. Deadline: 30^th June 2023 or until a suitable candidate is identified. (posted 5/5/23) 

Oyster Farm Assistant Manager (Texas, USA):  Barrier Beauties (https://www.barrierbeauties.com) is looking for an Assistant Manager. Barrier Beauties is a 10 acre off bottom farm of the coast of Port Bolivar, Texas. The Assistant Manager will help the General Manager oversee day-to-day operations on the farm. This includes going to the farm daily to monitor and maintain the oysters and the cages and keeping farm gear clean and maintained, Additionally, the assistant manager will also be in charge of harvesting oysters on a weekly basis, and managing/training employees.  Boating experience is required as well as experience managing a small team of employees. No oyster aquaculture experience is required as we can train you. The Assistant Manager will report directly to the General Manager and the owner. The starting date is flexible, Closing date of ad is when we find an employee. Please email resumes to [email protected] to apply and receive an application (posted 5/3/23).

Aquaculture Technician II (Mississippi, USA):  The Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center in Ocean Springs, MS is seeking candidates for a full-time aquaculture technician. This position includes a full benefits package. Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:  Performs custodial and maintenance activities of physical facilities, structures, grounds, aquaculture tanks, mechanical and water systems, water control structures and equipment; Assists in the propagation and rearing of aquatic species. Performs various sampling activities including counting, sorting, measuring, weighing, and grading of samples; Provides detailed records and data entry for monitoring parameters and production data to support specific research or management projects; Participates in informational and educational outreach programs; Follows standard operating procedures and performs other duties as assigned.  Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture, Marine Science, Coastal Sciences, Biology, Marine Biology, Botany, or comparable discipline. A valid Driver’s License is required; OR Associate degree from an accredited community college, technical college, vocational school or university in biology, chemistry, aquaculture, fisheries, engineering, or related field and three (3) years of related work experience. A valid Driver’s License is required.  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA): Proficient use of personal computers and software for word processing, presentation development, databases, and statistical applications; Ability to take detailed directions and work independently or as a team member; Ability to be proactive, resourceful and self-motivated; Demonstrate excellent organization and time management skills; Proficient interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal form; Ability to repeatedly lift and carry weights more than 30 lbs.   Supervisory Responsibilities:  Please list the job title and number of individuals for each job title in which this position will supervise.  Position will remain open until filled.  For full job description and to apply: https://usm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=3359&site=1 (posted 4/21/2023)

Field Technician (Rhode Island, USA):   The University of Rhode Island seeks two or more highly motivated research technicians to assist on a study investigating the potential effect of waterbirds on water quality and disease risk at three floating oyster farms in southern Rhode Island and Massachusetts. This can be two full-time positions that include both waterbird surveys and sample collection (~40 hrs/week), or can be split into several part-time positions where one person is responsible for waterbird surveys and the other person is responsible for sample collection (see details below).  Reimbursement for travel is provided. Housing is not provided.  Waterbird surveys will include surveying the number and species composition of birds on six floating oyster farms in southern RI and MA from 1 July – 20 October 2023. Surveys at each site will be performed twice every five days– once at low tide and once at high tide.  Estimated hrs/week: 15-20.  Sample collection at oyster farms will include collecting water, oysters and avian fecal samples from floating oyster cages. This requires coordinating with oyster growers to schedule dates/times to ride with them in their boats to access the oyster farms. Samples will be collected every 10 days from the same six floating oyster farms, at six timepoints between 1 August and 20 September, following specific time-sensitive protocols. Samples also need to be recorded, labeled, stored on ice, and delivered to laboratory facilities that will process them. Estimated hrs/week: 20-25.  Qualifications:  Waterbird surveys:  Must possess or be working toward a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife sciences, ecology, natural resources, environmental science or closely related discipline. Must be able to identify summer coastal waterbird species, especially gulls, terns and cormorants, but also shorebirds, wading birds and waterfowl. Prior field experience involving bird surveys preferred. Must be self-motivated, responsible, and able to work very independently. Must have a car, valid driver’s license and clean driving record.  Sample collection:  Must possess or be working toward a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife sciences, ecology, natural resources, environmental science or closely related discipline. Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, responsible and well-organized, and able to work independently. Must possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Prior boating experience and interest in shellfish aquaculture preferred. Must have a car, valid driver’s license and clean driving record.  Review of applications will start on 2 April and continue until the positions are filled. Early application is encouraged.  To apply, send an email containing a resume, brief cover letter, and contact information for 3 references in a single PDF to Martina Muller ([email protected]). Please write: “Waterbird Aquaculture Field Technician 2023” in the subject line of your email (posted 3/15/23)

