Job Description

Eyre Shellfish (ES) is committed to sustainable oyster production and continuous improvement in the environments where we operate. We’re looking for experienced Hatchery Technicians to join our team at [hatchery location].

You’ll support the breeding, spawning and rearing of oyster larvae through careful, consistent day-to-day work. This role suits someone who enjoys hands-on work, takes pride in getting the details right and wants to keep growing their career in aquaculture.

What you’ll do

• Follow hatchery procedures and routines that support oyster health and quality.
• Clean and maintain tanks and equipment.
• Monitor water quality and keep accurate records.
• Work with the team to meet production goals.
• Follow health and safety requirements.
• Help train and support newer Hatchery Technicians.

About you

You’ll hold a tertiary qualification in a relevant field, such as marine science, marine biology, fisheries science or biological science, and have at least two years’ hands-on experience producing live microalgae in a commercial shellfish or aquaculture hatchery.

You’ll be able to work independently across the full culture and feeding process, including:

• Culturing hatchery feed species such as Chaetoceros, Tisochrysis (T-Iso), Pavlova and Tetraselmis.
• Maintaining master stock cultures and scaling production through flasks, carboys, bags, tanks or photobioreactors.
• Using sterile techniques to prevent, detect and manage contamination.
• Preparing nutrient media and treating culture water using filtration, UV, autoclaving and chlorination/dechlorination.
• Performing cell counts and assessing culture health under a microscope, including with a haemocytometer.
• Calculating feed rations, then harvesting and feeding algae to larvae, broodstock and spat.
• Applying microbiology techniques, including media preparation, plate analysis and serial dilutions.
• Keeping accurate records and investigating culture crashes with minimal supervision.

You’ll also be reliable, attentive to detail and comfortable following hatchery procedures and working as part of a team. The role includes rostered weekends and occasional additional shifts to meet production needs.

What we offer

• A supportive team in a growing industry.
• Opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career.
• The chance to work in sustainable oyster production.

You must have full-time working rights in Australia, be willing to accept a permanent role and be prepared to undertake a pre-employment medical assessment, including drug and alcohol screening.

If this sounds like the right next step for you, click Apply Now.

For a copy of the position description or more information, email ron@eyreshellfish.com.au.