Job Description

Description

Mook Sea Farm is seeking self-motivated and driven individuals with experience doing hands-on physically demanding work. Our Oyster Farmers work year round raising and processing wholesale and retail oysters. The individual who fills this position should thrive in a fast-paced work environment that offers a variety of unique challenges.

We rear the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) from egg to adult size. For over 35 years we have doggedly pursued our goals of understanding the life cycle of the Eastern oyster and are committed to using the best available technology to reliably provide disease free, disease resistant, and naturally grown juvenile oyster seed. Our hatchery produces nearly 100 million juvenile oysters (seed) annually for sale to other oyster growers along the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine, and for our own cultivation of Moondancers™, which are sold all over the continental United States. This is an opportunity to be a part of a team of people who are passionate about oysters and the future of aquaculture in Maine.

Please check out our website to learn more about us: mookseafarm.com

Primary Responsibilities

The Oyster Farmer job is an entry level position for employees farming oysters. Employees should be comfortable working as a part of a team. Oyster farmers work outside on boats in the Damariscotta river taking care of oysters growing to market size. Oysters that are ready to sell are harvested from the river, washed, sorted, and packed by the oyster farmers. Oyster Farmer duties include harvesting, cleaning, sorting, packing oysters, seed handling, biofouling control, and gear maintenance. Most of the jobs on the farm are physically demanding; there should be no aversion to manual labor.

Specific responsibilities

• Sort, wash, and pack oysters in fulfillment of orders.
• Accurately measure and fill seed into our harvest bags and deploy them at our river leases.
• Harvest market sized oysters and restock inventory.
• Carry out biofouling control processes.
• Raise and sink gear in accordance with our overwintering plan.
• Aid in repairing gear as needed both on land and on water.
• Uphold sanitation and safety regulations within the packing plant and on the water while working on our river leases.
• Take direction from supervisors and give a solid effort as member of our team.
• Take accountability for actions and work to follow-through on Mook Sea Farm’s efforts.
• Improve initial efficiencies.
• Be available and flexible for work outside of 8 hours or 5 days a week
• Maintain a clean/organized locker space.
• Comply with all Mook Sea Farm standards and policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Employees are not expected to come into the job with previous experience but are expected to learn the necessary skills effectively and in a timely manner. Previous experience with manual labor is preferred. We can train the right person who has an interest in the work we’re doing, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic. This is a great opportunity to learn more about large-scale oyster farming.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Teamwork & collaboration, as well as ability to take ownership of tasks and work independently.
• Flexibility and ability to follow directions.
• Clear and direct communication.
• Ability to think critically and systematically and problem solve.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Previous experience with manual labor is a plus.
• Willingness to work in a variety of challenging conditions.

Physical Requirements

This position requires an average of eight hours per day of standing and moving, and requires physical strength, balance, hand-eye coordination, and stamina necessary to complete tasks in the plant and on the river. The position requires an ability to lift push and/or pull up to 75 pounds repeatedly, and the manual dexterity as needed to operate a variety of equipment. Should be able to tolerate exposure to typical noises associated with oyster farming.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.
• Reports to: Grow-out Operations Manager & Packing Plant Manager

Schedule and Pay

Paydays are bi-weekly on Thursdays. The schedule is Monday - Friday every week. The shifts are scheduled for 6am-2pm daily. Daily shifts are approximately 8 hours; however, this position requires a flexible work schedule that may vary in the number of hours worked in a day, or in which the stop times may vary because we are responsible for live oysters. Holiday and weekend work is occasionally required. Benefits offered will vary for full-time vs part-time vs seasonal employees.

Location: 321 State Rt 129, Walpole, ME 04573

Number of openings for this position: 2

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Salary: From $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• SIMPLE IRA Retirement option
• SIMPLE IRA Retirement matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

How to Apply

Email ethan@mookseafarm.com

Mook Sea Farm is an equal opportunity employer.

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