Faculty Research Assistant-Oyster Hatchery

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: (1) cover letter describing relevant experience, interests and goals, (2) a current CV or resume, and (3) contact information for three references.

Open Until Filled: yes