Shellfish Positions Available

Hatchery Manager (Florida, USA): The Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory (FSUCML) is seeking a manager for our shellfish research and restoration hatchery. The facility is located on the FSUCML campus located on the coast in St Teresa, approximately one hour south of the main FSU campus in Tallahassee; the Florida State Capitol.  The successful candidate for this position will be involved in the management of a research hatchery, which supports research and restoration objectives of the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative (ABSI). 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.  Qualifications: Bachelor's degree; or a high school diploma/equivalent and experience equal to four years; valid Florida or Georgia Driver's License or the ability to obtain prior to hire.  Preferred Qualifications: Fundamental understanding of recirculating and flow-through systems, algal culture, and shellfish husbandry and production; Experience working with students and interns; Bachelor’s degree in a biological science and two years of experience working in a shellfish hatchery or more than four years working in a shellfish hatchery/production facility; Ability to write and understand technical documents (including detailed protocols); maintain accurate records of production, equipment; maintenance, and hatchery consumables in paper and electronic format; Familiarity with online record keeping and Microsoft Office software. Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.  For full job description and how to apply: https://marinelab.fsu.edu/people/job-openings/hatchery-manager/ (posted 8/24/24)

Operations Specialist (Florida, USA):  The Gulf Shellfish Institute (GSI) is a non-profit, scientific research organization based in Palmetto, Florida dedicated to advancing shellfish aquaculture and restoration. GSI aims to facilitate, support and encourage increased production of shellfish in the Gulf region for both economic and environmental benefit. GSI believes that high quality seafood produced in an environmentally sustainable fashion can boost coastal economies, preserve and strengthen working waterfronts, improve coastal water quality, and support adjacent marine habitats. We seek a dynamic Operations Specialist to assist GSI staff with the day-to-day functioning of a growing non-profit organization. The successful applicant will be able to fulfill a dual-purpose role, with most of their time spent on administrative tasks (~80%) and the remainder spent directly supporting scientific research staff (~20%). This position will report to the Executive Director, or other GSI Staff as determined by the Executive Director. Both part-time and full-time applicants will be considered. Essential duties for this position include: procurement of supplies and equipment; planning of group travel and preparation of travel authorization; management of receipts using established workflows; compilation of quarterly invoices for multiple state and federal grants; management of budget spreadsheets; monthly reconciliation of bank accounts with internal records, project budgets, and payment requests; and assisting with progress report preparation.  Additional duties (as assigned by the Executive Director) may include: routine husbandry of live organisms and maintenance of aquaculture systems; laboratory sample processing; field data collection aboard vessels and in-water work using snorkel (and if applicable, SCUBA); and social media and website management.  Minimum requirements: B.S. or B.A. in related field; proficiency with spreadsheet software; independent, flexible, and highly detail-oriented work style; a desire to continuously improve processes and efficiencies; time management and organizational skills; and ability to work in-person and remotely. Preference will be given to applicants with: experience with grant management; relevant scientific skills (field data collection, sample processing); excellent interpersonal skills; and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.  Salary Range: $45,000-55,000. Pay for this position depends upon qualifications and is available for one year, with the possibility of extension depending upon grant funding. Compensation for part-time applicants will be cost-adjusted to reflect the negotiated workload. There are no fringe benefits at this time.  Please submit a cover letter, listing two professional references, and a resume to Dr. Stephen Hesterberg (Executive Director) at [email protected] (posted 8/15/24)

