Description
Deer Isle Oyster Company is a woman-owned business located on Deer Isle/Stonington, Maine. We specialize in environmentally responsible oyster and seaweed farming, prioritizing sustainability and innovation. Our mission is to provide the highest quality seafood products while reducing our environmental footprint—especially by minimizing plastic use on the farm. Join us as we cultivate a thriving aquaculture business in one of Maine’s most scenic and unique coastal environments.
We are seeking a motivated, reliable, highly organized and energetic Oyster Farm Operations Lead to oversee day-to-day farming operations. This management role entails tracking and maintaining seed stock, sorting, culling, and grading oysters, as well as managing biofouling and landing market-sized product. The Operations Lead will work with a farm crew of 2-3 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/April through December, with potential for year-round employment based on performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Safely run a variety of outboard workboats
- Lead a 2-3 person farm crew with a focus on safety, productivity & team harmony
- 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 sort 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 keep inventory of gear as necessary
- Support data collection for plastic-free aquaculture initiatives as required
- Collaborate with the owner and COO to improve farm efficiency and evaluate new technologies
- Support polyculture diversification
Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with and handling small boats (aquaculture 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
Compensation and Perks:
- Competitive pay, dependent on experience
- Guaranteed 5-day, 40-hour work week
- Paid lunch breaks
- Weekends off
- Enjoy plenty of fresh oysters!
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to: [email protected]