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Mariculture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Minimum Qualifications 30 semester credit hours, including 12 semester credit hours in fisheries, marine resources or wildlife management; mariculture; marine biology; aquaculture; aquatic, marine or ...

Program Manager, Aquaculture

Monterey, CA ยท On-site

$69K - $76K/yr

... mariculture systems, from industrialized to small scale production. Develop and maintain Seafood Watch Standard for environmentally sustainable aquaculture, and the assurance mechanisms for tools ...

Showing results 41-60

Mariculture information

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$8

$26

$61

How much do mariculture jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for mariculture in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is mariculture?

Mariculture is a specialized branch of aquaculture that involves the cultivation of marine organisms, such as fish, shellfish, and seaweeds, in the ocean or in specially designed marine environments. This practice aims to produce seafood and other marine products for human consumption, restoration, or commercial purposes. Mariculture operations can take place in open ocean cages, coastal ponds, or tanks filled with seawater. It plays a vital role in sustainable seafood production and can help reduce the pressure on wild fish populations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in mariculture, and why are they important?

To thrive in Mariculture, you need knowledge of aquatic biology, environmental science, and sustainable aquaculture practices, often supported by a degree in marine biology or a related field. Familiarity with water quality monitoring systems, aquaculture equipment, and certifications such as HACCP for seafood safety is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the successful cultivation of marine species, compliance with regulations, and the long-term sustainability of mariculture operations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in mariculture, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in mariculture often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal water quality, managing disease outbreaks among aquatic stock, and adapting to environmental changes like temperature fluctuations. These challenges can be addressed through regular monitoring of water parameters, implementing biosecurity protocols, and staying updated on best practices for sustainable aquaculture. Collaboration with team members, veterinarians, and researchers is also essential for troubleshooting issues and ensuring healthy stock. Continuous learning and adaptability are key to overcoming the dynamic challenges in this field.

What is the difference between Mariculture vs Aquaculture Technician?

AspectMaricultureAquaculture Technician
CredentialsOften requires degrees in marine biology, aquaculture, or related fieldsTypically requires high school diploma or associate degree, with certifications in water quality or safety
Work EnvironmentOperates in coastal, open-sea, or controlled marine farm settingsWorks in freshwater or marine farms, hatcheries, or research facilities
Industry UsageSpecialized in cultivating marine species like shellfish, seaweed, or finfish in saltwater environmentsInvolved in maintaining and monitoring aquatic species in aquaculture facilities

Mariculture focuses on the cultivation of marine organisms in saltwater environments, often requiring advanced marine biology knowledge. Aquaculture Technicians support daily operations in both freshwater and saltwater farms, with a broader scope of species and environments. While both roles are vital to seafood production, mariculture is more specialized in marine settings and species.

More about Mariculture jobs
Infographic showing various Mariculture job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Coral Propagation & Culture - Lab Coordinator III - Mesophotic Deep Benthic Communities

Think Tank, Inc.

Galveston, TX โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

*Position is Subject to Contract Award
Position Overview
Facilitate operations of the NOAA Galveston Deep Sea Coral Laboratory's coral culture facility and marine organisms under the guidance of the Program Manager and aquaculture staff. Leads or is heavily involved in laboratory studies of coral diseases and deleterious agents, and advances in restoration/husbandry best practices. Responsible for staffing coordination, supply inventory and management, coral husbandry, systems maintenance, and development/prototyping of new tools and equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Task #1 - Laboratory & Fieldwork Support Duties
  • Ensure coordination of staffing and maintenance of supply/equipment inventories.
  • Maintain recirculating culture systems, conduct safety inspections, monitor water quality, and report malfunctions to the Program/Task Order Manager.
  • Conduct routine care of live coral specimens, including tank setup/cleaning for ESA coral species; confer with staff and veterinarians on animal care.
  • Participate in at-sea surveys for broodstock collection and out-planting of laboratory-reared specimens.
  • Database management of corals and water quality.
  • Lead or participate in experiments with Program leads as directed.
  • Prototype novel equipment and tools to facilitate/optimize coral husbandry (e.g., 3D printer, acrylic glass work).
  • Respond to unusual coral disease and bleaching outbreaks, including field operations and transport of specimens to Galveston for treatment/recovery.
  • Participate in required training on workplace safety, defensive driving, and basic tool handling/maintenance.
  • Conduct work aboard federal government and contract vessels for coral collection or re-stocking activities.
  • Complete training: general lab safety, chemical safety/hygiene, defensive driving, MSDS, PPE, fire extinguisher, electric hand tools, acid handling/storage, slips/trips/falls prevention, battery handling/charging, NOAA IT security, and AED.

Task #2 - Data Management Support
  • Write SOPs and manuals for the husbandry of cold-water corals.
  • Computer data entry of water quality and coral health; QA/QC data input and respond to data requests.
  • Manage tracking sheets and project management tools as needed.

Task #3 - Analytical Support
  • Conduct parentage, regional, and health analyses to ensure biosecurity protocols are adhered to.
  • Collect and archive journal articles and research papers on coral biology, culture, and husbandry.
  • Perform imagery (photo, video, or acoustic) analysis to determine coral growth, size, and physiological structures.
  • Prepare and/or lead manuscripts, including data analysis, graphs/graphics, and presentations for communicating research results.

Task #4 - Outreach & Education
  • Answer telephones, provide information to the public, help develop/maintain educational materials, and participate in outreach events such as open houses, career fairs, and teacher education workshops; lead facility tours as schedule/workload allows.

Qualifications (Required)
  • Master's degree in marine sciences or related biology field with at least 3 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems, or 5 years of experience maintaining coral culture systems; prior saltwater aquaria/aquatic systems experience desired.
  • Knowledge of basic water quality, aquaculture/mariculture, and animal husbandry concepts and methodologies; capable of independently performing scientific tasks using established methods.
  • Knowledge of basic plumbing, carpentry, and facility maintenance.
  • Capable of following oral and written instructions for care of mesophotic and deep corals, and recognizing animal behaviors on the job.
  • Capable of writing college-level reports and making oral and written presentations.
  • Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs sacks of salt into a pick-up truck and work in environments maintained at or near 40ยฐF.
  • Desirable: knowledge of marine life (preferably corals); knowledge of cold-water and/or mesophotic corals; fabrication/prototyping skills (3D printer, laser cutter, etc.); CAD software proficiency; water quality/animal husbandry knowledge.