Shellfish Positions Available

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Research Technician (Virginia, USA): The Aquaculture Genetics & Breeding Technology at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester Point, VA, is seeking candidates for a full-time technician with primary responsibilities in the hatchery and land-based nursery. Research Technicians perform a variety of routine, technical, and administrative responsibilities in support of research at the institute. They perform duties such as the following: collecting specimens, preparing materials, and operate specialized lab equipment. Assist in oyster hatchery work including hatchery and nursery work and participate in some field activities. Under supervision, Research Technicians provide administrative research support such as data integrity and collection of data resources. They may work independently or as a member of a team. They work under general supervision, resolving most standard issues independently and referring complex issues to an upper-level manager. Technicians typically report to a program manager or director or may report to a senior level researcher.  The Research Technician role is most often the entry point to the Research job family or may be a utilized for graduate interns or summer workers.  Required qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent; Some knowledge of basic lab safety; Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines under direct supervision; Ability to follow written and oral directions; Ability to maintain records, record data legibly, and conduct data entry with a high degree of accuracy; Ability to successfully complete tasks in outdoor environments under hot, humid, wet, or cold conditions;    Ability to travel, sometimes overnight, as needed; Ability to have flexible working hours, including occasional early starts or 10+ hour days as needed; Availability for occasional weekend work with prior notice. Preferred qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree in marine science, biology, aquaculture, or related field; Experience in aquaculture of shellfish; Experience working in inclement weather conditions with the proven ability to be comfortable in the field and on the water and on the water for extended periods of time; Demonstrated knowledge of sanitation techniques and laboratory & field work safety; Demonstrated knowledge of research and testing procedures and techniques; Ability to prepare samples and perform standard or routine lab testing; Demonstrated skills in operating and maintaining tools and equipment;    Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines or under minimal supervision; Attention to detail in collection and entry of data; Ability to maintain records and record test results to a high degree of accuracy; Proficiency in a variety of software applications to include MS office with the ability to record data; Ability to successfully complete tasks in outdoor environment, as applicable.  For complete job description and to apply: https://jobs.wm.edu/postings/64619.  Application review will begin on 4/9/25. (posted 3/31/2025)

Executive Director (Maine, USA): The Executive Director of Downeast Institute is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to achieve the organization’s mission.  The Executive Director ensures development and execution of business plans for the attainment of goals and objectives set by the board of directors and builds an effective team of leaders by providing guidance and coaching to managers.  The Executive Director oversees all operations, functions and activities at Downeast Institute and is the face of the organization, responsible for giving the proper strategic direction and implementing a high-quality vision.  The Executive Director is an influential manager with ability to lead and motivate, communicate well and take a holistic approach in managing the organization’s operations.  Responsibilities: Develop and implement strategies to promote the organization’s mission; Create complete business plans for the attainment of goals and objectives set by the board of directors; Build an effective team of leaders by providing guidance and coaching to subordinate managers; Ensure adherence of the organization’s daily activities and long-term plans to established policies and legal guidelines; Direct and oversee investments and fundraising efforts; Forge and maintain relations of trust with funders, partners and external authorities; Act as the public speaker and public relations representative of the Downeast Institute in ways that strengthen its profile; Work with other staff to understand the organization’s financial and non-financial position; Devise remedial actions for any identified issues and conduct crisis management when necessary; and Maintain status as the Marine Science Field Station of the University of Maine at Machias.  Requirements and skills:Commitment to the Downeast Institute mission ‘Proven experience as executive director or in other managerial position; Experience in developing strategies and plans; Ability to apply successful fundraising and networking techniques; Strong understanding of finance and measures of performance; In depth knowledge of corporate governance principles and managerial best practices; An analytical mind capable of creative problem-solving; Outstanding organization and leadership abilities; Excellent communication (oral and written) and public speaking skills. Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and three professional references to [email protected] by April 21st, 2025 (posted 3/12/25)

