Bivalve Hatchery Research Technician

University of Hawaii System Office

13d•$19 - $19

About The Position

CLOSING DATE: January 3, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. Regular, Full-Time, Limited-Term (not to exceed twelve (12) months in duration from date of hire), RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resources Center (PACRC), located in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. HOURLY RATE: $19/Hr. DUTIES: Assists with the maintenance of bivalve and algae cultures, which includes spawning and rearing of bivalve larvae, care of bivalve spat, and maintaining algae cultures. Assists with cleaning/maintenance of aquaculture tanks/systems. Assists with husbandry and broodstock care of various shellfish and invertebrate species. Assists with oyster larvae/seed sorting and counting. Assists with bulk microalgae production systems. Assists with calculations of feed and flow rates. Assists in the collection of data, analysis of data, review of scientific literature, and writing technical reports. Assists with light construction and PVC plumbing projects. Drives to project sites as needed. Assists with overseeing and training student assistants and other staff in the hatchery. Assists PACRC Bivalve Hatchery Manager and Research Specialist, as needed. Must be willing to work flexible hours in cases of emergencies, such as pump failures. Weekends are required, as well as occasional work on evenings and holidays.

Requirements

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Aquaculture, Biology, Marine Science, or related Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field.
EXPERIENCE: At least six (6) months of work experience in aquaculture related to hatcheries and shellfish. Experience must include working directly with shellfish larvae and spat or the equivalent with other larvae/juvenile marine aquaculture organisms.
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of general aquaculture or maintenance of marine organisms.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Ability to assist with training and overseeing staff that have little knowledge of aquaculture.
Ability to work well in a team.
Ability to repair basic aquaculture equipment, such as pumps.
Ability to calculate feed and flow rates.
Knowledge of algae production systems and ability to perform algae and larval counts with a microscope.
Ability to collect and enter data on a computer.
Ability to analyze data, review scientific literature, and write technical reports with attention to detail.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction.
Must possess a valid driver's license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver's insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i's No-Fault Driver's Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment to pick up project supplies.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Must be willing to perform physical labor under hot and humid conditions, or work in rainy conditions.
Must be able to lift up to forty (40) pounds unassisted.
Must be able to perform a full range of physical activities including lifting, bending, grasping, twisting, and reaching overhead and forward.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).

Nice To Haves

Experience with macroalgae.

Responsibilities

Assists with the maintenance of bivalve and algae cultures, which includes spawning and rearing of bivalve larvae, care of bivalve spat, and maintaining algae cultures.
Assists with cleaning/maintenance of aquaculture tanks/systems.
Assists with husbandry and broodstock care of various shellfish and invertebrate species.
Assists with oyster larvae/seed sorting and counting.
Assists with bulk microalgae production systems.
Assists with calculations of feed and flow rates.
Assists in the collection of data, analysis of data, review of scientific literature, and writing technical reports.
Assists with light construction and PVC plumbing projects.
Drives to project sites as needed.
Assists with overseeing and training student assistants and other staff in the hatchery.
Assists PACRC Bivalve Hatchery Manager and Research Specialist, as needed.
Must be willing to work flexible hours in cases of emergencies, such as pump failures.
Weekends are required, as well as occasional work on evenings and holidays.