Job Title: Aquaculture Project Manager
Supervisor: Carissa Maurin, Aquaculture Program Manager

Pay Grade:  5 

Starting Salary Range: $48,568 - $58,343

Overview

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. We are dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. To learn more, visit gmri.org.

Program Description

The sustainable aquaculture sector in the Gulf of Maine is growing, and its potential to bolster the blue economy in our region is clear. To support the growth of the aquaculture industry here in Maine, we work collaboratively with industry leaders, farmers, researchers, the business community, and other nonprofits to identify and pursue opportunities that will secure its healthy future. Together, we can help the industry meet rising workforce demands and provide the kinds of business planning and training resources that will lead to long-term profitability.

Position Description

We seek a motivated and collaborative Aquaculture Project Manager to support the Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program and other key aquaculture initiatives. Reporting directly to the Aquaculture Program Manager, this role focuses on the day-to-day coordination, communication, and logistical support needed to implement and grow the apprenticeship program, while also contributing to broader aquaculture efforts at GMRI. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is highly organized and passionate about workforce development, sustainable aquaculture, and working with industry partners and early-career professionals.

The position enjoys 12 months of fully encumbered institutional salary support. Thereafter, as is standard practice at GMRI, the incumbent will work closely with the Aquaculture Program Manager; other program managers and scientists at GMRI and externally; and GMRI’s Development team to sustain the position through competitively awarded grants and other fundraising efforts. 

Responsibilities

Apprenticeship Program Support:

• Assist the Program Manager in coordinating all aspects of the Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program.
• Maintain communication with host farms, apprentices, and community colleges.
• Track apprentice progress, gather feedback, and help manage program data and documentation.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of apprentices and partner farms.
• Help organize training sessions, cohort gatherings, and related program events.

Program and Project Support:

• Support the Aquaculture Program Manager in tracking project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Assist with maintaining and updating The Maine Aquaculturist website with relevant apprenticeship and workforce content.
• Contribute to community science projects and feasibility studies, as needed.

Partnership and Outreach:

• Help cultivate relationships with aquaculture producers, educators, and workforce organizations.
• Assist in developing outreach materials, case studies, and success stories related to the apprenticeship program.
• Support the organization and facilitation of meetings, events, and workshops.
• Support and, as requested, participate in public events (e.g., panels, workshops, community gatherings), media opportunities, and donor engagement events.  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in marine science, aquaculture, environmental education, workforce development, or a related field and/or 3+ years of professional experience in aquaculture, project management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate programs, communicate effectively, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working with students, apprentices, or workforce programs is a plus.
• Familiarity with aquaculture or interest in learning about the sector.

Diversity and Inclusion: 

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) has a long-standing policy and commitment to providing equal access and equal employment opportunities in all terms, conditions, processes, and benefits of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, family status, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. GMRI's employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, family status, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.  

Applicants and employees are encouraged to voluntarily provide certain status data to assist GMRI in fulfilling various reporting requirements of the federal government. This self-identification is completely voluntary, will be kept confidential and separate from your application data, and used only to meet certain state or federal reporting requirements. Providing or declining to provide this information will not result in adverse action of any kind. 

Salary and Benefits:

GMRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Application Instructions:

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter, résumé, and at least two professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the successful candidate has been selected. The deadline to submit applications is September 1, 2025.