Description
About the farm
Hollander and de Koning is a multi-generational family-owned and operated mussel farm in Trenton, Maine. In the spring of 2021 we purchased an oyster farm, and over the last few years have learned how to run at a seeding level of 500,000 oysters per year.
Job Description
We are looking for an energetic, and reliable farm manager with an excellent work ethic to conduct and manage some of the day-to-day farming operations. This includes stock management and rotation, sorting, culling and grading oysters, landing market-sized products, and managing biofouling. The farm crew, which varies from 2 (including the manager) to 5 based on the time of year and day of the week will report directly to you. This is a 5-day-a-week, 40hr per week position from April through October. For the right candidate year-round work may be available doing gear work and helping in the mussel packaging facility. The pay rate is $25-35/hr depending on experience and qualifications.
Qualifications:
● Minimum 3 years experience working on an oyster farm.
● Valid driver's license.
● Clear and direct communication.
● Ability to work independently, and as part of a team.
● Willingness to work outside in a variety of conditions from April-October.
● Physical strength to be on your feet all day on the water, as well as the ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50lb.
● Must be able to swim
● Must live, or relocate within a reasonable commuting distance to the farm before employment starts.
● Safe boat handling skills in inshore waters.
Responsibilities:
● Safely and productively leading a 2-5 person farm team
● Running the oyster barge (27ft catamaran)
● