Shellfish Positions Available

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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)