Aquaculture Internships for Massachusetts (AIM)

Aquaculture – growing aquatic life – is the world’s fastest growing food sector. Massachusetts is no exception, with oyster aquaculture representing the third most valuable marine food product, and the state’s fifth most valuable agricultural product. Nearly 400 shellfish farms in Massachusetts, as well as a handful of seaweed and finfish operations have a growing need for a strong workforce. Beyond the farm, many other operations are essential for the success of the industry – from hatcheries, to seafood processing and wholesaler shipping, to restaurant and market relations. In addition, aquaculture plays an important role in supporting recreational shellfishing, coastal restoration, and value-added ingredients to a myriad of products, from fertilizer to farm feed. All these operations are hungry to find hardworking personnel who will shepherd this industry to reach its ever-increasing potential to support sustainable jobs and economic growth for the communities of the Commonwealth. But most people have not had an opportunity to explore the sector in any way because there is no clear pathway to try it out.

We aim to connect great workers with the rewarding field of aquaculture!

The Aquaculture Internships for Massachusetts (AIM) program is seeking folks who may or may not have any prior experience with aquaculture, or even with working near the water. In 2024, we trained and placed three individuals into 6-month paid internships. We aim to double that success for 2025!

AIM is a collaborative partnership with MIT Sea Grant, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant, and Cape Cod Cooperative Extension.

FAQs

Will I get paid?

This is a paid internship! If you land a full internship, you will be paid at least $17.50/hour for at least 30 hours/week. You will also be provided housing/transportation support that will reduce housing costs by as much as $225 per week. Prior to the hiring stage, you will also receive $100 stipends for participating in the training and farm visits.

Where would I be working?

Most of our Host Sites are shellfish farms. These farms operate in nearshore waters, sometimes accessible by boat, but some others reach their site at low tide, never setting foot on a boat. Some of our Host Sites may come from other parts of the sector (e.g. shellfish hatcheries, wholesalers who operate shipping warehouses, town governments who manage shellfish in their waters.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. You must be 18 years old or older to participate in this program.

Do I have to know how to swim?

No, but it is helpful to be comfortable around the water. Some positions do not require being on a boat, or in the water, and life jackets are always an option. But, some comfort with swimming is preferred.

Are there other restrictions for who can apply?

All Trainees/Interns must be US citizens or have “Tax Residency” in the US.

What are the physical demands of this kind of work?

The physicality of each role within aquaculture varies, but most positions require some capacity to lift heavy objects. Hatchery workers need to be able to carry buckets of water. Rooms are sometimes particularly cold or warm, and things are generally wet.

Shellfish farms operate in the environment, and farmhands need to be prepared for inclement conditions (extreme heat, cold, wind) as well as some marvelously beautiful days on which there is no better “office setting” than an oyster farm. Some of the farming gear may exceed 60 pounds, though farmhands usually are working as part of a team, and many of the physically smaller farmers find collaborative solutions to manage any such heavy loads. To be successful in this field, you need to be comfortable outdoors and with physical demands such as these.

What is the time commitment?

Please only apply if you are prepared to commit to working full-time (30+ hour/week) in your internship, from June through November or December. However, we cannot guarantee that applicants who pass our initial screening stage, will be placed with a Host Site. Until and unless you agree to join a Host Site as an intern, the time commitment will be minimal. The online training module takes 8 – 10 hours, but can be done when you have time. Some farm tours may occur on the weekend – others on weekdays – to accommodate busy host schedules. Participation in the tours is optional; however, if you decide not to attend, it will be more difficult to stand out to the businesses as a viable candidate if they don’t have opportunity to meet you in person.