Agriculture

Description
Up to 8 Survey Days in May
$22.14 hourly

Marine Resources is seeking to fill a short-term position to assist with the Federal Scallop Survey conducted by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. This position will consist of up to 8 days on the scallop survey in the federal waters of the Gulf of Maine. The sampling days will likely not be consecutive and will be based upon weather, scheduling of the survey vessels and scheduling availability of the contractor.
The survey field technician will assist the lead scientist with the sorting, processing, and data management of the catch on the scallop assessment survey in the federal waters aboard a contracted commercial fishing vessel. This position is designed to provide the opportunity to gain field experience for those interested in working in marine science. The number of sampling days will be dependent upon the survey schedule, and the schedule of this contractor.
•Work will primarily be aboard a contracted fishing vessel, operating in federal waters between Stellwagen Bank and Machias Seal Island up to 50 miles offshore. When practical the vessel will return to port in the evening but overnights on the vessel may be required. This will require travel to/from Gloucester MA and Coastal Maine areas.
•Prior to the survey there will be a paid day of safety and general training.
•The actual dates of the survey are dependent up the weather but are tentatively planned to occur during the month of May.
•The primary duties of this position are to sort and count scallops and fish from the catch at each survey station, assist the lead scientist with recording these data, then measure scallops and the fish for up to 36 sites per day. Additional samples may be collected.
•The length of the workday will be dependent upon the required sampling for the given day. A workday on the vessel will not exceed 14 hours, however the time aboard may exceed 14 hours in a 24-hour period. If the time aboard the vessel is to exceed 14 hours this position will not be paid for or be expected to work during the time while the vessel is transiting. If the total workday is less than 14 hours, then the position will be paid during transit time until they have returned to the hotel or the Boothbay lab (or home).
•Milage, hotel rooms, and a meal per-diem will be provided.

Requirements
*At least two years of experience and/or education in laboratory, field-based research, or animal husbandry/aquarist work.
*Ability to follow protocols and gauge when troubleshooting is necessary.
*Ability to work at sea in potentially inclement weather conditions.
*Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
*Comfortable working independently under minimal supervision.
*Valid driver’s license

Contact Email
recruiter@tristatestaffing.com

Comments
Please submit your resume, contact information for two potential references, and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and starting availability by April 30th (open until filled) via:

Email to the above email with "Short term scallop tech" on the subject line or

Mail to Tri-State Staffing, Inc. Attn: DMR – Short term Scallop Survey Tech, PO Box 2182, Augusta, ME 04338-2182

Description
May - October 2025
$20.00 hourly
LOCATION WHERE THE WORK WILL BE PERFORMED
Contracted vessels operating in offshore waters (3-50 miles) in the Gulf of Maine (departing from and returning to Portland), and at the Maine Department of Marine Resources (Boothbay Harbor).

The Maine Coastal Mapping Initiative (Maine Department of Marine Resources) collects and analyzes seafloor information via sonar mapping and benthic grab sampling in state and federal waters in the Gulf of Maine.

3 full-time contracted positions are available to conduct seafloor sonar mapping and collect marine mammal and seabird observational data during the 2025 survey season in offshore waters (3-50 miles) in the Gulf of Maine.
The sonar operator/wildlife observers will be responsible for collecting 24-hour bathymetric and acoustic backscatter data in our offshore priority mapping areas using a multibeam echosounder (MBES) sonar system and collecting observational data on marine mammals and seabirds encountered during daylight hours during multi-day vessel operations. The sonar operator/wildlife observers will be responsible for ensuring real-time sonar data quality and for entering marine mammal and seabird sightings into an electronic data collection platform. Between survey trips, the wildlife observer/sonar technicians may be asked to perform QA/QC and analyze the seabird and marine mammal data.

Requirements
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES PREFERRED
•knowledge of and experience with bathymetric mapping, acoustic theory, or remote sensing
•vessel-based experience, especially in offshore environments
•seabird and/or marine mammal identification
•field data collection experience
•knowledge of physical oceanography, marine science, marine ecology, or similar competencies that relate to the tasks and descriptions above

Contact Email
recruiter@tristatestaffing.com

Comments
Please submit your resume (no length restriction), contact information for at least two references, and a cover letter outlining your interest and starting availability by April 15 (open until filled via):
On the subject line add DMR – Sonar Operator/Wildlife Observer or
Mail: Tri-State Staffing, Inc. Attn: DMR – Sonar Operator/Wildlife Observer, PO Box 2182, Augusta, ME 04338-2182

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Jesse Minor at the Department of Marine Resources at jesse.minor@maine.gov or 207-350-7816.