Shellfish Field and Data Technician (Newport, Oregon, USA). Students, early career professionals, and anyone interested in a career in fish, wildlife, and natural resources are encouraged to apply. As a Biological Science Assistant – SEACOR Field & Data Technician in Newport, Oregon, you will assist in conducting intertidal and subtidal surveys of shellfish populations and habitats in coastal estuaries as part of the SEACOR (Shellfish and Estuarine Assessment of Coastal Oregon) team. Work includes recording shellfish population and habitat data into field data sheets, ArcGIS Apps on tablets in the field, and Access databases. This position will analyze data on shellfish resources and estuarine habitats, and present the results of the project. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Marine Resources Program is responsible for managing Oregon’s marine natural resources including commercial and recreational fisheries. The Marine Program office is located in Newport, at the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center campus (http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/).The ODFW Shellfish Program (http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/) is responsible for monitoring and managing marine and estuarine shellfish, invertebrates, and their habitats. The SEACOR Project conducts estuary resource inventory surveys to generate baseline data on bay clam populations and habitats in Oregon estuaries to assist the state in managing these resources. Minimum qualifications are not established for this position; however, we are seeking applicants with the following experience or skills. Preference for interviews may be given to candidates with some combination of these skills and background: Fieldwork experience in marine intertidal systems, Experience with small boat handling, operation, safety, and maintenance; Knowledge of shellfish species, fisheries, and estuarine habitats; Knowledge of experimental design and gear preparation; Familiarity or experience with collecting data using tablets and/or ArcGIS Apps (Field Maps, Survey 1-2-3); Experience or familiarity with analytical software packages, such as relational databases (e.g., Microsoft Access), spatial mapping (e.g., ArcGIS), and data management and analysis in coding language (e.g., R statistical computing); and Anyone who has or are in pursuit of a Fisheries or Wildlife Science degree or related degree in biological/ecological sciences. TO APPLY: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Newport--ODFW--Southbeach-Annex/Biological-Science-Assistant--SEACOR-Field---Data-Technician-_REQ-176089. Deadline to apply is March 17, 2025, at 11:59pm PDT. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled but applicants that meet the March 17th deadline will have priority. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Tony D’Andrea, the ODFW SEACOR Project Leader, at [email protected] To learn more about SEACOR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytwmnQGTTwA. (posted 3/5/2025)

Wildlife Biologist II (South Carolina, USA): The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Research Institute is seeking candidates for a Wildlife Biologist II in the Shellfish Research Section.The employee will be responsible for working on a diversity of research projects related to shellfish ecology, oyster restoration, living shorelines, shellfish aquaculture, and oyster reef mapping.  The employee will be expected to lead field-based research sampling and monitoring efforts as well as assist with laboratory-based shellfish sample processing. The employee will be expected to lead projects focused on assessments of the current distribution and condition of natural intertidal oyster reefs, using a variety of approaches, including both on-the-ground collection methods as well as remote sensing approaches and geospatial techniques. The employee will be expected to work well as part of a team, be well organized across multiple concurrent research projects, and able to enter and manage complex datasets derived from research and monitoring projects.Minimum and Additional Requirements: A Master's degree in biology, chemistry or related technical area field; or a Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area and two (2) years of experience relevant to the job.  Preferred Qualifications: Experience utilizing scientific methods and working in tidal creeks, estuaries, and open water nearshore environments. An ability to identify common estuarine and marine finfish and crustacean species. Familiarity with the collection, manipulation, and interpretation of spatial data using GIS tools and computer applications. A high level of proficiency across a range of standard Microsoft applications, as well as an intermediate level of proficiency in Esri GIS software, including ArcPro, ArcGIS online, and field maps are strongly preferred. Experience operating or using data from small unoccupied aerial vehicles (sUAS) strongly preferred. The ability to safely and effectively operate outboard vessels (<24ft) in nearshore waters is also strongly preferred. Ability to swim, lift heavy objects, and be comfortable working outside on a year-round basis.Questions? Please contact Dr. Peter Kingsley-Smith at [email protected].  To apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sc/jobs/4786714/wildlife-biologist-ii (posted 1/13/2025)

Graduate Assistant Position (Mississippi, USA): The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is seeking candidates for a graduate assistant.   Responsibilities: Two project focuses are available. The first is on the effect of climate change and wind turbine construction on the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog resource using a coupled fishery-population dynamics model (SEFES) that includes a future climate projection capability. Development of wind energy on the continental shelf may influence fisheries by limiting access, increasing vessel steaming costs, and limiting stock surveys. Warming of the northwest Atlantic is rapidly shifting the range of the surfclam resource and impinging the species upon territory occupied by ocean quahogs, one of the oldest marine species. The project will address management issues arising from the influence of global warming and competitive uses of the continental shelf with respect to maintaining a sustainable clam resource and fishery. The successful candidate will develop a masters or dissertation project in connection with research supported by the NSF I/UCRC science center SCEMFIS and provide the opportunity for the candidate to work directly with the fishing industry and the management community. The research is supported by SCEMFIS (NSF Science Center for Marine Fisheries) and private enterprise. The second project focus is on the resilience and restoration of oysters and oyster reefs in Mississippi Sound. Specific objectives include monitoring of oyster larval food supply in the plankton, modeling larval performance in the field, and comparison of restored and natural reefs. Project support comes from the Army Corps of Engineers and MBRACE (Mississippi Based Restore Act Center of Excellence).  Qualification: BS or MS in marine science, fisheries, or related field; competency in mathematics or statistics, and numerical modeling; GRE in the upper 50th percentiles; GPA above 3.0.  Estimated start date is June 1, 2025.  For questions or to apply contact:  Dr. Eric Powell ([email protected]).