Oyster Farm Manager

Job Details

Job Title: Oyster Farm Manager Position Type: Full-time, Spring Start Date - TBD Fall End Date

Role Summary: We are seeking a motivated, reliable, and energetic Oyster Farm Manager to oversee day-to-day farming operations. This leadership role entails stock management, sorting, culling, and grading oysters, as well as managing biofouling and landing market-sized product. The manager will lead a farm crew of 1-2 individuals and is expected to exhibit excellent communication, safety awareness, strong prioritization skills, and compassionate leadership. We value individuals who can adapt and problem-solve effectively in a fast-paced environment. The position entails 5-day, 40-hour workweeks from March through November/December, with potential for year-round employment based on performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a 1-2 person farm crew with a focus on safety and productivity
• Communicate effectively with the Events Coordinator, Chief Operations Officer and Owner about farm harvest, operations and needs
• Operate processing equipment on the oyster float, including solar powered tumbler and pumps
• Plan daily schedules around farm accessibility and seasonal needs
• Raise and lower farm infrastructure in spring and fall
• Deploy and measure-out oyster seed
• Maintain appropriate stocking densities of oyster inventory on the farm
• Adhere to state Vibrio regulations for safe oyster handling
• Harvest market-ready oysters to meet company quality specifications
• Prevent and manage biofouling on gear, equipment, and oysters
• Conduct record-keeping for quality control, inventory, and farm maintenance
• Utilize Google Suite and other applications for reporting, logging, and maintenance records
• Repair, maintain, and deploy gear as necessary
• Record data for plastic-free aquaculture initiatives as required
• Collaborate with the owner and COO to improve farm efficiency and evaluate new technologies
• Manage farm supplies and vessel inventory

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with and handling small boats (oyster farming experience preferred)
• Valid driver's license
• Strong, clear communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions from March to December
• Physical capacity to work on your feet on the water, and lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs
• Willingness to live or relocate within a reasonable commuting distance to the farm
• Experience steering and safely maneuvering 20-25’ boats with outboards (helm and tiller steering)
• Competency in rowing
• Familiarity with operating and maintaining winches, haulers, and pumps

Preferred Skills and Traits:

• Highly organized and adaptable to new challenges
• Troubleshooting skills and the ability to address issues quickly
• Enthusiastic about outdoor work environments, sustainability, aquaculture, and small business
• Capable of working both independently and collaboratively

Contact Information

How to Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to: Abby@deerisleoysterco.com