Shellfish Positions Available

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Environmental Program Manager (Washington State, USA): Taylor Shellfish Farms is the largest producer of farmed shellfish in North America. The Environmental Program Manager position will be based at the company’s Shelton headquarters.  This person will be responsible for coordinating with directors and advising farm managers to ensure their operations are in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, permit conditions, sustainability certification requirements and the company’s Environmental Code of Practice (ECOP). This person will contribute to the development of company and industry strategies for environmental practices, programs, standards, and methods that will ensure shellfish farming is sustainable and in compliance with all the above.  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Work with farm directors and managers to review and provide training on compliance with laws, regulations, governmental agency policies, farm BMPs, and company ECOP and provide written reports detailing activities; Update ECOP training modules, participate in crew training, review returned modules and monitor for issues; Participate in local water quality work groups on aquaculture growing area closures; Monitor farm environments, including critical areas, eelgrass and forage fish, and document changes; Track and record monitoring requirements for Taylor Habitat Conservation Plan; Work with local jurisdictions on Shoreline Master Plan updates; Provide training and direction for crews on farm environmental monitoring; Work with Taylor staff to evaluate and map new farm parcel and farm footprint boundaries; Work with Farm Directors, Managers and Tribal Partners on Tribal harvest plans and harvest activities; Evaluate available third-party sustainability certification programs and suitability for company involvement; Participate in Company and Industry efforts to address existing and emerging environmental issues (debris, plastics, climate change); Assist Regulatory team in permitting applications and renewals; Assist farms in biotoxin testing, monitoring, and reporting; Respond to issues from partners and neighbors concerning farm practices and compliance with environmental issues; Assist in coordination of research projects and priorities; Assist in facility tours and documentation of access to facilities. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: thorough knowledge of Washington’s Revised Code and Administrative Code and County/City ordinances in areas related to natural resource management; A working knowledge of shoreline ecology, shoreline uses, and tideland ownership; Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated presentation skills, and ability to relate to people of varying backgrounds and perspective; Ability to work with a wide range of individuals (legislators, agency management and personnel, and public); Ability to resolve conflicts and present solutions; Excellent demonstrated written and oral communication skills. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, JOB & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Minimum B.A / B.S. in Biology in natural resource management, environmental science, or related field; Minimum 3 years field experience; Boater ID Card, or ability to acquire within 3 months of employment; Proficient boat handling experience; Experience in eelgrass delineation, hydrography, data collection; Familiar with Trimble and ESRI mapping products; Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and SharePoint; Willing to work on the beach and odd hours dictated by the tides, including nights and weekends (as needed); Willing to travel (as needed); Valid U.S. Driver’s License; Driving record acceptable for company insurance coverage (Recent driver’s abstract must be provided to HR as condition of job offer).  For the complete job description and to apply: https://taylorshellfish.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=246  (posted 5/13/2022)

Algologist (Oregon, USA):   The USDA-ARS Pacific Shellfish Breeding Center, based at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, Oregon, USA is seeking an algologist to lead the production of multiple microalgae species in support of the Molluscan Broodstock Program (MBP).  The incumbent will be responsible for operation of six Industrial Plankton Photobioreactors, including a communal harvest system that delivers algae to multiple rearing areas within the facility. Algae production requires initial propagation using conventional batch techniques using high levels of attention to detail and aseptic techniques. The incumbent is expected to work in close collaboration with project Principal Investigators and the USDA Pacific shellfish breeding program manager to ensure that appropriate algae species and quantities are available for research by university and federal staff. The algologist will order supplies, conduct/schedule maintenance and operate the algae production systems with minimal supervision from senior staff. A full description of the position can be found at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/118180. The position closes on May 20 2022. Oregon State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider. (posted 4/30/22)

Postdoctoral Researcher in Underwater Robotics (Maryland, USA):  The University of Maryland is seeking multiple postdoctoral researchers to work on underwater robotic systems for aquaculture applications to support the Smart, Sustainable Shellfish Aquaculture Management (S³AM) program (www.s3amoysters.com). This program seeks to improve oyster aquaculture by applying precision agriculture concepts to on-bottom oyster farming practices. The positions are immediately available. Applicants are required to have received a Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, and have demonstrated experience in robotic navigation, mapping, computer vision and sonar imaging for underwater robots, and robot platforms. Applicants should be outstanding, intellectually curious researchers at an early stage in their scholarly career. Applicants should have demonstrated a capacity for independent work. The funding is guaranteed for one year. Renewing beyond the first year is subject to funding availability and performance.  Competitive salary and benefits will be provided.  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Completed doctoral degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field from an accredited institution.  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Demonstrated experience with robotic navigation, mapping, computer vision and sonar imaging for underwater robots, and robot platforms;  Demonstrated ability to publish high quality scientific work;  Demonstrated a capacity for independent work.   APPLICATION MATERIALS:  A cover letter describing the interest from the applicant and summarizing the candidate’s qualification; Applicant’s CV including publication list; A list of three referees who can provide recommendation letters.  Send application materials to Dr. Miao Yu at [email protected] or Dr. Allen Pattillo at [email protected] (posted 4/28/22).

