Seafood Technologist - Scarborough - 2281 (Anticipated Vacancy)

MaineGuide; Scarborough, Northern (ME, KY); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

12 days sick leave

3+ weeks vacation leave

Job summary

The Maine Department of Marine Resources is seeking a Seafood Technologist to deliver field consulting services to certified shellfish dealers in Scarborough. You will advise on seafood safety, public health, and handle compliance with federal and state fisheries, commerce, and food laws.

responsibilities include inspections under NSNSP, assisting illness investigations, collecting lab samples, researching processing technologies, and identifying contamination sources to recommend corrective

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or four years' experience in food processing with two years in quality control/health protection.
• Experience with shellfish safety programs and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to document infractions and communicate effectively with industry.

Responsibilities

• Provide field consulting to certified shellfish dealers.
• Advise on seafood safety and public health.
• Inspect shellfish dealers per National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
• Assist in shellfish illness investigations.
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis.
• Research processing machines and materials.
• Determine contamination sources and advise corrective action.

Skills

Seafood safety

Public health

Biology knowledge

Communication skills

Inspection & enforcement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Microbiology/Bacteriology/Biology

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES

SEAFOOD TECHNOLOGIST

-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

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

Interested applicants need to submit a Direct Hire Application, along with a Cover Letter, and a detailed Resume*

*For us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This is technical services work involving the provision of field consulting services to certified shellfish dealers in the State. Responsibilities include advising on seafood safety, public health, and seafood handling procedures and ensuring compliance with federal and state fisheries, commerce, and food laws. Work includes 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; and determining point and source of product contamination, recommending corrective action, and if necessary, gaining assistance for enforcement activity. Work is performed under general supervision.

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

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/CERTIFICATIONREQUIREMENTS:

Certification as a USFDA State Shellfish Standardization Inspector.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• 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.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—\"Dirigo\" or \"I lead\"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance– Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays,12 days of sick leave, and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays85%-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 contributes14.06%of payto 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—receiveforty-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 aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn aboutadditional wellness benefitsfor State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

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.

Thinking about applying?
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