Aquaculture Research Technician

The Aquaculture Research 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 primarily 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 and this position will assist in supporting all facets of production and research. Work will be primarily performed at the Darling Marine Center in Walpole, Maine. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $45,000 to $50,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.

Employees in the University of Maine System are required to comply with UMS COVID protocols which currently include, but are not limited to, being vaccinated, obtaining a qualified vaccination exemption, and/or participating in regular COVID testing. Further information can be found on our Together for Maine website.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with microalgae production in support of ongoing bivalve hatchery projects.
• Work with research partners from ARI, SMS, Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center (MAIC), and Maine Sea Grant to assist with maintenance and husbandry tasks for ongoing bivalve hatchery projects (oysters, scallops, razor clams).
• Assist with macroalgal nursery production and field research.
• Working with multiple researchers and partners, this position will manage and assist in maintaining and developing the Aquaculture Research and Demonstration (ARD) Farm at the Darling Marine Center. The ARD Farm is a full research farm supporting ongoing projects with multiple species (oysters, scallops, macroalgae, and other candidate species).
• Ensure the ARD farm maintains compliance with university and state rules and regulations as permitted.
• Engage, support, and coordinate with multiple researchers and concurrent research projects on the farm.
• Coordinate with the Aquaculture Innovation Specialist, graduate students and research partners to maintain critical farm infrastructure.
• May also conduct other related research activities in the interest of aquaculture research as desired and as skills set allows for such as field support and boat operations, oceanographic equipment maintenance and deployment, or scientific diving.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

Required:

• B.S. or B.A. in marine aquaculture or related field.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a group, but also as a self-starter, working sometimes with significant independence.
• Computer proficiency.
• Strong skills in written and oral communication, comfort in working both in groups and in a one-on-one setting.
• Comfort and skill working in outdoor environments, including aboard small to moderate marine vessels.
• Ability to learn, follow and where needed develop protocols and maintain detailed records.
• Experience in a laboratory setting requiring sterile technique and adherence to biosecurity protocols.

Preferred:

• Masters level advanced degree or five years of applied research, or direct experience in the aquaculture field.
• Direct experience with hatchery culture of marine bivalves and microalgae
• Significant experience in related research and project coordination.
• Experience as an industry collaborator or direct experience with aquaculture or fishing industries.

Working Environment/Dynamics:

Work will be primarily performed at the Darling Marine Center in Walpole, Maine. Work will be conducted primarily in the Marine Culture Laboratory (MCL) under limited general supervision. Work will involve general laboratory practices and involves working with flowing seawater systems, sterile techniques and quarantine protocols. The Marine Culture Laboratory (MCL) is home to most aquaculture research facilities and has ready access to the DMC’s waterfront and lease sites. These include a broodstock and quarantine room, larval room, algal culture facility with SEACAPS system and research bays.

Work Schedule:

Normal University of Maine business hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Work outside of normal business hours will be expected to fulfill the needs and duties of this position and may include weekends, early mornings, and nights.

Position Type: Contingent on external funding.

Work Year: Full-time, fiscal year.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The incumbent will be directly responsible for managing undergraduate student employees.

Schedule for Evaluation: In the initial six months of employment and annually thereafter, in accordance with the UMPSA agreement.

Job Family/Salary Grade: 04/02.

The finalist for this position must successfully complete a pre-employment physical, and appropriate background checks will be required.

All UMS employees are required to comply with applicable policies and procedures, as well as to complete applicable workplace related screenings, and required employee trainings, such as Information Security, Safety Training, Workplace Violence and Sexual Harassment.

To Apply:

Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position". You will need to create a profile and application; upload:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) contact information for three professional references

You will also need to submit the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

Search Timeline is as follows:

Review of applications to begin: March 27, 2023
Tentative start date: April 10, 2023

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Adam St. Gelais at [email protected].

Appropriate background checks are required.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5748 Boudreau Hall, Room 101, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207-581-1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).