Captain of Water Crew

Captain of Water Crew

Company Mission:

To grow the finest seafood using only environmentally sustainable methods.

Purpose:

Bangs Island Mussels is seeking a responsible, detail-oriented professional to serve as Captain and water crew manager.

Reports To:

The captain reports to the Farm Manager.

Job Overview:

This position is considered a “working Captain” position, as it will not be only behind the wheel, but will also be the daily lead operator of the farm. The captain will operate a vessel of at least 40ft, lead a dedicated crew of 5-8 employees, and work as part of a team whose duties are whole farm production, maintenance and operations. This role requires a unique blend of maritime skills, physical labor, and technical ingenuity.
Experience on the water, in some form, is preferred, however no previous aquaculture experience is required. The majority of work will be done on the water, either from work boats or on the mussel rafts themselves. The rest of the work will be on land at the wharf facility or net yard.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Vessel Command: Safely operate a harvesting vessel of at least 40ft and smaller workboats in the Casco Bay area.
• Team Leadership: Manage a crew of up to 8, ensuring safety, efficiency, and a positive team culture.
• Technical & Mechanical Maintenance: Act as the first line of defense for mechanical issues. Perform routine troubleshooting on diesel engines, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic tools.
• System Design & Optimization: Use your mechanical insight to help design, build and improve farm infrastructure, including but not limited to rafts, moorings, and harvesting machinery.
• Data & Science: Manage digital logs (harvest yields, maintenance, etc.) and assist with scientific research and environmental observations on the farm.
• Farm Operations: Lead "all-hands" tasks including mussel harvesting, seeding/socking, and kelp farming.
• Communication: Be proficient in interpersonal and communication skills

Qualifications and Requirements:

Leadership:

• Experience managing a team in a physical environment
• Proven leadership/management skills
• Positive attitude, dependable and on time
• Organized
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and as a team in a tight environment.
• Dedicated to personal and team safety

Maritime Experience:

• Proven ability to operate a vessel of at least 40ft. USCG Captain’s license is a plus but not required.
• Previous experience working on the water

Mechanical & Design Skills:

• Demonstrated experience with marine mechanics (hydraulics/engines) and a “builder” mindset for technical farm design
• General boat maintenance skills including small engine repair
• Proficient in preventative maintenance
• Ability to work with a variety of small and large machinery

Technology Savvy:

• Proficiency in Microsoft/Google Sheets and comfortable with digital data entry

Physicality:

• Ability to lift/push/pull 50lbs and perform physical labor (kneeling, hauling, shoveling).

Resilience:

• Ability to work on the water year-round in all Maine weather conditions

Job Type and Salary:

• Full-time, year-round, hourly position
• Competitive Salary based on experience

Days and Hours:

• Monday – Friday
• Hours vary between 06:00am and 2:00pm (some variation based on tide/weather)

Benefits:

• Employees are eligible for benefits after 90 days.
• Paid time off for 6 major holidays
• Full (company sponsored) health and dental insurance coverage – zero deductions from your paycheck for insurance!
• Year-round stability – no seasonal layoffs as this is a permanent, full-time career!
• Sustainable mission – be a part of the finest and most environmentally sustainable seafood production in New England!
• 401K Retirement plan – automatic enrollment with the company matching 100% of the employee’s salary deferrals up to the first 4% of an employee’s eligible compensation.
• Employer paid Maine Paid Family Medical Leave contributions – zero deductions from your paycheck towards Maine’s PFML
• 2 weeks of paid time off (PTO)
• Company paid parking in Portland
• Bi-annual gear allowance
• Paid training and professional development opportunities

How to apply:

If you have the maritime, mechanical skills, and leadership experience to grow with us, please submit your resume, cover letter, and 2 professional references detailing your experience on the water, and interest in this position.