Seasonal Microalgae Research Technician at Brant Point Shellfish Hatchery – Nantucket
The Natural Resources Department is seeking a motivated Seasonal Microalgae 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 in microalgae culture techniques and production systems, the art of shellfish feeding, and laboratory skills related to maintaining the most vital part of our shellfish production system while working on Nantucket Island.
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 (April/May 2026) -TBD
The Natural Resources Department’s hatchery facility is located on iconic Brant Point, Nantucket where hundreds of millions of shellfish are produced seasonally for various restoration projects. Apart from producing shellfish like bay scallops, quahogs, and oysters, the Hatchery team is also involved in an array of field operations and research projects on Island. This internship is intended to be educational and pertains to the field of marine science with a focus on maintaining a variety of feed production systems. The candidate will work closely with the Shellfish and Aquatic Resources Manager and Assistant Biologist of the hatchery and will be exposed to a wide array of adjacent tasks around the facility. Those tasks may include, but are not limited to, microalgae and shellfish production, laboratory tasks, dive surveys, eelgrass restoration, oyster reef restoration/ shell recycling, water quality sampling, education/outreach, and aquaculture research.
Duties:
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Help the Aquatic Shellfish/Resource Manager and Assistant Biologist execute the microalgae production schedule for the season.
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Responsible for the operation and maintenance of various microalgae systems ranging from traditional batch culture systems to advanced photobioreactors.
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Conduct daily health assessments, density counts and feed calculations for hatchery.
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Prepare and maintain stock cultures including media prep, sterilization and transfers.
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Facilitate all microalgae related daily organization, re-stocking and cleaning
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Facilitate weekly transfers and inoculations of microalgae
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Maintenance and operation of autoclave and RO system
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Assist with hatchery related water quality/microalgae sampling for analysis
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Help operate and maintain recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for the hatchery’s seawater holding tanks, static holding tanks for broodstock and larvae.
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Assist with shellfish spawns and other hatchery duties as assigned
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Assist the shell technician with shell recycling
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Participate in rotational night feedings and alternating weekend work
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Data entry and basic analysis
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Potential opportunity to assist with the Island wide Benthic Dive Surveys
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Assist the Water Quality Specialist with water sampling as needed
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Help with public hatchery tours and various community outreach activities
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Aid in various field projects within the department and other collaborating organizations as directed
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Field work is mostly conducted on a boat, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. The right candidate will be comfortable working on 18-25ft boats in a variety of weather conditions. Knowing how to operate a boat is helpful.
Candidate Must Possess:
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A degree or background in marine science, environmental science, and/or aquaculture
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SCUBA Certification is highly preferred
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Comfortable and confident swimming/snorkeling for work in marine environments
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Ability to stand for long periods of time
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Ability to lift 50lbs
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Ability to be methodical, follow directions, multi-task, and troubleshoot
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Excellent record keeping skills and organization
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Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and phone/email
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Positive attitude and willingness to work in all weather conditions
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Team player mentality with ability to work independently
In addition:
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Must possess a valid driver’s license and comfortable driving pick-up trucks on small roads
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Must obtain a MA Boating certificate before start date