Outreach Specialist, Aquaculture (Maryland, USA): The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Horn Point Laboratory is seeking applications to fill the position of Shellfish Aquaculture Outreach Specialist. This position will be either a Faculty Research Assistant or Assistant Research Scientist dependent upon education and experience. This position will be located in Cambridge, Maryland. The Outreach Specialist position will be a Full time hybrid position reporting directly to Horn Point Lab director, Mike Sieracki. The Shellfish Aquaculture Outreach Specialist will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific research and industry application in the areas of shellfish aquaculture, fisheries, and restoration. Collaborating closely with Horn Point Laboratory scientists, and home to the largest the oyster hatchery on the East Coast, the person in this position will focus on translating solution-driven research into actionable strategies to enhance the diversity, productivity, growth, and resiliency of the Chesapeake Bay shellfish aquaculture and wild harvest industries. This position is partially supported by Maryland Sea Grant and the Outreach Specialist will be part of the Sea Grant network and work with the Maryland Sea Grant program. Advancing sustainable aquaculture and wild fisheries are core missions of Sea Grant. The person in this position will have access to Sea Grant resources and be expected to work with Maryland industry, state government and non-governmental organizations important to fisheries issues in the state.  Minimum qualifications: Master’s degree in marine science, aquaculture, fisheries, environmental science, or related field; Willingness to travel in the mid-Atlantic region and work occasional weekend or evening events as needed; Physical ability to handle aquaculture and harvesting gear is required; Must be eligible for a Maryland driver’s license; Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences; Understanding of shellfish biology, and aquaculture and fishing techniques; Ability to use word, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.  Preferred qualifications: Experience in science communication, outreach, and stakeholder engagement; Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, work effectively in a team environment, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion; Experience in crafting, obtaining, and/or executing grant proposals; Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and work both independently and as a part of a team. Physical ability to handle aquaculture and harvesting gear is required. Travel across the Mid-Atlantic region is also required, with travel and mileage reimbursement.  Required Documents: Cover Letter, Resume or CV, and List of References. For full job description and to apply: https://umces.peopleadmin.com/postings/1902/print_preview (posted 8/12/24).

Operations Manager (Maine, USA):  Bar Harbor Oyster Company is a 22.5 acre farm and shellfish dealership in Bar Harbor, Maine. Established in 2014, we have been farming our Bar Harbor Blonde oysters sustainably in the Mt. Desert Narrows. Bar Harbor Oyster Co is seeking an energetic, and reliable farm operations manager with an excellent work ethic to conduct and manage many of the day-to-day farming operations. This includes stock management and rotation, sorting, culling and grading oysters, landing market-sized product, and managing biofouling. The farm crew, which varies from 2 (including the manager) to 6 based on time of year and day of the week will report directly to you. We need a candidate with strong communication skills, a mind for safety, and an ability to prioritize and treat others with compassion. Individuals who are flexible and can problem solve effectively in a fast-paced environment will stand out. This is a leadership position. Qualifications & Responsibilities: Valid driver’s license. Minimum of 3 years experience working on and handling small boats (oyster farming preferred) and ability to dock, moor, trailer, launch, and shore land 21-28’ boats. Able to row or paddle out to boats in the mooring field and bring them into shore (beach landing). Physical strength to be on your feet all day on the water in a variety of conditions from March-December, as well as the ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50lb. Familiarity and experience with running and maintaining winches, haulers, generators, pumps, and graders/tumblers. Maintaining the functionality of all oyster gear and processing equipment, including record-keeping related to vessel maintenance and farm rotation as well as counteracting biofouling on gear. Safely and effectively lead a 2-6 person farm team and exercise consistent communication with the administrative team about farm activities and ways to improve operations. Ability to use Google Suite and other apps for reporting, logging and boat maintenance record keeping. Plan a daily schedule around farm accessibility/tide cycles, and lead the sinking and raising of cages to bookend the busy season. Deploy seed, maintain proper stocking densities, and keep a running inventory of oyster stock on the farm. Must live or be willing to relocate within a reasonable commuting distance to the farm before employment starts. Hours & Compensation: This is a 5 day a week, 40-hr per week position from March through December. For the right candidate year-round work may be available doing gear work and maintenance. Pay rate is $25-32/hr depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits: A monthly stipend to put towards one’s choice of benefits will be available for the right candidate upon a 90 day review. Paid lunch breaks, time and half for overtime, major holidays off, no work on weekends, and awesome deals on oysters! To Apply: https://www.barharboroysterco.com/careers. Position open until filled. (posted 7/31/24).

