Hatchery & Field Assistant

This position supports DEI’s strategic goals by supporting successful shellfish hatchery, nursery and grow-out techniques with multiple species by producing seed stock at commercial and/or research scale and participating in field experiments and commercial scale demonstrations. Hatchery & Field Assistants will work with our scientists to provide leadership and credible scientific information to help fishermen, policy-makers, regulators and others involved in shellfisheries adapt to a changing marine environment. Assistants will help sustain DEI through shellfish-based enterprise.

The Hatchery & Field Assistant will work with the shellfish hatchery team and a variety of research teams to develop, implement, and evaluate methods relating to the production of marine bivalves and other invertebrates for research and other programs at DEI’s Production & Research Hatchery, as well as seawater labs, experimental labs, tidal impoundments, and offsite rearing locations (nursery, grow out and field research sites and demonstration farms.). In addition, the Hatchery & Field Assistant will support routine production of seed for sale to commercial farmers to support aquaculture development and generate revenue. This is a full-time, hourly position and reports to the Production & Research Hatchery Manager.

Duties Include:

• Participate in project planning;
• Assist with receiving, tracking and fulfilling shellfish seed orders.
• Assist with the production of microalgae stock and mass cultures;
• Perform sanitation and preparation of shellfish production equipment and systems;
• Assist with spawning brood stock and rearing of larval and juvenile shellfish;
• Perform routine and unique data collection
• Assist with field-based experiments;
• Assist with Demonstration Farm activities
• Conduct public tours of DEI;
• Assist with supervision of UMM and other undergraduates during summer and/or during fall/spring semester as needed; and,
• Assist with other duties or functions as needed.

Position Duration:

12-month appointment renewed annually, and contingent on successful fundraising.

Position Location:

Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education, Wildflower Lane, Black Duck Cove, Beals, Maine as well as off-campus field sites as determined by research and production needs.

Supervision:

The Hatchery & Field Assistant reports to the Production & Research Hatchery Manager. Annual performance evaluations will be performed and may lead to advancement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Hatchery & Field Assistant may share in the direction and supervision of summer interns and other students working at the facility.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a B.S. in marine biology, marine ecology, aquaculture, zoology or related fields.
• Computer proficiency and strong skills in oral communication are required.
• The ability to be flexible and perform a variety of tasks in the hatchery as well as lab and field environments is required.
• The flexibility to work occasionally in early mornings and evenings is expected, as well as flexibility around days of the week that will be worked.
• The ability to travel to field sites, work outdoors occasionally year-round and work while standing, and a valid driver’s license are required.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and walk/work on intertidal mudflats.

To Apply:

Please forward a resume and cover letter to Dianne Tilton, Executive Director, [email protected].

Downeast Institute is an equal opportunity employer.