Supervisory Research Biologist (Oregon, USA):  The USDA ARS Pacific Shellfish Research Project in Newport, Oregon is seeking a Supervisory Research Biologist (Research Leader). The mission of the program is to develop genetically improved shellfish stocks, promote enhanced disease resiliency, modernize production technologies, and transfer technologies and improved stocks to shellfish farmers. Responsibilities of the Research Leader include leading and performing research on shellfish production in the Pacific West. Enhance and extend management practices for shellfish aquaculture that reduce juvenile mortality and optimize estuarine habitat function. Advance and implement genome-enabled improvement technologies for the Pacific oyster. Establish working relationships, communication channels, cooperative research, and research priority setting with state agricultural experiment stations, universities and industry, and national and international organizations. Lead and coordinate stakeholder relations to promote problem-solving research for the shellfish industry. Supervise program scientists and manage human, fiscal, and physical resources. Provide internal and external technical information and consultation and ensure proper interpretation and reporting of scientific research results and information. For more information on the research program, please visit https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/project/?accnNo=437681. For details and directions on how to apply and for qualification requirements, please visit https://www.usajobs.gov/job/650093300. This vacancy is open until May 20, 2022 and may be extended. U.S. citizenship is required for this permanent position. ** USDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider **  (posted 4/25/22)

Oyster Hatchery Operations Manager (Louisiana, USA): This position is responsible for the management of the hatchery facility and associated systems at the Louisiana Sea Grant Oyster Research Laboratory for the production of oyster larvae and seed in Grand Isle, LA. Job Responsibilities: The manager will manage, through coordination, with the Oyster Research Lab Director, hatchery activities, including: collecting, maintaining, and cleaning broodstock oysters, supporting activities in larvae rearing (cleaning larval rearing tanks, sorting larvae and performing larval counts, maintaining algal cultures, cleaning and inoculating tanks, operating various laboratory equipment), collecting samples and processing data, accurately determining counts of oyster seed, assisting in oyster farm & cage maintenance, maintaining various gear types, removing fouling organisms, and other basic laboratory skills (45%). Monitor and manage personnel, facility equipment, system repairs, and routine maintenance issues in the daily operations of the Oyster Research Laboratory. This includes establishing daily tasks for research associates, technicians, and graduate students to secure the proper operation of the oyster hatchery and oyster farm (40%). Help support the outreach activities of the Oyster Research Laboratory in support of LDWF activities and needs of oyster industry. Keep a current knowledge of hatchery trends and developments for the continued improvement of the Oyster Research Lab and hatchery facility within the state and among other oyster hatcheries in the Gulf of Mexico. (10%). Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology, Fisheries and / or Aquaculture Management or related field and four (4) years of experience. For more information and to apply visit: https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU/job/SG-OYS-Hatchery-Operation-Ctr/Oyster-Hatchery-Operations-Manager_R00056823. Open until filled (posted 4/15/22)

Oyster Aquaculture Technician (Rhode Island, USA):  Walrus and Carpenter Oysters (WCO) is a vertically integrated ocean farm and distribution company.  WCO is looking to hire hardworking, reliable, team oriented individuals to assist with the daily operations of our oyster farms in Ninigret Pond, Charlestown, RI and Dutch Harbor, Jamestown, RI. Duties will include but are not limited to (1) cleaning and grading seed oysters at our upweller, (2) drying of culture gear on our leases, and (3) processing oysters for market on our work boats.  In addition, there will be opportunities to assist and learn about the distribution side of the company. Compensation: $15/hour.  Requirements: Personal transportation and valid drivers license required; Must be able to lift 50lb; Previous aquaculture, agriculture or commercial fishing experience is preferred; Operation of boats and experience working on the water is preferred; Passion for aquaculture and local food production; Able to work in adverse weather conditions and maintain a positive attitude; Able to work independently and as a part of a team; Flexible and able to adapt to circumstances at hand; Pleasant and upbeat personality; and a positive representative of Walrus and Carpenter Oysters.  If you are interested in applying please send (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter and (3) a list of three references to: [email protected]