Biological Scientist II (Florida, USA): The Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Program at the Nature Coast Biological Station, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida is seeking candidates for the position of Biological Scientist II. This position will be located in Cedar Key, Florida. Responsibilities: This position will be responsible for aiding in the planning, organization, and management of applied research and extension projects involving a wide range of field and laboratory work related to molluscan shellfish aquaculture and coastal ecology topics. Responsibilities include: 1) Collect, maintain and analyze data, and assist in writing of technical reports. 2) Participate, in the management of research and demonstration facilities, including an experimental nursery and shellfish aquaculture lease. 3) Maintain equipment and data visual dashboards for water quality monitoring. 4) Aid in the writing of extension-type presentations, preparing and presenting posters and talks for several types of audiences, and maintaining websites and social media platforms. Qualifications: Strong candidates should have organizational and communication skills, be self-motivated, and enthusiastic. The candidate will be working with a broad group of individuals, including scientists and aquaculture industry members. Candidates should be able to meet the physical requirements of maintaining culture equipment and able to work on a boat. Driving a state vehicle will be required to travel periodically to various research and work sites throughout the state. Must also be familiar with web design software, such as Word Press, and social media platforms. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and three years of experience or Master’s degree in biology or a related field with one year of relevant experience. Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience in aquaculture and/or coastal ecology fields. Duration: This is a full-time position to be filled immediately. Salary: Salary range from $45,600-50,000 per year is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits: Benefits associated with TEAMS positions include health and life insurance, vacation and sick leave accrual, and retirement eligibility. How to Apply: Applications will be accepted immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a letter of application; current curriculum vitae; names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of a minimum of three references. Application packages should be posted to https://bit.ly/shellfish-biosci, Job posting #532354. In addition, applicants should submit the package to the email address below.  Contact Information: Leslie Sturmer, University of Florida /IFAS, Shellfish Aquaculture Program, P.O. Box 89, Cedar Key, Florida 32625. E-mail: [email protected]. (posted 7/30/24)

Shellfish Manager (Prince Edward Island, Canada): The Bideford Shellfish Hatchery, located in Lennox Island, PEI is seeking an individual with well-grounded experience to operate a commercial scale shellfish hatchery. This is a permanent, full-time position and offers a unique opportunity for a career-minded person to grow with the company as it expands its presence in the oyster aquaculture industry.  This person is expected to ensure proper SOPs are established, schedule staff activities, ensure staff are meeting expectations and ensure all the logistical, technical and human resources are in place to achieve production goals. Must be self-motivated, resourceful, creative, detail-oriented and above all, have excellent problem-solving skills.  The basic work-week is 40 h but the successful candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule as some overtime and weekend work will be required.  The Hatchery Manager would report regularly to the Executive to communicate progress of production goals and efficiency targets and communicate any needs or deficiencies. Further details of expectations are as follows:  Oversee hatchery staff to ensure all operations from spawning through to nursery production are conducted efficiently, on schedule and following standard operating procedures; Plan and coordinate hatchery and nursery activities to achieve production goals; Coordinate algae production with the Algae Manager; Supervise hatchery personnel and ensure all hatchery staff adhere to established protocols; Set and maintain high standards of hygiene, biosecurity and safety; Maintain accurate and well organized records of production, water quality, inventory and hatchery activities; Supervise maintenance staff to ensure all equipment is checked, maintained and serviced on a set schedule and that any spare parts / equipment are maintained; Collaborate with the Executive Committee to ensure the overall mission and vision of the business remain on track; Identify any capital and / or operating needs to ensure the hatchery is able to meet it’s production goals.  Education: B.Sc. or equivalent in a related field is an asset but consideration will also be given to applicants with relevant shellfish industry experience.  Experience/skills:  The successful candidate will have experience in commercial-scale shellfish hatchery operations including phytoplankton culture, broodstock management, larval rearing, and nursery production. The candidate will also have a demonstrated competence with a variety of culture systems including flow-through larvae tanks and bottle-style oyster upwellers, and confidence in the operation and maintenance of hatchery equipment. In addition, the Hatchery Manager will be able to effectively train and manage hatchery personnel and maintain a cooperative team environment. Start date is ASAP or by December 15, 2024.   How to apply:  Email resume with cover letter and two references to [email protected] with “Oyster Hatchery Manager” in the subject line. While the interest of all applicants is appreciated, only those selected for an interview will be contacted (posted 7/19/24)