Description
The MDI Biological Laboratory is partnering with Educate Maine to offer a registered apprenticeship program for individuals seeking hands-on experience and a career in laboratory aquaculture. This is a fully funded, 2,000-hour apprenticeship program. Apprentices are benefit-eligible employees of the MDI Biological Laboratory for the duration. Upon successful completion of the program, participants may have the opportunity to continue their employment at the MDI Biological Laboratory as experienced Aquaculture Animal Technicians. Opportunities to work half-time during the school year and full time within school breaks may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Apprentices will learn on the job over the course of 2,000 hours (1 year full-time) in a specially designed in-house training program at MDI Biological Laboratory. Apprentices will also receive supplemental training through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program, research seminars, campus courses and conferences, and several professional development events.
Apprentices will learn and work closely with subject matter experts and mentors to provide day-to-day care and maintenance of all animals in the facility on campus including zebrafish, axolotl and African turquoise killifish.
Apprentices will learn and perform essential job functions related to the following:
- Safety and communication policies and procedures
- Day-to-day care and maintenance of all animals.
- Assist in the setup and general maintenance of all aquaculture systems on a day-to-day basis.
- Basic animal husbandry, feedings, and tank changes.
- Breeding and maintaining core fish lines as needed.
- Conducting fish health inspections, culling, and health maintenance of the overall colony.
- Data collection and maintaining accurate recordkeeping
- Keeping clean and properly stocked facilities and equipment.
- Support scientific services, including C. elegans plate pouring and fly food preparation.
- Ensure that solutions and supplies are adequately stocked and organized for various facilities.
- Perform other animal care duties and research-related tasks as assigned.
- And more…!
Benefits – Apprentices will receive:
- Paid on-the-job training (OJT) in a well-paying, meaningful job that can support you long-term and provide opportunities for advancement. OJT consists of supervised learning of a clearly defined set of industry skills by a subject matter expert and assigned mentor.
- Foundational knowledge through relevant instruction and classes that you can quickly and easily apply to your OJT.
- Progressive wage increases throughout your apprenticeship as you gain and demonstrate mastery of skills. The starting wage is $17 per hour. As apprentices progress through the program and learn and master critical knowledge and skills, their wage will increase. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, apprentices will expect to earn the more experienced worker wage of $19.00+ per hour.
- An industry-recognized, transferrable Credential of Value (certificate) upon successful program completion. This credential will be awarded by the State of Maine and is equivalent in value to a degree or other professional certification. It is valid for life and recognized by any employer in the United States.
- Access to additional professional development and networking opportunities through Educate Maine’s Maine Career Catalyst program.
Eligibility – Applicants must:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Possess, or be actively working towards attaining, a high school diploma or equivalent
- Possess physical abilities essential to the performance of this position, such as: close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, ability to stand on your feet for extended periods of time, crouch, crawl, sit, use your hands, talk, and listen. At times, apprentices must be able to lift, move, and transport laboratory equipment up to 50 lbs.
- Be willing to work with and handle animals.
- Be willing to work with a variety of hazardous materials in the laboratory with provided protection equipment.
- Strong commitment to animal welfare.
- Demonstrated communication and teamwork skills
- Demonstrated desire and ability to learn new skills.
- Successful candidates do not need prior aquaculture or animal care experience to apply and be accepted into this position. However, prior related experience can be a positive factor. Apprentices with prior experience may be awarded credit towards their apprenticeship program on a case-by-case basis.
Please include a cover letter with your resume to let us know your availability for this training (part-time or full-time) and your interest in learning these skills as an apprentice.
Equal Opportunity Pledge:
MDI Biological Laboratory will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or due to their age. MDI Biological Laboratory will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.
The MDI Biological Laboratory is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.