T0668V

Shellfish Aquaculture Research Farm Apprentice

Hourly - Temporary

VIMS - Gloucester

1N1100 Natural Resources

The mission of VIMS 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:1. Ecosystem Health: connecting physical, chemical, biological, and socioeconomic systems to address environmental and community vulnerabilities2. Natural Resources: providing translational science for sustainable management of coastal socio-ecological systems, especially fisheries and aquaculture3. Coastal and Ocean Processes: connecting global trends and local drivers to understand and address environmental change
The Commercial Shellfish Aquaculture Lab & Team (C-SALT) is part of the Virginia Institute’s Shellfish Aquaculture Program. The Shellfish Aquaculture Program’s mission is to ensure a thriving shellfish seafood community in Virginia, the United States and the world, through globally relevant research, extension and education. We strive to achieve this overall mission through three related component missions:1) To better understand the value of natural environments and promote best practices that lead to sufficient and sustainable shellfish production which in turn supports harvesters, growers, producers, distributors and consumers of shellfish.2) To develop an inclusive, capable workforce in shellfish seafood related fields, with informed and engaged supportive communities.3) To increase consumer demand for shellfish. We accomplish this mission through applied research, conducted in the field and the laboratory and in cooperation with commercial producers.

The Shellfish Aquaculture Research Farm Apprentice assists in all aspects of field project maintenance which includes sampling efforts, focused on the operation of the C-SALT shellfish research farm at the Gloucester Point Campus. The Apprentice position includes a dedicated effort to obtain the knowledge and understanding associated with the occupational standards of a commercial shellfish aquaculture crew chief during the period of employment. Additional training opportunities will be provided. The intention of this position is to prepare an individual for success in the shellfish aquaculture workforce

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist with the routine operations of a shellfish research farm.
• Utilize power tools (e.g. drill, Sawzall, circular saw), generators, pneumatic tools, water pumps, pressure washers, and marine batteries, to assist with the repair and cleaning of shellfish farm gear and supplies.
• Assist with vessel maintenance.
• Build, install, and repair equipment under supervision from the farm manager.
• Monitor general shellfish growth over a variety of different ages and help manage lab inventory.
• Harvest, tumble, sort, count, wash, and bag shellfish, following relevant health and safety requirements.
• Engage in provided training opportunities.

• This position is a temporary (hourly) position not to exceed 6 months. 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.
• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.
• This position has been designated as essential and may require reporting to work when the university is officially closed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to successfully work in all weather conditions.
• Must be certified or become certified to operate a small boat (vessel), within one (1) month of hire.
• This position is restricted, subject to the continued availability of funding and is seasonal.
• This position will require overtime (additional hours beyond the standard work schedule), including some nights and weekends, depending on the field or experiment schedule. Hours vary by location, season, and tide. Weekend and early morning hours are required to support regular farm operations.

Yes

Non-Exempt

Yes, this is a temporary position

Staff: Other (specify pay period start/end dates) - 5-01-2025 to 10-01-2025

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated interest in shellfish aquaculture as a vocation.
• Knowledge of basic lab safety.
• Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines under direct supervision.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions.
• Ability to maintain records, record data legibly, and conduct data entry with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to successfully complete tasks in an outdoor environment.
• Ability to travel, as needed.
• Must be certified or become certified to operate a small boat (vessel), within one month of starting work.

• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and repair a variety of lab and field instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of small vessels/boats.
• Prior experience in shellfish aquaculture.

Not eligible

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.

Up to $16.00

All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.

U02

N/A

02/26/2025

Yes

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.

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.