Fall Hatchery Technician Intern

Blue Ocean Mariculture LLC; Kailua (HI); On-site; USD 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Kanpachi allowance

Job summary

Blue Ocean Mariculture is offering a 10-12 week paid internship in our Hatchery Department on Hawaii. This entry‑level program covers broodstock management, live feeds culture, larval rearing and nursery operations, with training from experienced hatchery staff.

Preference given to Hawaii residents; housing is not provided. Applicants must be recent high school graduates or college graduates and be eligible to work in the US.

Qualifications

• Interested in aquaculture, biology, ichthyology, marine biology, or similar subject.
• Basic computer skills including MS Office and Google Workspace.
• Capability to regularly lift 50 pounds, ascend 4 feet into tanks, and work in a warm, humid setting.
• Proficiency in understanding and conveying technical instructions and safety protocols.
• Must be eligible to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and respond to the well‑being of fish and live feeds.
• Prepare and distribute feed according to plans.
• Gather and harvest eggs and live feeds.
• Perform cleaning tasks on filters, systems, and tanks.
• Manage fish and enter tanks as needed.
• Adhere to biosecurity procedures.
• Record data in computer databases.
• Count, sample, and assess fish, rotifers, and artemia.
• Feed larval fish and monitor their condition.
• Fulfill additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Lift 50 pounds

Verbal and written communication

Eligible to work in the US

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College graduate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Preference will be given to candidates already residing in Hawaii. This internship if for recent HIGH SCHOOL or COLLEGE GRADUATES and prefer candidates who can participate from September-November.

This internship is a collaboration with the Hawaii Aquaculture Collaborative and University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program.

There is no relocation reimbursement or housing provided for this position. Living expenses are the responsibility of the successful Intern to provide.

Our Internship program will be featured on Voice of the Sea which is a 30-minute TV series about ocean projects and aquaculture. The program is produced by the University of Hawaii Sea Grant Center for Marine Science Education. Our episode aired on YouTube, click here to watch the episode. We encourage you to watch the episode (we are segment 2) before applying. I've provided the link to their YouTube page here: Voice of the Sea

About Us

Blue Ocean Mariculture is a Kona-based mariculture/aquaculture company focused on raising high-quality fish in a way that respects the ocean and the people who depend on it. We raise Hawaiian Kanpachi (Seriola rivoliana) in open‑ocean pens off the west coast of Hawaii, using responsible farming practices designed to support a healthy ecosystem and long‑term sustainability. Our fish is served by chefs who value quality, consistency, and transparency in how food is produced.

We are a small, dedicated team who care about doing work the right way, from environmental stewardship to daily operations. We believe ethical fish farming can be part of the solution for the future of seafood, and we're looking for people who want to contribute thoughtfully, work collaboratively, and be part of something purposeful without the hype.

Benefits We Offer

• Health Insurance Plan with 85% company-paid premiums for just you or your qualified family members. Blue Ocean offers medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage with two different health carriers to choose from.
• Let's Eat Fish! allowance of up to $100 per month (you can order weekly) of Hawaiian Kanpachi in either whole fish, filets, or Kanpachi collars.

About the Role

Blue Ocean Mariculture is offering a 10-12 week paid internship with our Hatchery Department. This entry‑level opportunity entails immersion in the daily workings of a fin‑fish hatchery to include but not limited to: broodstock management, live feeds culture, larval rearing, and nursery operations. The successful applicant will work side‑by‑side with seasoned Hatchery professionals and will undergo training in every facet of the process, ensuring a thorough understanding of hatchery operations and associated demands.

Duties, Responsibilities, & Requisites

• Monitor and promptly respond to the well‑being of fish and live feeds.
• Prepare and distribute feed according to established plans.
• Gather and harvest eggs and live feeds.
• Perform cleaning tasks on filters, systems, and tanks, which may involve handling chemicals.
• Manage fish, necessitating entry into tanks.
• Adhere strictly to biosecurity procedures.
• Gather and document management data, entering it into computer databases.
• Conduct counting, sampling, and assessment of fish, rotifers, and artemia.
• Feed larval fish and monitor their condition.
• Fulfill additional duties and tasks as assigned.

Experience, Education and Key Competencies

• Interested in or passionate to learn and pursue a profession in aquaculture, biology, ichthyology, marine biology, or similar subject.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and Google Workspace.
• Capability to regularly lift 50 pounds, ascend 4 feet into tanks, and work in a warm, sunny, and humid setting.
• Proficiency in comprehending and conveying technical instructions and safety protocols through both verbal and written means.
• Must be eligible to work in the US.

Other Helpful Information

• Housing is not provided nor subsidized.
• Travel/transportation is not provided nor subsidized.
• The successful applicant(s) will be considered an employee of Blue Ocean Mariculture for the defined term.
• There is not a concluding project/paper requirement to participate in this internship; however, if the student’s school does require a concluding project/paper, our team will be available to coach, mentor, and assist with the project/paper.
• Participation in this internship does not guarantee employment at the conclusion of the program.
• Candidate will be eligible for subsidized health coverage.
• Candidate will not be eligible to accrue PTO (Paid Time Off).

We are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

We embrace diversity and equal opportunity. Blue Ocean is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.