Take Action

Connect With Quahog Bay

It’s always a great time to get involved in protecting the ocean.

The Quahog Bay Conservancy has great opportunities to get involved—join us and help preserve our beautiful bay. Choose the path that’s right for you:

Give back

Join our team

Make a difference

Marine Science Award & Youth Working Water Waterfront

EVENTS

Check out our upcoming events

UPDATES

See what’s happening in Quahog Bay

VOLUNTEER

Volunteering is another way to get involved with QBC to gain valuable experience.

It takes a community to protect our coastal waters—join our network of volunteers to keep Quahog Bay our blue treasure. There are a number of volunteer opportunities at QBC. Share your skills and learn new ones by donating your time. Please fill out our waiver and email Darcie Couture at office@quahogbay.org with your specific skills and anything of interest in the list volunteer opportunities listed under our “Ways You Can Help” tab.

Download Waiver

Aquaculture
Join our team on the water and get your hands dirty. This is a physically demanding job that will consist of monitoring the health and growth rates of our oysters, in addition to cleaning and preparing them for harvest. One adult oyster filters 50 gallons of water per day, meaning our 300,000 oysters filter over 5-billion gallons of water each year. With your help, these vital ecosystem warriors will continue to stay healthy and preserve the bay.

Ecosystem Research
Become a citizen scientist and help us collect valuable data and observations in the changing Quahog Bay. Days will consist of being out on the water or wading through the mudflats and spending time in the office entering data. Be ready for anything!

Coastal & Island Cleanups
We commit at least one day every week dedicated to cleaning up trash in the bay. Cleanups are a great way for families, groups, and students to work together to take care of our fragile marine environment.

Pumpout Boat
Our free on-call septic pumpout boat could be an excellent way for you get involved and make a HUGE impact on improving the water quality of Quahog Bay. With our staff you will go directly to boaters in the bay. We typically need help for a few hours on the weekends.

Community Outreach & Events
Some of our outreach includes educational seminars for children and teens. If you have a niche for teaching, we would love to have you. Our events include community parties, fundraising events, and special dinners. We often need logistical support for these events, such as setup/takedown, food prep, photography, videography ushering, etc.

Fundraising & Mailings
Do you have a knack for grant writing and other communication skills? Then we would love your help with our fundraising efforts. That may also include mailing task such as handwritten notes, addressing, stuffing, and stamping envelopes.

Independent Research Projects
Have a great idea to protect Quahog Bay? We look forward to hearing about it. If you would like a more self-directed project that aligns with our mission and programs.

We appreciate your interest in our efforts. To receive updates on our progress and join our newsletter please email QBC at office@quahogbay.org.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Work at Quahog Bay Conservancy

QBC is a young, rapidly-growing organization. Check here regularly for opportunities to join our team.

Seasonal Aquaculture Technician

Quahog Bay Conservancy (QBC), located in Harpswell, Maine is a 501c(3) non-profit organization committed to marine conservation through sustainable aquaculture, ecosystem research, and community education programs. QBC is looking to hire three seasonal oyster aquaculture technicians to assist our largest conservation initiative: Snow Island Oysters.

Job description

As a member of the oyster farming crew, you can expect spending your work week at QBC’s two farming locations in Quahog Bay and the Harpswell Sound. Under the supervision of a full-time employee, successful applicants will be responsible for farm operations which include, but is not limited to:

Sorting and cleaning oysters at all life stages
Flipping cages
Raising and sinking cages
Preparing oysters for market
Driving oysters to vendors (age dependent)
Cleaning and repairing gear
Assisting in scientific studies
Entering farm management data daily
Assisting QBC related events
Occasionally partaking in QBC’s other conservation programs

Conditions of Employment

Must be able to swim
Must be able to work strenuous days on the ocean
Must be able to work in all weather conditions
Must be physically able to lift and handle a minimum of sixty pounds
Must be able to work weekends if needed
Must be able to understand and follow instructions from supervisors and must be accountable for your work
Must maintain proper employee conduct including being aware and respectful of the time of day, noise level, recreational boaters, and nearby homeowners
Must have a valid drivers license and reliable transportation (age dependent)
Use of any illegal drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited on the job

Hourly wage: To be negotiated based off of experience

Ideal candidates will work from June – September

Please submit a resume with two references to office@quahogbay.org with the email subject line: 2020 AQ Technician Application by April 15.

Please note, the Quahog Bay Conservancy has a “zero-tolerance” policy for discrimination, harassment, violence, and drug use of any kind.

INTERNSHIPS

Learn at Quahog Bay Conservancy

QBC has established a formal, competitive summer internship program for undergraduate students and recent graduates to support our staff on a portfolio of projects focused on fishery ecosystem research as well as community and education programs. Internships at QBC provide an opportunity to gain valuable work experiences at sea and in our lab. Check here in late January or early February to explore summer internship opportunities.

Thank you for your interest! Currently there are no internship positions available. Please check back in February 2020.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships

To encourage the development of Maine’s future marine scientists, QBCsupports senior-level research projects by undergraduate students attending any university in the state. Since 2016, we have allocated $10,000 from our annual budget to support student marine science related capstone projects. If you need support for your project, we encourage you to apply.

Download Application