Description
Company Overview
Muscongus Bay Aquaculture (MBAq) has been a trusted name in shellfish production for over 25 years, specializing in high-quality, fast-growing, disease-resistant shellfish seed. Our operations are based in Mid-coast Maine where we operate on three waterbodies; our hatchery on the Medomak River in Bremen, Nursery on the New Meadows River in Brunswick, and our farms located on the Damariscotta River.
Role Overview
The Hatchery Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of hatchery operations to ensure optimal production, quality, and efficiency. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to make timely decisions in a fast-paced, production-driven environment. The MBAq Hatchery Manager is part of a high performing team, working with the General Manager and Managerial Team, and greater hatchery network.
Key Responsibilities
Production Targets
• Manage daily hatchery activities, including microalgal culture, broodstock conditioning, spawning, larval rearing, and juvenile development processes to efficiently achieve production targets.
• Meet or exceed established hatchery metrics (e.g., metamorphosis rates, animal growth, survival rates).
• Monitor and optimize all life stage growth conditions.
• Track daily, weekly, and monthly performance metrics and adjust processes as needed.
• Ensure consistent product quality while maintaining high throughput.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for synergies with other hatcheries within the network.
Operational Excellence
• Maintain strict adherence to biosecurity and safety standards and established hatchery protocols.
• Oversee facility cleanliness. equipment functionality, and maintenance schedules, in collaboration with Facilities and Maintenance department.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
Leadership & Team Management
• Lead and motivate hatchery staff to achieve production and quality goals.
• Provide clear direction, training, and performance feedback.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and growth-minded team culture.
• Ensure proper staffing levels and coordination.
Decision-Making & Problem Solving
• Act decisively to address operational challenges, production issues, or system failures.
• Analyze data and trends to make informed, confident decisions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly to minimize downtime or losses.
Budget & Resource Management
• Operate within established budgets while maximizing productivity.
• Monitor labor, materials, and costs to ensure optimum efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality.
Key Competencies
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Confident and decisive under pressure.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams.
• Growth-minded with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of production systems and performance metrics.
• Financial awareness and ability to manage within budgets.
Success Measures
• Achievement of production targets (volume, quality, and consistency).
• Low mortality and cull rates.
• Team engagement and performance.
• Budget adherence and cost control.
• Continuous improvement in operational efficiency.
• Production growth year to year.
Summary
The Hatchery Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the success of hatchery operations by balancing production demands, team leadership, and cost management. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, confident, and growth-focused leader who thrives in a results-driven environment.