Description
JUNE - AUGUST 2025 seasonal
$18.00 hourly

The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Aquaculture Compliance Program annually inspects all aquaculture sites along the coast of Maine. Fieldwork is done by boat, and data is brought back to an office environment to write compliance reports. Time is spent mostly on the water during the warmer months, with some office time when necessary.
This position is to complete aquaculture inspections throughout the coast that will contract at the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Start and end dates are flexible. This seasonal staff position will be based out of the Boothbay Harbor facility. Weekly field work will include travel to aquaculture site locations anywhere from Eliot to Lubec, Maine. This work will be conducted Monday through Friday and will sometimes be tide dependent, so field work may include early mornings or later evenings. Flexibility of work hours during the season is required. Department vehicles will be provided to complete all field work, but meeting locations for travel may vary.

Specific duties include:
-Traveling by boat to aquaculture sites
-Planning for fieldwork
-Collecting data in the field
-Using GIS to generate figures and measure points
-Assist in authoring compliance reports
-Occasional overnight trips across the state

Requirements
-A valid drivers license
-Must be detail oriented, organized, have a positive attitude, and desire to work on the water

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Preferred
-General understanding of aquaculture in Maine
-GIS skills
-Experience with boat operation, navigation, and trailering

Contact Email
recruiter@tristatestaffing.com

Comments
Please submit your resume, cover letter, stating your start/end availability, and two references to the above email with “Aquaculture Inspections Contractor” in the subject line. Posting open until filled.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Chloe Kilborn at the Department of Marine Resources at chloe.r.kilborn@maine.gov or 207-350-7817.

Description
MRIP FIELD TECHNICIAN CONTRACTOR
$19 HOURLY Seasonal positions
6 Positions of Varying Duration: 2 run April 28 - November 1, 1 runs May 26 – November 1, 3 run June 23 - November 1 (most with one month at half time)
All positions require 3 days of training and are open until filled

These positions assist the Maine Department of Marine Resources in conducting recreational saltwater fishing surveys. Work includes in-person surveying of anglers for participation, catch, and effort data, shore-side and possibly on head boat trips; surveying shark/tuna-permitted boat captains; and possibly assisting in a phone-based survey of fishing charter and head boats.
This is technical work requiring field skills relevant to marine sciences, with collection and recording of data for resource management. Field work is performed independently according to highly detailed procedures for gathering and recording a range of data.
Extensive daily travel in coastal areas of Maine, primarily from Bath to Kittery, is required. A biweekly meeting at DMR in Boothbay Harbor will be required. Weekly hours will vary, though effort will be made to distribute assignments that support full or part-time status. The work week is highly variable and includes Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and two to three weekdays off. Daily work hours often extend beyond normal 8am-5pm work hours and is in all types of weather, from inclement to blue sky days, high heat to chill.

Requirements
Applicants living in mid or southern coastal Maine or along the Rte 95 or Rte 295 corridors from Augusta southward are situated well for this work. Applicants should feel comfortable initiating conversation with the public and conducting work independently as part of a network of survey staff.

Candidates must demonstrate strong oral and interpersonal skills; be reliable, positive, organized, communicative, alert, and easygoing with the public and other staff; have basic knowledge of field and survey techniques; exhibit attention to detail and accuracy; be able to identify and handle Gulf of Maine fish species; have proficient computer skills and experience working with online software applications; and have legible handwriting. Experience on offshore boats (not prone to seasickness) is preferred.
A background check is required before employment. Candidates must have an active non-conditional driver’s license recognized as valid in the State of Maine and held such a license for at least one year; have a valid, clear, and safe driving record.

Contact Email
recruiter@tristatestaffing.com

Comments
Please submit resume, cover letter, and three references to the above email, or,
submit by mail to: Tri-State Staffing, Inc. Attn: Maine DMR- MRIP, PO Box 2182, Augusta, ME 04338-2182.

On the subject line: DMR MRIP Field Technician

For questions about the job duties or application process please contact: Chris Uraneck, chris.b.uraneck@maine.gov or call or text at (207) 350-6040.

Description
Department of Marine Resources
$18.00 hourly
June - November 2025

The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Biotoxin and Water Quality Monitoring Program monitors shellfish and water samples along the coast of Maine. Weekly shellfish samples will be collected and analyzed for bacterial pathogens. The results will be used to gather background data within the state which will aid in regulating the harvest of shellfish for public health.

