JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. based / 18+ years of age

• Completed a minimum of high school or GED education

• Interested in continuing or building a career in any aquaculture sector (shellfish, finfish, seaweed, commercial, academia, etc.)

• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work in physically demanding, labor-intensive conditions from June through August while supporting host partner operations and learning hands-on aquaculture techniques

• Hard working, reliable and communicative individuals who can commit to Minorities In Aquaculture’s mission, vision and values

INTERN BENEFITs

• Paid Position - $17.50 per hour for 35 hrs/week (Some positions vary based on location/host site)

• 10 week commitment (includes orientation, program duration, and post-internship offboarding)

• Transportation reimbursement (based on location/host site)

• Housing near host Partner location (if needed)

• Experiencing valuable hands-on aquaculture skills, work, and/or research

• Building a professional network of mentors, educators, potential employers, and colleagues within the aquaculture industry

Apply & Learn More: https://www.mianpo.org/apply

MermaidMenu is a woman-owned farm carrying on the heritage of Portuguese fishing on the historic Provincetown flats. We manage 5 acres of nursery seed production and oyster farming. In 2026, we are launching an experiment station featuring lavers, salicornia, and sea urchins. We prioritize resilient food routes, biodiversity, and minimal fossil fuel use.

• About the Internship

  • Compensation: $500.00 stipend, plus a private room, board, and parking in Provincetown.

  • Tracks: Two one-week internships for policy/science-based inquiries and two for art/culture explorations.

  • Schedule: Sunday to Sunday. Work follows low-tide cycles; hours may be irregular but will total 40 for the week.

  • Environment: You will work on the water and land with full exposure to the elements. The residence is an old fisherman’s house with dogs, chickens, bees, and a cat.

• Requirements

  • Ability to walk long distances on flats, lift 50 lbs, and work independently.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility regarding tide-dependent schedules.

  • Ability to operate a boat/vehicle is helpful.

  • Basic field gear (waders/gloves) provided, or bring your own.

Apply & Learn More: https://mermaidmenu.com/pages/sea-farm-internships

We are looking for curious, energetic, & self-motivated individuals who want to learn about the oyster aquaculture industry - in particular, the farming process. The company is dedicated to sustainable shellfish farming, utilizing the most innovative growing techniques. Both full-time and part-time/seasonal opportunities are available for this position.

Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, & Seasonal.

Requirements

Responsibilities & Requirements

• Must be organized, punctual, & on time for work.

• Must have a valid driver’s license & reliable transportation to work sites in Indian River County

• Must be capable of understanding & following instructions from the supervisor.

• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions - wet, cold, hot, dry, & rough water, at various times of the day, including early morning hours, evenings, & weekends when necessary.

• Must be able to swim.

• Must be comfortable being in water where you cannot see or touch the bottom.

• Must be comfortable on a boat for 8-10 hours a day.

• Must be physically able to lift, push, & pull up to 60 pounds.

• Must be able to speak & understand English.

• Must work well with other crew members, & independently.

• Must maintain work area(s) & be respectful of neighboring communities & businesses.

• Must have their own supply of dive mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, dive booties, rain gear etc.

Preferred Skills
(not required)

• Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent 

• CPR Certified ​

• Boat handling experience

• Scuba Certified

• Knowledgeable about Florida's Indian River Lagoon ecosystem

• Shellfish experience & knowledge

Contact Information

Treasure Coast Shellfish, LLC
Nicolette Mariano
info@TreasureCoastShellfish.com

https://www.treasurecoastshellfish.com/

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science unleashes the power of science to transform the way society understands and manages the environment. By conducting cutting-edge research into today’s most pressing environmental problems, we are developing new ideas to help guide our state, nation, and world toward a more environmentally sustainable future through five research centers—the Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons, the Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge, the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology in Baltimore, and the Maryland Sea Grant College in College Park. www.umces.edu

As one of the largest oyster hatcheries on the East Coast, the UMCES Horn Point Oyster Hatchery produces high-quality Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) larvae, spat-on-shell, and seed to support restoration, aquaculture, research, and education initiatives. Over the past three decades, oysters spawned at the Horn Point Laboratory have led to the deployment of more than 18 billion spat into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. These efforts have helped rebuild productive oyster bars, strengthen the regional fishery, and enhance the overall health and resilience of the Bay’s ecosystem.

