The Florida State University Coastal & Marine Laboratory (FSUCML) is seeking a hatchery manager. The FSUCML is located 40 miles south of Tallahassee on the unspoiled “Forgotten Coast” of the Florida Panhandle. Research at the FSUCML focuses on estuarine and marine ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico.  Scientists at the lab direct externally funded projects addressing critical issues for the health and conservation of coastal and marine habitats.

Job Description:
The successful candidate for this position will be involved in the establishment and management of a research hatchery, which supports the research and restoration objectives of the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative (ABSI, https://marinelab.fsu.edu/the-apalachicola-bay-system-initiative/). The hatchery is primarily focused on producing larvae and juveniles of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), but additional shellfish species are sometimes cultured for other research projects. Salary: $36,250 – 81,563. This position requires a criminal history background check and a confidentiality statement.

Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Generate and/or refine protocols for microalgal culture and for conditioning, spawning, larval culture and juvenile production for oysters, and other species as needed.
• Establish and maintain cultures of marine micro-algae for feeding multiple species and stages of shellfish
• Condition and spawn oysters, fertilize gametes and maintain batches of larvae to settlement
• Set juveniles on a range of substrate types (primarily natural shell) and generate seed as needed for research and restoration
• Supervise maintenance of seed and spat on shell on research leases
• Advise and assist scientists and graduate students with small scale culture of research species.
• Supervise full-time hatchery technicians and part time graduate research assistants
• Train hatchery interns from the local area to increase workforce capacity in aquaculture
• Participate in outreach activities (such as hatchery tours) and communicate with general public
• Ensure hatchery facilities are clean, organized, and well-maintained
• Maintain and organize detailed records (in paper and digital format) of all hatchery operations, hatchery-related purchases and maintenance orders
• Oversee safety in the hatchery environment and respond to system alarms, including outside regular business hours

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or a combination of post-high school education and experience equal to four years.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Meet physical requirements as determined by position, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Prioritize, organize and perform multiple work assignments simultaneously. Utilize problem-solving skills.
• To teach and supervise technicians and interns with a range of education and experience
• Utilize blueprints and specifications
• To be flexible with a strong work ethic, flexibility, and professional manners.

Have knowledge of:

• Fundamental understanding of recirculating and flow-through systems, algal culture, and shellfish production
• Ability to identify safety hazards and necessary safety precautions to establish a safe work environment
• Interpret and apply related university policies, procedures, principles, and practices
• Applicable computer allocations and basic computer functions
• Concepts, principles, and practices of data collection (both electronically and on paper)

Preferred:
An ideal candidate for this position would have experience in intensive marine aquaculture, including at least 2 years of experience in shellfish hatchery management.  Experience supervising technical staff and evidence of successful team leadership in a production hatchery

For additional information or to apply, please visit: Hatchery Manager | Coastal and Marine Laboratory (fsu.edu).