One full-time seasonal position is needed to collect, transport and process shellfish collected throughout the coast that will contract at the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Shellfish will be processed for vibrio culturing and identification. Half of the time spent in this position will include field work collecting and transporting samples while the other half will involve laboratory methods for detection, isolation, and characterization of vibrio in shellfish. Start and end dates are flexible for this position. The seasonal staff position will be based out of the Boothbay Harbor facility. Weekly fieldwork could include travel to sampling locations from Scarborough to Blue Hill, Maine. This work will be conducted Monday through Friday and can be tide dependent so field work scheduled during daylight hours could include early mornings to late evenings; flexibility of work hours during the season is required. If available, a vehicle will be provided to complete all field collection. If a state vehicle is unavailable, personal vehicle use will be paid a mileage stipend.

Requirements
Knowledge and experience in field work is preferable with shellfish. Laboratory experience with media preparation, autoclave use, pipetting, bacterial culturing and QA/QC preferred. This position must hold a valid driver’s license and must feel comfortable working independently under minimal supervision and at odd hours if necessary. Must be detail oriented, organized and have a positive attitude. If interested there is an opportunity to learn PCR techniques as time permits.

Contact Email
recruiter@tristatestaffing.com

Comments
Please submit a resume and two references by May 16, 2025 to recruiter@tristatestaffing.com with “Vibrio Monitoring Contractor” on the subject line.

Description
Department of Marine Resources
$18.00 hourly
May - October 2025
Three full-time positions available

The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Biotoxin Monitoring Program monitors shellfish along the coast of Maine during the “red tide” season. Weekly shellfish samples are collected by the Biotoxin Program and results are used to regulate the harvest of shellfish for public health.

These positions will collect, transport and process shellfish collected throughout the coast that will contract at the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Start and end dates are flexible for this position. The seasonal staff positions will be based out of the Boothbay Harbor and Lamoine facilities. Weekly field work will include travel to sampling locations from Eliot to Stockton Springs for Boothbay Harbor and Stockton Springs to Eastport for Lamoine. This work will be conducted Sunday through Thursday and will be tide dependent so field work scheduled during daylight hours will include early mornings to late evenings; flexibility of work hours during the season is required. If available, a vehicle will be provided to complete all field collection. If a state vehicle is unavailable, personal vehicle use will be paid a mileage stipend. Knowledge and experience in field work is preferable with shellfish experience, phytoplankton identification and laboratory QA/QC preferred.

Requirements
This position must hold a valid driver’s license and must feel comfortable working independently under minimal supervision and at odd hours if necessary due to low tide sample collection. Must be detail oriented, organized and have a positive attitude.

Contact Email
recruiter@tristatestaffing.com

Comments
Please submit a resume and two references by April 18,2025 to the above email with “Biotoxin Technician” on the subject line.

Description
June - September 2025
Monday - Friday with variable work times
$18.00 hourly
The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Shellfish Disease Monitoring Program monitors shellfish along the coast of Maine during the summer season. Weekly shellfish samples are collected by the Pathology Program and results are used to gather baseline data on the prevalence of key aquaculture pathogens within the state.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Tri-State Staffing is seeking to fill one full-time seasonal position from June to September to collect, transport and process shellfish collected throughout the coast for the Maine Department of Marine Resources’ annual shellfish disease monitoring program. The shellfish samples are to be collected from participating aquaculture sites as well as from wild oyster beds. Start and end dates are flexible for this position. The seasonal staff position will be based out of the Boothbay Harbor facility. Weekly field work will include travel to sampling locations from Kittery to Searsport, Maine. This work will be conducted Monday through Friday and times will vary with availability of growers; flexibility of work hours during the season is required. If available, a vehicle will be provided to complete all field collection. If a state vehicle is unavailable, personal vehicle use will be paid a mileage stipend.

Requirements
Knowledge and experience in shellfish shucking and handling, basic laboratory skills, and desire to learn histological techniques is preferred. This position must hold a valid driver’s license and must feel comfortable working independently under minimal supervision. Must be detail oriented, organized and have a positive attitude.

Contact Email
recruiter@tristatestaffing.com

Comments
PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME AND TWO REFERENCES BY MAY 24TH, 2025.

PLEASE SEND THIS INFORMATION TO THE EMAIL ABOVE WITH “PATHOLOGY TECHNICIAN” ON THE SUBJECT LINE.

