Seafood Technologist - Scarborough - 2281 (Anticipated Vacancy)

State of Maine; Scarborough (ME); On-site; USD 49,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Coverage

Retirement Plan

Paid holidays

Sick leave & vacation

Gym membership reimbursement

Flexible spending accounts

Parental leave

Job summary

State of Maine seeks a Seafood Technologist in Scarborough to advise on seafood safety, health, and handling procedures and to help ensure compliance with applicable laws. The role includes shellfish dealer inspections, illness investigations, and sampling for lab analysis.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or Biology or equivalent experience, with a focus on quality control, and offers a comprehensive benefits package and full-time year-round employment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Bacteriology, or Biology or four years' experience in food processing, including at least two years in quality control or health protection.

Responsibilities

• Advise on seafood safety, public health, and seafood handling procedures and ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
• Inspect certified shellfish dealers per National Shellfish Sanitation Program requirements.
• Assist in shellfish illness investigations.
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis.
• Research new processing machines and materials.
• Identify contamination sources and recommend corrective actions.

Skills

Seafood safety knowledge

Public health knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Bacteriology, or Biology

Job description

Seafood Technologist – Department of Marine Resources

Opening Date: September 14, 2026; Closing Date: End of the day October 16, 2026; Location: Scarborough; Position Number: 07200-2281; Position Type: Permanent Full Time/Year-Round; Class Code: 9358; Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical Unit); Salary: $49,275.20 - $69,139.20 Per Year.

Responsibilities

• Advising on seafood safety, public health, and seafood handling procedures and ensuring compliance with federal and state fisheries, commerce, and food laws.
• Inspecting certified shellfish dealers according to National Shellfish Sanitation Program requirements.
• Assisting in shellfish illness investigations.
• Collecting samples for laboratory analysis.
• Researching new processing machines and materials.
• Determining point and source of product contamination, recommending corrective action.
• Gaining assistance for enforcement activity, if necessary.
• Work performed under general supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelors' Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Bacteriology, or Biology or four (4) years' experience in food processing to include at least two (2) years in quality control or health protection.

Licensing / Registration / Certification Requirements

• Certification as a USFDA State Shellfish Standardization Inspector.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the seafood processing industry including applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and standards.
• Knowledge of biology, bacteriology, microbiology, marine biology, and related sciences.
• Knowledge of basic statistics including sampling techniques, food technology as it applies to seafood processing plants, state and federal seafood safety and quality assurance programs.
• Ability to identify and document infractions of laws, rules, and or regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with industry members.

• Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60-$14,369.04 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan- The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement- Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts- Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness- The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave.
• Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation- Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

For questions specific to the position, please contact James Becker at: [e-mail]