This position will involve assistance with all aspects of oyster hatchery duties for restoration and fishery activities. Duties include but are not limited to oyster broodstock conditioning, maintenance, spawning, larval rearing, spat production and settlement assessment, seed production, mass algae production, and long-line maintenance. Applicants should have the ability to multitask, as the hatchery is a fast-paced environment. Self- motivation, organization, and willingness to work productively are a must.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

● Carry out daily maintenance of shellfish larval cultures, algal stocks, and spat tanks.
● Perform routine animal husbandry including spawning, larval counts, tank cleaning, spat counts, setting tank management, seed operations, long-line management and larval and algal culture maintenance.
● Assist with downweller, and upweller operations in the production of seed for industry needs; perform daily cleans of downweller and upweller silos
● Set and grade seed
● Maintain distinct genetic lines
● Split, size, and redeploy oyster seed to prevent overcrowding and encourage growth
● Interact with customers in a professional manner
● Perform general maintenance and upkeep and assist with various projects as needed
● Complete paperwork logs and maintain records as required

●Maintain hatchery safety at all times; comply with company health and safety guidelines

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelors degree in biology, marine biology, aquaculture or other life sciences from an accredited University is required. One to two seasons of previous work or research focused on bivalves and animal husbandry. Flexibility to work holidays and weekends during the production season is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with oyster larval culture, settlement assessment, seed cultures, automated algal feeding systems, and database entry is strongly preferred. Attentive to details to ensure distinct genetic lines to maintain ploidy requirements.

Physical Demands

Applicants should be able to lift 50 pounds and be able to work in a hot, humid, wet environment. Applicants must be able to climb in and out of tanks and work at a fast pace.

Flexibility to work holidays and weekends during the production season is required.

Required Application Materials to be submitted to the Workday Platform: (1) cover letter describing relevant experience, interests and goals, (2) a current CV or resume, and (3) contact information for three references.

Department
UMCES-Horn Point Laboratory

Worker Sub-Type
Faculty Regular

Salary Range
$46,000 to $50,000

Apply: https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCES/details/Faculty-Research-Assistant_JR103407

The Natural Resources Department is seeking a motivated Seasonal Shellfish Field and Research Technician to join our hatchery team at the iconic Brant Point Shellfish Hatchery. This internship is a unique educational opportunity to gain hands-on experience related to the operation and maintenance of shellfish hatchery and grow-out systems, conducting field research on the iconic Nantucket Bay Scallop Fishery, and gain new skills and experience related to boating, gear assembly and deployment, as well as exposure to a variety of shellfish restoration and stock enhancement techniques.

Starting Hourly Rate: $23.00 per hour

(Please note that the advertised hourly pay rate may increase by $2 per hour, pending approval at the Annual Town Meeting.)

Hours per week: 40

Start Date: May 2026-TBD

Primary Duties (but not limited to):

• Assist with the care and maintenance of our post-set shellfish in the outdoor flow-through system.

• Assist with all aspects of the Bay Scallop Spat Bag Research Program including gear assembly, deployment, retrieval, spat processing, data entry, and stock enhancement activities.

• Conduct daily tasks related to the optimal operation, maintenance and cleaning of the outdoor flow-through system and hatchery water systems.

• Conduct routine wash-downs and routine grading of juvenile shellfish. 

• Conduct routine tank cleaning and system component power-washing

• Maintain records of shellfish as they move through the post-set system

• Assist with trailering and deployment of research vessels, project-based gear loading and unloading, and daily post-use washdowns and re-fueling.

• Assist with aquaculture gear, field deployments and evaluations

• Assist with dive surveys as needed, including the filling and transport of dive tanks

• Assist with facility tours and educational outreach

• Occasional weekend work may be required 

• Assist with any departmental related tasks within and/or outside of the facility as needed.

Requirements

Candidate Must Possess: 

• A degree or background in marine science, environmental science, and/or aquaculture 

• Must be able to handle a flexible schedule that includes occasional weekend hours, and harsh environments

• SCUBA Certification is highly preferred

• Comfortable and confident swimming/snorkeling for work in marine environments

• Excellent organizational, observational, and troubleshooting skills

• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and phone/email

• Positive attitude and willingness to work in all weather conditions 

• Team player mentality with ability to work independently 

In addition: 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and comfortable driving pick-up trucks on small roads

• Must obtain a MA Boating certificate before start date