Shellfish Positions Available

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Shellfish Production Technician (Maine, USA): Downeast Institute is seeking a motivated and dependable Shellfish Production Technician to join our hatchery and research team. This hands-on position offers experience across nearly every aspect of shellfish aquaculture - from broodstock conditioning and spawning through larval rearing, nursery production, field grow-out, and delivery of seed to commercial farms.  Working alongside our hatchery and research teams, the technician will contribute to commercial shellfish production and applied research addressing real-world challenges facing Maine's aquaculture industry. This position is well suited for someone interested in building a career in aquaculture or marine science while developing a broad range of technical skills. This is a full-time, year-round position. Most work occurs during regular daytime hours; however, biological systems and hatchery production sometimes require attention outside of a traditional work schedule. Occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, or adjusted schedules may be necessary.  The position involves physically active work in hatchery, laboratory, and outdoor environments throughout the year. Candidates must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, work for extended periods while standing, travel to field locations, and safely work in intertidal environments, including mudflats and other wet or uneven terrain.The position also provides opportunities for professional development and increasing responsibility while gaining hands-on experience in shellfish aquaculture and applied marine research.  Primary Responsibilities:  Assist with commercial and research-scale production of shellfish seed, including broodstock conditioning, spawning, larval culture, settlement, and juvenile rearing;  Produce and maintain microalgae cultures used to support hatchery production;  Clean, sanitize, operate, and maintain hatchery equipment and production systems;  Receive, track, prepare, and fulfill shellfish seed orders for commercial aquaculture customers;  Collect and maintain accurate production and research data;  Assist scientists and research staff with laboratory and field-based research;  Participate in nursery, grow-out, demonstration farm, and other field operations;  Assist with the supervision and mentoring of undergraduate students, interns, and seasonal personnel;  Conduct facility tours and interact with students, visitors, aquaculture producers, and members of the public;  Participate in project planning and other activities supporting Downeast Institute's hatchery, research, and organizational goals.  Qualifications:  A bachelor's degree in marine biology, aquaculture, marine ecology, zoology, fisheries, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant hands-on experience, is preferred. Candidates with experience in aquaculture, commercial fisheries, hatcheries, laboratories, marine fieldwork, or related areas are encouraged to apply.  Reliability, initiative, curiosity, and strong attention to detail;  An interest in shellfish aquaculture, marine science, and applied research;  Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team;  Strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills;  Basic computer proficiency and the ability to accurately collect and manage data;  Willingness to learn new skills and perform a variety of hatchery, laboratory, and field tasks;  Ability to adapt to changing priorities associated with biological systems, research, and commercial production;  A valid driver's license.  Previous shellfish hatchery experience is valuable but not required for candidates who demonstrate a strong willingness to learn. The position has a starting wage of $20.00 per hour. Downeast Institute provides a benefits package that includes employer-paid health insurance, an Employer Retirement Account (ERA) match, and paid time off.Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled. (posted 9/3/2026)

Assistant Hatchery Manager (Maine, USA): Downeast Institute is seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Hatchery Manager to help lead the operation and continued growth of our shellfish hatchery.  Working closely with the Production & Research Hatchery Manager, the Assistant Hatchery Manager will help plan and coordinate commercial and research-scale shellfish production, supervise and train staff, monitor biological performance, troubleshoot production systems, and ensure production goals are met.  This is a hands-on leadership position that combines shellfish production, staff supervision, applied research, and hatchery operations. The Assistant Hatchery Manager will also help identify and implement improvements that increase hatchery efficiency, reliability, production consistency, and capacity. Primary Responsibilities: Help develop and implement seasonal shellfish production plans based on commercial seed demand, research needs, and hatchery capacity; Coordinate daily hatchery operations and establish priorities for production technicians, interns, students, and seasonal personnel; Provide hands-on leadership across broodstock conditioning, spawning, larval culture, settlement, juvenile production, microalgae culture, nursery operations, and field grow-out; Monitor shellfish health, survival, growth, water quality, culture conditions, and production performance and adjust strategies as needed; Identify and implement opportunities to improve production efficiency, consistency, survival, and capacity; Train and mentor staff and students while promoting a collaborative, safe, and accountable work environment; Coordinate commercial seed orders with production schedules and help ensure customers receive high-quality seed accurately and on schedule; Maintain accurate production, inventory, customer, and operational records; Work with research staff to integrate applied research into hatchery operations and translate successful findings into improved production practices; Troubleshoot biological, mechanical, seawater, and environmental-control systems and help maintain high standards for sanitation, biosecurity, safety, and equipment maintenance;  Monitor hatchery supplies and communicate purchasing, maintenance, and equipment needs;  Participate in nursery, field research, demonstration farm, outreach, and other program activities; Help coordinate staff schedules and hatchery coverage, including occasional work outside regular business hours;  Serve as the operational lead for the hatchery when the Production & Research Hatchery Manager is unavailable. This is a full-time, year-round position. Most work occurs during regular daytime hours; however, hatchery production sometimes requires attention outside a traditional work schedule. The Assistant Hatchery Manager will share responsibility for appropriate hatchery coverage, including occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, and adjusted schedules.  The position involves physically active work in hatchery, laboratory, and outdoor environments throughout the year. Candidates must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, work for extended periods while standing, travel to field locations, and safely work in intertidal environments, including mudflats and other wet or uneven terrain.  The position also offers opportunities for professional development and increasing leadership responsibility while gaining broad experience in commercial shellfish production, hatchery management, and applied marine research.  Qualifications:  A bachelor's degree in aquaculture, marine biology, fisheries, marine science, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and significant hands-on aquaculture experience is preferred.  Demonstrated experience in a shellfish hatchery, aquaculture production facility, or closely related marine production environment is strongly preferred. Experience supervising, training, or providing day-to-day leadership to staff, interns, or students is also desirable.  Strong working knowledge of aquaculture or hatchery production practices;  Reliability, initiative, sound judgment, and attention to detail; Ability to organize production activities, establish priorities, and manage multiple responsibilities;  Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot biological and operational systems;  Leadership skills and the ability to train, mentor, and provide clear direction to others;  Strong teamwork, communication, organization, and record-keeping skills;  An interest in improving production methods and developing practical solutions to hatchery challenges;  Ability to work independently and make routine operational decisions when appropriate;  Basic computer proficiency and a valid driver's license. The position has a starting wage of $25.00 per hour. Downeast Institute provides employer-paid health insurance, an Employer Retirement Account (ERA) match, and paid time off.  Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled. (posted 9/3/2026)

