What are the responsibilities and job description for the Oyster Aquaculture Training Program position at William & Mary?
Position Information
Position Number
T0253V
Position Title
Oyster Aquaculture Training Program
Employment Category
Hourly - Temporary
Location
VIMS - Gloucester
Department
1N2100 ABC
Unit Mission Statement
The mission of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal and Marine Sciences is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service.
VIMS’ strategic sections are committed to the development of resilient systems through a focus on three grand challenges, ensuring science for stewardship of:
- Ecosystem Health: connecting physical, chemical, biological, and socioeconomic systems to address environmental and community vulnerabilities
- Natural Resources: providing translational science for sustainable management of coastal socio-ecological systems, especially fisheries and aquaculture
- Coastal and Ocean Processes: connecting global trends and local drivers to understand and address environmental change.
- The Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center’s (ABC) mission is to develop superior shellfish brood stocks and support breeding programs using traditional and molecular approaches.
- ABC has four main components of operation: hatchery, nursery, field, and laboratory.
Position Summary
Oyster Aquaculture Training Program participants will assist in all oyster aquaculture operations of ABC. Specific rotations will be ABC hatchery operations performed within the Acuff Center for Aquaculture, at the VIMS/Batten School land-based nursery, at four field sites and in the ABC flow cytometry laboratory.
Participants will work at least one day per week at Mobjack Bay Seafood; a commercial oyster and clam operation in Ware Neck, Virginia. There, participants will rotate between hatchery, nursery, and farm operations. Participants will also have opportunities to work with additional VIMS researchers and will also have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in externships/work experiences with other bivalve hatcheries and commercial aquaculture farms.
Duties will also include:
Participants will work at least one day per week at Mobjack Bay Seafood; a commercial oyster and clam operation in Ware Neck, Virginia. There, participants will rotate between hatchery, nursery, and farm operations. Participants will also have opportunities to work with additional VIMS researchers and will also have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in externships/work experiences with other bivalve hatcheries and commercial aquaculture farms.
Duties will also include:
- Broodstock maintenance within the Acuff Center will include oyster spawning and larval rearing, setting of oyster larvae and algal culture.
- Husbandry of oyster seed will occur at the VIMS/Batten school land-based nursery.
- Field work on all ABC biological material will be performed at field sites (local and up to 4 hours away).
- Basket/bag deployment, density reduction, monitoring of grow out conditions, sampling etc.
- Maintenance of hatchery and field equipment, building hatchery and field equipment.
- Assistance with laboratory activities including flow cytometry, sampling for programmatic work and externally funded projects.
Conditions of Employment
- This is a non-exempt position eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the fair labor standards act. Occasional long hours and regular weekend hours, including during holidays, is expected and required throughout the program.
- This position is a temporary (hourly) position not to exceed 6 months. End date may be flexible if program participant obtains employment just prior to program finishing.
- All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed on average 29 hours per week, over the course of a twelve month period beginning May 1 each year.
- Valid driver’s license needs to be maintained during employment (May be required to drive a state vehicle).
- Ability to successfully perform duties in the field and on the water and perform duties in all weather conditions.
- Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
- We will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.
Essential Designation
No
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Position Restricted?
Yes, this is a temporary position
Position Term
Other (specify actual months below)
Position Months
Staff: Other (specify pay period start/end dates) - TBD - applicant effects start date and end date
Required Qualifications
- High School graduate/equivalent, with experience in biology and biological processes not limited to course work (may include prior work experiences).
- Basic understanding of biology as it pertains to animals living in freshwater or marine systems.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, follow written and oral instructions with strict attention to detail and show initiative. Self-starter.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to work in inclement weather conditions and perform comfortably in the field and on the water.
- Experience in aquaculture or marine biology.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate degree or the equivalent combination of education and / or experience.
- Hands-on experience in marine biology, fish or shellfish aquaculture not limited to course work
- Experience working in a laboratory setting
- Experience maintaining aquarium systems (fresh water or salt water)
- Experience working in inclement weather conditions with proven ability to be comfortable in the field and on the water
Is the position remote work eligible?
Not eligible
Remote Work Disclaimer
Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
Advertised Pay Range
$17.00 per hour
Advertised Pay Range Statement
All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.
This position has an established starting rate.
This position has an established starting rate.
University Salary Range
U03
Benefits Summary Statement
N/A
Job Open Date
01/16/2025
Review Begin Date
01/27/2025
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Application Instructions
Background Check Statement
William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Salary : $17
