Organization's Summary Statement:

2026 Oyster Hatchery Internship Opportunity

The oyster culture program at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point Laboratory is accepting applications for a spring or summer internship in 2026.

Oyster aquaculture in Maryland is a rapidly growing industry with countless opportunities for innovative ideas and for those with a strong work ethic to make a meaningful difference.  Since the revision of the lease laws in Maryland during 2009, the state has seen a strong increase in aquaculture operations.  With this surge comes and increased demand for a workforce who is trained in unique aquaculture job skills.

Where: University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery located at 2020 Horns Point Road in Cambridge, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

When: Candidates should be able to work for 12-28 consecutive weeks within the timeframe of April 2026 and October 2026. Spring and summer internships will be considered.  Most work is conducted Monday-Friday 8am-3pm, occasionally irregular hours may occur. Weekend and holiday work is required.  A total of 40 hours will be worked per week including weekend shifts.

What you’ll do:

• Become part of the hatchery team and learn all aspects of oyster culture

• Complete rotations and become competent in all aspects of oyster cultivation

• Collect data

• Basic troubleshooting

• Earn digital badges

• Give back to the Chesapeake Bay

Qualifications:

• Able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds, this job is extremely physical and is comprised of manual labor

• Commitment to working in a wet, muddy, and humid environment.

• Numerous weekend shifts required to work.

• Interest in aquaculture, fisheries, biology, environmental sciences or a related field

• Be prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for wet and muddy conditions.

• Commit to arrive on time

• Reliable transportation

Pay: $15/hour before taxes paid biweekly, limited housing may be available.

Physical Demands:

• Able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds, this job is extremely physical and is comprised of manual labor

• Commitment to working in a wet, muddy, and humid environment.

For additional information on the internship opportunity, the Horn Point Oyster Hatchery, please visit: https://hatchery.hpl.umces.edu/intern-opportunities/

Required Application Materials:  

1. Cover Letter

2. Application Form

3. A copy of your most recent transcript that lists all courses you have taken to-date and the grades you have received.

4. Both unofficial and official copies are accepted.  

5. A minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation from an individual capable of commenting on your academic qualifications and work ethic.

6. A resume or curriculum vitae describing any relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, scholarships and/or other activities that you have held or participated in and other skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials have arrived on or before the deadline.  All materials, including application, transcript, letters of recommendation, and resume or CV are expected to be completed and submitted by February 6, 2026 11:59:59 PM. We will not consider applications that are incomplete.

Physical Demands:

• Able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds, this job is extremely physical and is comprised of manual labor

• Commitment to working in a wet, muddy, and humid environment.

Posting Close Date: 02/07/2026