The Ocean Conservation Trust at the National Marine Aquarium is a global ocean conservation charity that exists to restore and protect the Ocean. We’re committed to conserving the marine environment with the world vision to support a healthy Ocean to sustain all life.
The Ocean Habitat Restoration team uses a holistic approach to seagrass protection, regeneration and restoration at scale, delivering the UK’s largest seagrass restoration programme.
We’re looking for an experienced aquaculture technician to help cultivate Zostera marina plants under nursery conditions and to work with a team to manage recirculatory aquaculture systems both in Plymouth and Torbay.
This role would suit someone who has knowledge, experience and a passion for marine and coastal wildlife and habitats, as well as a general understanding of nature, conservation, and the environment. You must be a self-starter with an ability to work in a small team and manage workload at the sites. A calm approach with evidence of your problem-solving abilities will be discussed at interview. Experience of recirculatory aquaculture system plumbing/irrigation systems and maintaining the water quality is essential. You will be involved in the establishment and ongoing management of the site so being practically minded and hands on with tools will come in useful. A degree in aquaculture and a knowledge of the legal framework of MPA in the UK would be an advantage.
This is a full time (37.5 hours a week) that will be based at our seagrass nursery at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth and the National Seagrass Nursery in Torbay. The salary is £25,721 per annum. There will be a requirement to travel as part of the team to deliver our seagrass initiative. Working hours and workloads vary according to the crop, season and planting cycle. Flexibility is essential at peak times, for example before planting periods. High standards of quality and quantity control is essential with the ability to meet tight deadlines therefore resilience in the face of challenge is essential for this role.
Please refer to the Job Description and the Person Specification for more information on the role.
To apply: Please send your full CV with a covering letter setting out your experience and suitability for the role to recruitment@oceanconservationtrust.org. Please place SAT and your Name in the subject field of the email.
Closing Date: 16 January 2026.
In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.
The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit; however, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.
Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.