Seasonal Microalgae Research Technician

Overview

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 Brant Point Shellfish Hatchery. This internship is an educational opportunity to gain hands-on experience in microalgae culture techniques and production systems, shellfish feeding, and related laboratory skills while working on Nantucket Island.

Starting Hourly Rate: $23.00 per hour. Hours per week: 40. Start Date (April/May 2026) - TBD. The advertised hourly pay rate may increase by $2 per hour, pending approval at the Annual Town Meeting.

The hatchery facility is located on Brant Point, Nantucket where hundreds of millions of shellfish are produced seasonally for restoration projects. The Hatchery team is involved in field operations and research projects on Island, including shellfish like bay scallops, quahogs, and oysters. The internship focuses on maintaining feed production systems and marine science tasks. The candidate will work with the Shellfish and Aquatic Resources Manager and Assistant Biologist and may be exposed to microalgae and shellfish production, laboratory tasks, dive surveys, eelgrass restoration, oyster reef restoration/shell recycling, water quality sampling, education/outreach, and aquaculture research.

• Help the Aquatic Shellfish/Resource Manager and Assistant Biologist execute the microalgae production schedule for the season.
• Responsible for the operation and maintenance of various microalgae systems ranging from traditional batch culture systems to advanced photobioreactors.
• Conduct daily health assessments, density counts and feed calculations for hatchery.
• Prepare and maintain stock cultures including media prep, sterilization and transfers.
• Facilitate all microalgae related daily organization, re-stocking and cleaning
• Facilitate weekly transfers and inoculations of microalgae
• Maintenance and operation of autoclave and RO system
• Assist with hatchery related water quality/microalgae sampling for analysis
• Help operate and maintain recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for the hatchery’s seawater holding tanks, static holding tanks for brood stock and larvae.
• Assist with shellfish spawns and other hatchery duties as assigned
• Assist the shell technician with shell recycling
• Participate in rotational night feedings and alternating weekend work
• Data entry and basic analysis
• Potential opportunity to assist with the Island wide Benthic Dive Surveys
• Assist the Water Quality Specialist with water sampling as needed
• Help with public hatchery tours and various community outreach activities
• Aid in various field projects within the department and other collaborating organizations as directed
• 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.

• A degree or background in marine science, environmental science, and/or aquaculture
• SCUBA Certification is highly preferred
• Comfortable and confident swimming/snorkeling for work in marine environments
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to lift 50lbs
• Ability to be methodical, follow directions, multi-task, and troubleshoot
• Excellent record keeping skills and organization
• 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
• 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