Oyster Technician

utaustin; Port Aransas (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Marine Science Institute (MSI) at The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for two lab technician positions in the University of Texas Oyster Mariculture Laboratory. These positions will play a central role in the daily operations of oyster mariculture including algal feed production, oyster broodstock conditioning and husbandry, larval culture, and spat nursery production.

The successful candidate will work under the direction of the Texas Oyster Mariculture Lab manager and

Qualifications

• Requires BSc in marine science, aquaculture, fisheries, biology, or closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least two years of experience in shellfish aquaculture.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize live algal cultures to support broodstock and larval production.
• Maintain and manage water quality and operations of oyster broodstock.
• Manage day-to-day oyster hatchery operations, including conditioning, spawning, larval rearing, settlement, and nursery grow-out.
• Perform collection of native oysters for use as broodstock.
• Contribute to data management, compliance, and progress reporting for the shellfish research program.

Skills

Algal culture systems

Oyster husbandry

Water quality management

Data management

Biosecurity practices

Education

BSc in marine science or related field

Equivalent practical experience

Tools

RAS

Job description

Job Posting Title

Oyster Technician

Hiring Department

Marine Science Institute

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

FLSA Status

Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Oct 31, 2028

Location

PORT ARANSAS, TX

Job Details

General Notes

This position is located in Port Aransas, Tx. Only applicants authorized to work in the US will be considered.

Purpose

The Marine Science Institute (MSI) at The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for two lab technician positions in the University of Texas Oyster Mariculture Laboratory. These positions will play a central role in the daily operations of oyster mariculture including algal feed production, oyster broodstock conditioning and husbandry, larval culture, and spat nursery production. The successful candidate will work under the direction of the Texas Oyster Mariculture Lab manager and Fisheries and Mariculture Laboratory (FAML) Director.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize live algal cultures to support broodstock and larval production.
• Maintain and manage water quality and operations of oyster broodstock.
• Manage day-to-day oyster hatchery operations, including conditioning, spawning, larval rearing, settlement, and nursery grow‑out.
• Perform collection of native oysters for use as broodstock.
• Contribute to data management, compliance, and progress reporting for the shellfish research program.

Required Qualifications

BSc. in marine science, aquaculture, fisheries, biology, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience in lieu of a formal degree, and at least two years of experience in shellfish aquaculture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with algal culture systems, particularly in relation to oyster feed production.
• Experience with oyster/shellfish husbandry and larval rearing.
• Experience with flow-through and/or recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
• Experience with disease management and biosecurity in shellfish hatcheries

Salary

$42,000+

Working Conditions

• Will work in an aquaculture laboratory with shellfish, primarily oysters.
• Will work with seawater algae cultures.
• May work around biohazards (i.e. BSL1, bacterial cultures)
• May work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Will conduct fieldwork in small boats for oyster broodstock collections.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work with chemicals, such as those used in water quality testing and treatment of diseases
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Lifting and moving.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer , complies with all applic