Hatchery/Research Technician

Job Title: Hatchery/Research Technician
Start Date: June 1, 2025
Location: Coney Island, Bermuda

Position Overview:
Living Reefs Foundation is seeking a full-time Hatchery/Research Technician for the upcoming coral spawning season. We are looking for a qualified and motivated individual to join a growing organisation dedicated to developing scalable and sustainable coral production technologies using novel and effective tools.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of seawater systems and flow dynamics, excellent marine husbandry skills, practical experience with tools and equipment, attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility. A well-maintained culture system is essential to the success of our coral restoration efforts.

About Living Reefs Foundation:

Living Reefs Foundation is a research-based organisation focused on developing coral culture techniques to support reef restoration and the creation of nature-based coastal protection solutions. Our work is driven by innovation, collaboration with technological partners, and evidence-based implementation.

The Foundation operates a land-based hatchery for coral propagation, with corals transferred to ocean-based nurseries for further growth. Our work is structured under two main programmes:

• The Coral Garden Initiative, focused on juvenile coral production and public engagement through participatory ecotours.

• The Blue Barrier Initiative, integrating corals into artificial breakwaters to enhance coastal protection and assessing the performance of coral-based hybrid barriers using photogrammetry.

Job Responsibilities:

This position combines technical and research responsibilities, with a focus on:

• Maintaining and improving marine culture systems (land-based and ocean-based)

• Supporting experimental research to optimise standard operating procedures

• Contributing to public awareness through Coral Garden ecotours

Daily tasks include:

• Basic system maintenance (PVC plumbing, screens, casting coral substrates, cement preparation)

• Preparing materials and equipment for fieldwork

• Maintenance and repair of water filtration and delivery systems

• Culturing microalgae and Artemia sp. using sterile techniques

• Monitoring and recording hatchery water parameters and feeding schedules

• Managing environmental data collection (e.g., submerged loggers) and coral production tracking

• Coral fragmentation using specialized equipment and preparing tiles for nursery transfer

• Assisting in research using scientific instruments and imaging software (e.g., Agisoft, Taglab)

• Monitoring juvenile coral growth and survival in ocean nurseries

• Supporting coral rescue, translocation, garden installation, and cleaning

• Participating in photogrammetry and reef health surveys

• Assisting with Coral Garden workshops and public tours

What to Expect:

This is a physically demanding role, especially during the summer coral spawning months (June–September). The ideal candidate should be fit, comfortable in a fast-paced environment, eager to learn, and capable of working both independently and as part of a small but dynamic team.

• Regular hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Weekend shifts: Required (up to 4 hours/day for seawater system checks and feeding)

• Contract: Full-time, 3-year term with a 3-month probation period; extension possible

• Salary & Benefits: Competitive and commensurate with experience

Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree (or equivalent experience)

• SCUBA certification with at least 10 logged research dives

• Experience operating motorboats preferred

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and R Studio

• Experience with photogrammetry is a plus

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in marine husbandry and early-stage coral or marine organism culture

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and 2-page CV to ssarkis@livingreefs.org by May 8, 2025.