Maine Department of Marine Resources
Job Announcement
$12 hourly
April 2013 - November 2013
The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Phytoplankton Monitoring program
monitors toxic plankton along the coast of Maine during the "red tide" season.
Weekly phytoplankton samples are collected to detect Alexandrium, toxin
producing phytoplankton responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
The phytoplankton data collected are used as an early warning system to inform
the Maine DMR Biotoxin Program of presence and abundance of Alexandrium along
the coast. Shellfish samples are then collected by the Biotoxin Program and
results used to regulate the harvest of shellfish for public health.
Job Description: The Department of Marine Resources is seeking a seasonal
position at the Boothbay Laboratory in West Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Duties
include weekly laboratory processing of phytoplankton samples. Laboratory
procedures will include using the fluorescent in situ hybridization FISH
method, conducting quantitative counts under a fluorescent microscope and use
of a flow cytometer called FlowCAM. Field work will include collecting, picking
up and delivering phytoplankton samples throughout coastal Maine. Data entry
and lab QA/QC is expected. This work will be conducted Monday through Friday 8
A.M. to 5 P.M. but at times will depend on tide conditions; flexibility of work
hours during the season is required.
Requirements: This position must be available full time April-November.
Applicants will need to be comfortable in a laboratory setting and microscope
experience is preferred. This position must hold a valid driver's license and
will work independently under minimal supervision and at odd hours if
necessary. Must be detail oriented, organized and have a positive attitude.
Comfort with computers is necessary.
Application Procedure: Please submit resume and two references by March 1st,
2013 to:
Alison Sirois at
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> with
"PhytoplanktonContract Position" in the subject line.
The Maine Department of Marine Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action Employer
