Water Quality & Hatchery Technician

Position Summary Spat-Tech is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Water Quality & Hatchery Technician to support daily hatchery operations. This role is critical to maintaining optimal water chemistry, supporting larval rearing, assisting with algal production, and ensuring overall system health and biosecurity. The ideal candidate will be hands-on, observant, and capable of working in a fast-paced aquaculture environment. Key Responsibilities 1. Water Quality Monitoring & Management Perform daily monitoring of critical water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, phosphate, and ammonia. Record, track, and trend data across larval, broodstock, setting, and algae systems. Assist in preparation and application of water chemistry adjustments (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, nutrient dosing, mineral supplementation). Monitor and maintain alkalinity and aragonite saturation targets to support larval shell development. Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot water quality instrumentation (YSI, Hanna meters, refractometers, DO meters). Identify and report deviations or trends that may impact production and assist in corrective actions. 2. System Operation & Biosecurity Assist in operation and maintenance of UV sterilizers, pasteurizers, filtration systems, and pumps. Perform system cleaning, flushing, and disinfection to prevent cross-contamination. Monitor for protozoans, bacterial fouling, and other biosecurity risks; support mitigation efforts. Follow strict sanitation and equipment-handling protocols. Assist with hatchery research trials, including setup, execution, data collection, and reporting. Coordinate with department supervisors on experimental procedures and equipment needs. 3. Larval Rearing Support Assist with larval stocking, counting, grading, and screening (40 µm-200 µm). Prepare and deliver feeds based on flow-through and static feeding protocols. Conduct routine water exchanges and tank maintenance. Observe larval behavior, feeding activity, and development; report abnormalities. Clean and sanitize larval rearing systems and equipment between production cycles. 4. Algal Culture Support Assist in the operation of continuous and batch algal culture systems (e.g., T-ISO, Pavlova, Nannochloropsis, Chaetoceros, Tetraselmis). Measure and record cell densities (kc/mL), pH, and nutrient dosing rates. Prepare and dose algal nutrients; monitor culture performance and health. Support algae harvest, transfers, and delivery to larval systems. 5. Spawning & Broodstock Support Assist in conditioning and maintenance of broodstock oysters. Support spawning operations, including system setup, temperature manipulation, and gamete handling. Assist with fertilization, larval stocking, and post-spawn cleanup. Accurately record spawning data (parentage, fertilization rates, environmental conditions). Maintain cleanliness and biosecurity in spawning areas. 6. Data Management & Communication Maintain accurate records of water quality, algal production, and larval performance. Assist in preparing daily and weekly operational reports. Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding system performance and issues. Participate in team meetings and cross-department coordination. Qualifications Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, or related field (preferred but not required with experience). Experience in aquaculture, hatchery operations, or water quality management is a plus. Strong attention to detail and ability to track and interpret data. Ability to work in a physically demanding, wet-lab environment. Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends when needed. Preferred Skills Familiarity with water chemistry and carbonate systems. Experience with microalgae culture systems. Basic understanding of oyster larval development. Proficiency with spreadsheets and data tracking.

Pay:

$18.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person