Seagrass Aquaculture Technician

Job Details

We’re looking for an experienced aquaculture technician to help cultivate Zostera marina plants under nursery conditions and to work with a team to manage recirculatory aquaculture systems both in Plymouth and Torbay.

This role would suit someone who has knowledge, experience and a passion for marine and coastal wildlife and habitats, as well as a general understanding of nature, conservation, and the environment. You must be a self-starter with an ability to work in a small team and manage workload at the sites. A calm approach with evidence of your problem-solving abilities will be discussed at interview. Experience of recirculatory aquaculture system plumbing/irrigation systems and maintaining the water quality is essential. You will be involved in the establishment and ongoing management of the site so being practically minded and hands on with tools will come in useful. A degree in aquaculture and a knowledge of the legal framework of MPA in the UK would be an advantage.

This is a full time (37.5 hours a week) that will be based at our seagrass nursery at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth and the National Seagrass Nursery in Torbay. The salary is £25,721 per annum. There will be a requirement to travel as part of the team to deliver our seagrass initiative. Working hours and workloads vary according to the crop, season and planting cycle. Flexibility is essential at peak times, for example before planting periods. High standards of quality and quantity control is essential with the ability to meet tight deadlines therefore resilience in the face of challenge is essential for this role.

Please refer to the Job Description and the Person Specification for more information on the role.

SAT – Person Spec – Dec 25Download

SAT_Job_Description 2025Download

Requirements

• Full Driver’s license.
• Degree in Aquaculture or Marine Sciences
• HSE Diving qualifications.
• Relevant Experience
• At least a years’ experience within an aquarium / aquaculture setting.
•  
• Special Knowledge and Skills
• Knowledge, experience and passion for marine and coastal wildlife and habitats, as well as a general understanding of nature, conservation, and the environment.
• Knowledge of Aquarium / Aquaculture life support systems such as, plumbing / irrigation systems, filtration, water quality management and backwashing filters
• Understanding of plant nutrient requirements within different stages of growth. 
• Knowledge of plant health and ideally knowledge of Z. marina life and seasonal cycles. 
• Interest in plant health. 
• Knowledge of legal framework of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in U.K including designations of Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Conservation Zones and the legislation that underpins MPA designations. 
• Personal Qualities
• A self-starter with an ability to manage own workload. The nursery is positioned off site and requires the successful candidate to work unsupervised at times.  
• A calm approach with evidence of problem-solving abilities.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings 

Contact Information

To apply: Please send your full CV with a covering letter setting out your experience and suitability for the role to recruitment@oceanconservationtrust.org. Please place SAT and your Name in the subject field of the email.

Closing Date: 16 January 2026.

In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.