Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Field Technician

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $36,000–$42,000 annually, commensurate with experience; includes benefits package
Schedule: Full-time; schedule may include weekends, holidays, and variable or shifting hours
Application Period: Open until filled

Position Overview

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab seeks a highly motivated and experienced Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Field Technician to support ongoing offshore aquaculture research and demonstration activities in Alabama waters. Under the supervision of the IMTA Project Manager, Dr. Ashley McDonald, the IMTA Field Technician will coordinate and oversee day-to-day operations on the IMTA AquaFort mariculture platform, moored approximately two miles offshore of Fort Morgan, Alabama. This is a physically demanding, field-based position requiring frequent work aboard vessels and offshore aquaculture structures in variable weather and sea conditions.

The technician will support the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and biological management of the AquaFort platform. Responsibilities will include fish feeding and husbandry; monitoring and maintenance of the mooring system, platform, and fish pens; environmental and wildlife monitoring; stocking, monitoring, and harvesting of aquaculture species; biological data collection; maintenance of operational records; and preparation of field reports. The technician may also travel to other facilities for training and to support the development and evaluation of IMTA systems.

Position Responsibilities

The IMTA Field Technician will be responsible for supporting safe, efficient, and scientifically rigorous operation of the AquaFort platform. Primary responsibilities include:

Coordinate and assist with daily operations of the IMTA AquaFort aquaculture platform.
Conduct husbandry of finfish and other aquaculture species maintained on the platform.
Feed, monitor, handle, stock, and harvest aquaculture species as needed.
Monitor and maintain fish pens, the AquaFort platform, mooring system, and associated equipment.
Conduct environmental and wildlife monitoring.
Conduct routine water-quality monitoring and maintain accurate records.
Collect, record, manage, and assist with analysis of biological and environmental data.
Maintain accurate operational, husbandry, environmental, and maintenance records.
Assist with the development and implementation of safe aquaculture production protocols and standard operating procedures.
Assist the IMTA team in developing, testing, and implementing aquaculture techniques and operational procedures.
Follow all DISL, vessel, and offshore work safety procedures.
Operate, inspect, and maintain aquaculture equipment and facilities.
Assist with activities necessary to maintain compliance with applicable environmental regulations and aquaculture permits.
Participate in field activities, training, outreach, and other project-related activities as assigned.
Travel, as needed, to support training and evaluation of existing IMTA systems.

Required Qualifications

Minimum of two years of relevant experience in mariculture, finfish aquaculture, commercial fishing, marine harvesting, vessel operations, or a related field.
Experience working aboard commercial, research, or other marine vessels.
Experience with small-vessel operation and/or vessel maintenance.
Ability to work safely and effectively in an offshore marine environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Strong organizational, logistical, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, environmental science, fisheries, aquaculture, or a related field.
Experience with offshore aquaculture or marine field operations.
Experience with finfish husbandry, handling, stocking, or harvesting.
Experience with aquaculture equipment and infrastructure maintenance.
Experience collecting and recording biological and environmental data.
SCUBA certification and/or AAUS scientific diving experience.
Commercial, scientific, or recreational diving experience.
Experience operating or maintaining small vessels. -Experience with water-quality monitoring and environmental sampling.

Certifications

Valid driver’s license.
Vessel operator’s license or equivalent vessel operator certification preferred.
Current SCUBA or AAUS certification is preferred.

Physical and Field Requirements

This position requires frequent work aboard vessels and offshore aquaculture structures in variable weather and sea conditions. The successful candidate must be able to:
Lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Climb ladders and access offshore platforms from vessels and, when necessary, from the water.
Maintain balance and mobility on moving vessels and floating platforms.
Work safely in and around the water, including snorkeling and entering the water when required.
Work in confined or physically restricted spaces.
Perform extended periods of standing, bending, lifting, carrying, and repetitive physical activity.
Work outdoors for extended periods in conditions of high temperature, humidity, wind, rain, and other challenging environmental conditions.
Safely perform assigned duties while working offshore and around aquaculture equipment, vessels, and live animals.

Benefits and Professional Opportunities

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Opportunity to work as part of a multidisciplinary team conducting novel offshore aquaculture research and demonstration activities.
Opportunity to contribute to the development and demonstration of one of the first permitted offshore aquaculture projects in the Gulf of America.
Professional development and training opportunities through the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and University of South Alabama.
Opportunities to participate in collaborative research, field activities, and other marine science initiatives.
Opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable aquaculture practices in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

To Apply:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae/resume, and contact information for three professional references to project manager Dr. Ashley McDonald at amcdonald@disl.edu with the subject line ‘IMTA Field Technician’.

The one page cover letter should briefly describe the applicant’s relevant marine, aquaculture, vessel, or field experience and explain their interest in working with the IMTA AquaFort project.

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.