Molluscan Curator (Florida, USA): The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium seeks qualified applicants for the position of Curator to oversee management of its scientific collection of shells and molluscs, contribute to the development of educational exhibits and programs, engage with the Museum’s constituencies and the malacological community, and demonstrate a commitment to building knowledge through research. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of molluscs, collection management experience, enthusiasm for communicating natural history and science to the public, a record of research and publication, and a collaborative and collegial working style.  Reporting to the Executive Director, this is a full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package and a salary range of $80,000 - $110,000, depending on depth and relevance of experience.  Primary Responsibility Areas: Collection - Oversee management and growth of the scientific collection of shells and specimens and maintain best-practice museum standards;  Oversee management of the collection’s cloud-based software (Specify); Nurture relationships with collectors and institutions to create opportunities for collections-based projects and growth of the Museum’s collection; Oversee management of the malacological library; Manage collections support staff and volunteers;  Seek grant funding in support of collection care and access;  Consult with aquarium staff on the selection and interpretation of marine life in the aquariums.  Programs & Engagement - In collaboration with the Executive Director and other staff, develop ideas for new exhibits and ensure their scientific accuracy;  In collaboration with the Education Department, develop ideas for programs (such as lectures, classes, and community science);  Be a public advocate for molluscs, their conservation, the Museum, and the field through presentations, press appearances, and digital media;  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;  Participate in events and meetings with Museum constituents including the Board of Trustees, donors, Museum Members, institutional partners, shell clubs, and others.  Research - Strong knowledge of molluscs, ideally with expertise in molluscs of the western Atlantic;  A completed Ph.D. in Zoology, Marine Biology, Geology, Paleontology, Conservation Ecology, or a related field is strongly preferred; however, Ph.D. candidates and applicants with a Master’s in a related field, who also have strong knowledge of the material and collections experience, will be considered;  Experience in best-practice stewardship, cataloguing, and imaging of a natural history collection, preferably a mollusc collection, including experience with collections management software;  Strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm to engage with a diversity of individuals including Museum staff, malacologists, shell enthusiasts, Museum constituents, and the public;  A record of research and publication;  Experience writing research grants is preferred but not required;  Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers is preferred but not required;  A sense of humor is a plus. To Apply:  Please submit a letter of interest, resume/CV, and three references by email to Executive Director Sam Ankerson: [email protected]. (posted 8/21/26)

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hard Clam Research and Breeding Program Leader (Florida, USA): . This position will work with the hard clam aquaculture industry to address challenges associated with shellfish culture.  Responsibilities will include management of a breeding program for hard clams, and independent research evaluating the environmental stressors influencing shellfish aquaculture in the Cedar Key, FL region.  The position will work closely with shellfish farmers, the IFAS Shellfish Extension program, private hatcheries, and a private company to develop a breeding program.  The successful candidate will also develop their own research priorities working with industry, including applying for extramural funding. This position will manage a clam breeding program and conduct active research addressing stressors influencing hard clam growth and survival.  The person is expected to work closely with clam farmers to evaluate factors contributing to growth and survival.  Expected research topics addressed should include: 1) manage a selective breeding program working in concert with clam farmers and a private company conducting the genetic analyses  2) explore culture methodologies that can mitigate shellfish mortality, working in collaboration with shellfish farmers. Apply at: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/540992/postdoctoral-research-associate-hard-clam-research-and-breeding-program-leader. Applications close 18 September 18, 2026. (posted 8/21/26)

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)