Shellfish Positions Available

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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].

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)

Shellfish Farm Manager and Hatchery Technician (Maine, USA): The Shellfish Farm Manager and Hatchery Technician will work with members of the Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI), School of Marine Sciences (SMS), and collaborators in support of aquaculture related research activities based at the Darling Marine Center (DMC) in Walpole, Maine. The integrated aquaculture research programs at the DMC support full cycle aquaculture research for bivalves and macroalgae from hatchery through grow out on a 1.7-acre experimental farm located just off the field station’s waterfront.  This position will assist in supporting all facets of production and research. During winter months, the Shellfish Farm Manager and Hatchery Technician will work closely with the Hatchery Manager to support the cultivation and maintenance of larval and juvenile shellfish as well as microalgal production. During the remainder of the year, this position will manage the experimental farm with assistance from ARI aquaculture specialists. Duties will include overseeing animal and gear maintenance, coordination research projects on the site, and assisting in data collection/experimental design at the DMC site and collaborating partner farms.   The primary goal will be to support research and development efforts related to shellfish including a breeding program for eastern oysters, but work may include other species including, sea scallops, razor clam, quahogs, bay scallops, and any other species of interest. This position is located at the Darling Marine Center in Walpole, Maine. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $45,301 to $55,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.   Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in biology, marine science, aquaculture, or a related field; At least three years of experience in culturing and maintaining shellfish or other aquatic organisms in a laboratory or controlled environment; Must be eligible to work in the United States within the timeline needed for the position start date.   Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with laboratory techniques and equipment used in algal culture, such as autoclaves, hoods, and sterile technique; Basic understanding of algal culture techniques, reproductive biology and shellfish culture are a plus; Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation; Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment; Excellent organizational and time management skills; Good analytical and problem-solving skills; Knowledge of safety protocols and compliance with laboratory regulations; Experience or familiarity with field research and small vessel operations around aquaculture farms.  How to apply: Apply here: (https://fa-ewca-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/2520). For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on May 1, 2026 (posted 4/7/2026)

Post doc position/Senior RA, multiple positions (Hong Kong): The Hong Kong Oyster Hatchery and Innovation Research Unit (HKO_HIRU) at HKU is seeking researchers to investigate stress-induced omics and their transgenerational expression, as well as the genomic selection of multiple stress-tolerant strains in Hong Kong oysters. As part of this initiative, they are recruiting 3 post docs and/or Senior RA.  These positions are available immediately. The primary goal of these positions is to 1) develop tools for genome-based breeding of the Hong Kong oyster, a major aquaculture species in China – which is accounting almost ¼ of global production. Specifically, they will focus on the application of SNP genotyping platform in genomic selection for high salinity tolerance and disease resilient strains, 2) identify a scientifically innovative and practically feasible ways to improve taste and meat quality of oysters (food and sensory chemistry) via fattening processes during harvesting winter period, and 3) Identify microbiological and environmental factors involved in oyster mass mortality at the time of harvest in winter period using metagenomics and other omics and environmental techniques. These positions, in close collaboration with PhD students and others in the lab, may involve in hatchery production and maintenance of experimental oysters, conducting challenge experiments, analysis of genotype, microbiome, environmental and phenotype data, communication with growers and the oyster community around south China, and importantly, writing manuscripts for publication. Interdisciplinary International collaboration is KEY strength of their group. Qualifications:  PhD degree in a related field. Applicants should have relevant research experience and a good publication record. Experience in genomic selection, food chemistry, or environmental microbiome is highly preferred. The monthly salary ranges from HK$25,000 to 35,000 (approximately US$3 to 4K per month), commensurate with publication record and potential to become an academic professor or scientist in the near future. Income tax in Hong Kong is negligible for this salary range. The exact salary and contract duration are negotiable. How to apply: Please send your query or CV to Rajan via Email: [email protected] or WhatsApp: 852-95757923 or WeChat: wxid_s610q4iljvdu22. If interested and eligible, apply by May 30, 2026.  (posted 3/24/26)