Hatchery Manager (Florida, USA): The Florida State University Coastal & Marine Laboratory (FSUCML) is seeking a hatchery manager. The FSUCML is located 40 miles south of Tallahassee on the unspoiled "Forgotten Coast" of the Florida Panhandle. Research at the FSUCML focuses on estuarine and marine ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico.  Scientists at the lab direct externally funded projects addressing critical issues for the health and conservation of coastal and marine habitats.  This position is open until filled.  The successful candidate for this position will be involved in the establishment and management of a research hatchery, which supports the research and restoration objectives of the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative (ABSI, https://marinelab.fsu.edu/the-apalachicola-bay-system-initiative/). The hatchery is primarily focused on producing larvae and juveniles of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), but additional shellfish species are sometimes cultured for other research projects. Salary: $36,250 – 81,563. This position requires a criminal history background check and a confidentiality statement.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Generate and/or refine protocols for microalgal culture and for conditioning, spawning, larval culture and juvenile production for oysters, and other species as needed; Establish and maintain cultures of marine micro-algae for feeding multiple species and stages of shellfish; Condition and spawn oysters, fertilize gametes and maintain batches of larvae to settlement; Set juveniles on a range of substrate types (primarily natural shell) and generate seed as needed for research and restoration; Supervise maintenance of seed and spat on shell on research leases; Advise and assist scientists and graduate students with small scale culture of research species; Supervise full-time hatchery technicians and part time graduate research assistants; Train hatchery interns from the local area to increase workforce capacity in aquaculture; Participate in outreach activities (such as hatchery tours) and communicate with general public; Ensure hatchery facilities are clean, organized, and well-maintained; Maintain and organize detailed records (in paper and digital format) of all hatchery operations, hatchery-related purchases and maintenance orders; Oversee safety in the hatchery environment and respond to system alarms, including outside regular business hours. Qualifications:  Bachelor's degree or a combination of post-high school education and experience equal to four years. Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; Meet physical requirements as determined by position, including lifting up to 50 lbs; Prioritize, organize and perform multiple work assignments simultaneously. Utilize problem-solving skills; To teach and supervise technicians and interns with a range of education and experience; Utilize blueprints and specifications; To be flexible with a strong work ethic, flexibility, and professional manners;  Have knowledge of: Fundamental understanding of recirculating and flow-through systems, algal culture, and shellfish production; Ability to identify safety hazards and necessary safety precautions to establish a safe work environment; Interpret and apply related university policies, procedures, principles, and practices; Applicable computer allocations and basic computer functions; Concepts, principles, and practices of data collection (both electronically and on paper). Preferred:  An ideal candidate for this position would have experience in intensive marine aquaculture, including at least 2 years of experience in shellfish hatchery management.  Experience supervising technical staff and evidence of successful team leadership in a production hatchery.  For more information and how to apply, visit: https://marinelab.fsu.edu/people/job-openings/hatchery-manager/ (posted 3/15/23)

Shellfish Farm Hand (Massachusetts, USA): The Great Marsh Shellfish Co. is seeking farm hands to help start the only aquaculture farm on the north shore.  Duties will include but not be limited be to: Monitor, clean, and protect oyster, clam, and shellfish seed from disease, predation, and theft; Assist with the installation and expansion of the aquaculture grow out gear and configurations, to include Helix mooring installations, floating cages, flip up bags and protective clam nets;  Assist with repairs and upkeep of the camp structure; Help discover and identify wild forage and alternative use items from the surrounding environment; and Permitting and grant development assistance for completing the goal of starting a Remote Shellfish Hatchery.  Hours are dictated by the weather and the tide; you must be flexible to schedule for the low and high tides early mornings or late evenings depending on what needs to be accomplished.  Rowley MBTA train access, boat required for last mile and a half. Farm boat is docked at Perley’s Marina, Kayak can be provided for an alternate transportation option. Desired Experience: Boatmanship – ability to drive, moor, dock, and handle a boat in swift moving tides currents and wind.  Ocean or Marine familiarity – Species knowledge of different marine organism, class room or practical knowledge acceptable, Marine biologists, Fishermen and Clam diggers may all apply.  Rope splicing and rigging experience – Ability to tie eye, butt, and end splices, working knowledge of basic fishing and packing knots.  Must be able to lift heavy objects and work outdoors on a clam flat, proper foot wear and foul weather gear are required.  Training available for the right candidates.  Please email Brenden if interested [email protected](posted 3/7/23)

Oyster Hatchery Research Technician (Connecticut, USA): A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is looking for an Oyster Hatchery Research Technician to support the Northeast Oyster Breeding Center (NOBC) hatchery at the NOAA Milford Laboratory.   Duties/Responsibilities: Personnel will learn and contribute to all procedures involved in oyster husbandry and operation of support systems, including data collection and archiving, as detailed above; Technicians may be given primary responsibility for select aspects, e.g., broodstock management, and be tasked with coordinating contributions of the other three colleagues as needed. Mentoring by staff technical experts will be provided, along with detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents; Incumbents will implement daily work plans provided by staff mentors and keep detailed records of all activities.  Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated and total compensation will vary depending on employee’s availability and fishing effort. This is a full–time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.  Minimum Qualifications: Strong work ethic and desire to learn practical oyster husbandry; Ability to work cooperatively in a team setting and independently during weekend hours; Hands-on experience working with living aquatic organisms, aquaria or other water systems, plumbing, and basic computer literacy; Ability to climb ladders and repeatedly lift 30 pounds as needed throughout the workday; Strong organizational and documentation habits. Preferred Qualifications: Graduate of aquaculture or environmental-themed high school vocational/technical program or aquaculture-themed Associate Degree program; Special interest or skills in one of the following topic areas: microalgal culture, microbiology, shellfish rearing, plumbing and seawater systems, electronic monitoring and control equipment, database structure and management; Experience working with electronic monitoring and control systems; Computer data archiving experience.  If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please click the following link http://aisobservers.com/careers/ to submit the required information: Resume, Cover letter detailing aquaculture experience, 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number).  All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please feel free to call William Byrd at [email protected] or 774-762-7019. (posted 3/4/23)