Hatchery Technician - Shellfish

Victorian Shellfish Hatchery; Queenscliff; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victorian Shellfish Hatchery in Queenscliff is seeking a Hatchery Technician to join a small team responsible for day-to-day hatchery operations and delivering the production plan.

You will work with shellfish brood-stock management, larval rearing and spat production, plus algae culture and routine record keeping. Weekend rosters may apply; accuracy is essential for reliable outputs.

Qualifications

• Experience with axenic algal production techniques preferred.
• Understanding of bivalve larval rearing techniques.
• Experience in hatchery and nursery culture systems for marine organisms, especially bivalves, is advantageous.
• Strong communication and record-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Shellfish brood-stock management and spawning; incubation of larvae.
• Larval rearing and husbandry through settlement.
• Nursery production and maintenance of spat.
• Routine production tasks including equipment cleaning, microbiological monitoring, feeding and observations.
• Accurate monitoring and record-keeping practices.

Skills

Axenic algal culture

Bivalve larval rearing

Hatchery & nursery culture

Record keeping

Independent work

Manual labour

Excel & statistics

Microscopes & lab equipment

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Plumbing basics

Education

Degree in marine science / aquaculture

Tools

Microscopes

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Shellfish Hatchery Technician - Queenscliff

Lifestyle opportunity

About the business and the role

The Victorian mussel industry spans over 300 ha of marine water, encompassing seven aquaculture fisheries reserves within Port Phillip Bay and Western Port. Annually the industry produces over 1500mt pá of mussels worth of over A$6 million.

The Victorian Shellfish Hatchery is an affiliation between several Victorian mussel farmers and our goal is to consistently and reliably produce shellfish spat to facilitate growth in the Victorian and interstate shellfish industry.

The hatchery is co-located on the Victorian Fisheries Authority site in Queenscliff where we produce blue mussel spat; native flat oysters for both aquaculture and reef restoration; and Sydney rock oysters for interstate farmers.

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Hatchery Technician who will join a small team of 4, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hatchery and delivery of the production plan.

Job tasks and responsibilities

• Shellfish brood-stock management and spawning; incubation of larvae
• Larval rearing and husbandry through settlement
• Nursery production and maintenance/husbandry of spat
• Actively undertake routine production tasks such equipment cleaning and maintenance; microbiological monitoring; larvae and spat feeding & associated observations
• Provide accurate monitoring and record keeping practices.
• Algae production, particularly axenic algal cultures, in continuous bag algal systems and batch algal systems.
• Other duties as directed by the Hatchery Manager

Skills and experience (preferred but not essential)

• Hands on experience with axenic algal production techniques and systems.
• Understanding of bivalve larval rearing techniques
• Experience in hatchery and nursery culture systems for marine organisms, especially bivalves will be highly regarded.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication with a history of good computer and record keeping skills
• Ability to work well both independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team
• Physically fit and comfortable with manual labour
• A well driven individual that is motivated to succeed
• Excellent attention to detail and record keeping
• Good time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work varied hours and on weekend rosters
• Competent with Microsoft excel and basic statistics
• Proficient in the use of microscopes and laboratory equipment
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Practical, hands-on basic plumbing skills

Qualifications (desirable)

A degree or tertiary qualification in science, particularly relating to marine biology, aquaculture, or a similar field is preferred, but consideration will also be given to applicants with either relevant shellfish or other industry experience. A competitive salary is offered commensurate with experience. The position is based at Queenscliff.

To apply you must provide a current resume plus a cover letter articulating how your experience and qualifications fit those outlined above. Applications can be made directly via email to *******@vicshellfish.com.au or via the seek process above. Applications close Friday 02 October 2026, but may be considered before then.

Employer questions

• Which of the following Microsoft Office products are you experienced with?
• Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
• Are you a permanent resident or willing to relocate for this role?
• Are you willing to work weekends on roster
• Please outline your salary expectations

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