Description
2 positions

32-40 hours weekly (including weekends)
May - September
$17.00 hour

Duties:

*Design learning opportunities for students in Aquarium & Learning Lab
*Open, staff & close exhibit spaces for field trip & visitors
*Educate a wide range of audiences about the Gulf of Maine & DMR research
*Provide positive visitor experiences
*Keep visitors & living collections safe
*Clean public spaces
*Work with other seasonal Aquarium staff & DMR staff
*Other duties as needed

Requirements
*Associate/Bachelor degree in biology, education, or related field
*18 years old or over
*Ability to give clear, accurate, engaging public presentations
*Prior public speaking experience
*Comfortable with & able to handle aquarium specimens
*Ability to understand & follow oral & written instructions
*Strong verbal, written & interpersonal skills
*Comfortable in dynamic, fast paced environment
*Requires long periods of physical activity (standing, climbing ladders, reaching in wet conditions)
*Represent DMR professionally

Contact Email
recruiter@tristatestaffing.com

Comments
Please submit resume, cover letter, & two references by March 15 to the above email

Please enter “Aquarium Educator” in the Subject line

Description
May- October
$18.00 hourly Location is Augusta


The Maine Department of Marine Resources, Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat established to protect, conserve, restore, manage, and enhance diadromous fish populations and their habitat in all waters of the State; to secure a sustainable recreational fishery for diadromous species; and to conduct and coordinate projects involving research, planning, management, restoration or propagation of diadromous fishes.

Full-time seasonal entry-level position to assist with the trap and truck operations on the Kennebec River. Responsibilities of this position include: responding to notification of Atlantic salmon captures in a timely manner, collecting biological data and transporting fish in accordance to standard operating procedures. Other responsibilities include maintenance and upkeep of equipment including tanks, trailer and sampling equipment, entering biological data into ME-DMR database via electronic data entry form, mounting scales, labeling and preservation of tissue samples and accurate fish identification. Flexibility for working evenings, weekends and holidays is necessity. A clean driving record and a class C license are required.

Requirements
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

•Operation of a truck and trailer
•College-level coursework or equivalent experience in the natural sciences field
•Class C license and clean driving record.
•Northeast fish identification skills
•Experience with Microsoft products – particularly Access/Excel
•Must be able to get to office within an hour on scheduled days.

Contact Email
recruiter@tristatestaffing.com

Comments
Please submit your resume, contact information for at least two references, and a cover letter outlining your interest and starting availability by March 21.

Email: recruiter@tristatestaffing.com with the subject line of "DMR – Kennebec Trap and Truck"
OR
Mail: Tri-State Staffing, Inc. Attn: DMR – Kennebec Trap and Truck, PO Box 2182, Augusta, ME 04338-2182

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Jennifer Noll at the Department of Marine Resources at jennifer.b.noll@maine.gov or 207-592-2402.

Description
This is a 40 hr/week in-person position.
$19.17 hourly
May 1 – November 15, 2025
The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Bureau of Marine Science Lobster Research Program
conducts life history research on the American lobster.
Seeking to fill one short-term position to assist with several projects in
the DMR Lobster Lab with Dr. Heather Glon. The primary focus will be assisting on DMR’s Larval Lobster, Survey and assisting with a new project in collaboration with the University of Maine focused on testing a novel tagging method in small lobsters.
This position will be split between the West Boothbay Harbor lab and
the Darling Marine Center. Other duties will include assisting with the DMR lobster molting and growth project,and aiding with other wet lab and lobster program projects.
• Work will take place primarily at the DMR West Boothbay Laboratory (M-F, between 8-5), with additional work completed each week at the Darling Marine Center (~40 min away) in Walpole, Maine. A Boothbay-based vehicle will be available for transportation.
• The primary duties of this position are to carry out the weekly Larval Lobster Survey by: organizing equipment and data sheets, joining the ocean-based survey (approximately 7am – 2pm once a week), sorting live and preserved samples, and keeping post larval lobsters alive onboard the vessel.
• Other duties related to the larval tagging research project include: transporting live animals to the Darling Marine Center, setting up and maintaining experimental tanks, feeding and measuring lobsters, and recording both biological and abiotic data. Participation in the novel tagging method involves delicate work conducted under a dissecting scope that involves inserting an internal tag.
• Tasks are divided between laboratory and field depending on program and project needs.
• Other duties include organizing supplies, processing preserved samples in the lab, and occasionally assisting with other lobster research projects. Strong data entry and record keeping are required.

Requirements
o At least two years of experience and/or education in laboratory or field-based research.
o Small boating experience actively working in variable weather conditions (up to 3ft seas) is preferred but not required. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
o Attention to detail; ability to follow protocols and gauge when troubleshooting is needed.
o Strong communication skills within a collaborative environment.
o Comfortable working independently under minimal supervision.
o The successful candidate must have a valid driver’s license.

Contact Email
recruiter@tristatestaffing.com

Comments
Application Procedure: Please submit your resume, contact information for two potential references, and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and starting availability by February 28 (open until filled) via:
1. Email: recruiter@tristatestaffing.com with the subject line of DMR – Larval Lobster Research
2. Mail: Tri-State Staffing, Inc. Attn: DMR – Larval Lobster Research, PO Box 2182, Augusta, ME 0433