Seasonal Shellfish Field Technician

Overview

Seasonal Shellfish Field Technician at Brant Point Shellfish Hatchery – Nantucket
. 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 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

Hours per week: 40

Start Date: May 2026-TBD

Note: The advertised hourly pay rate may increase by $2 per hour, pending approval at the Annual Town Meeting.

The Natural Resources Department’s hatchery facility is located on Brant Point, Nantucket where hundreds of millions of shellfish are produced seasonally for various restoration projects. In addition to producing shellfish like bay scallops, quahogs, and oysters, the Hatchery team is also involved in an array of field operations and research projects on the Island. This internship is intended to be educational and pertains to the field of marine science with a focus on shellfish grow-out and shell fishery research.

Within our team, the candidate will work closely with the Facility and Field Manager and will be exposed to an array of tasks around the facility and the field. Those tasks may include, but are not limited to, shellfish production and system maintenance, research vessel maintenance and logistics, spat bag monitoring research, and aquaculture assistance. Adjacent assistance may be required related to: eelgrass monitoring, oyster reef restoration/shell recycling, water quality sampling, hatchery production, education/outreach and facility tours.

• 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 refueling.
• Assist with aquaculture gear, field deployments and evaluations.
• Assist the shell technician with shell recycling, processing and container preparation as needed.
• 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.

• 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.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving pickup trucks on small roads.
• Must obtain a MA Boating certificate before start date.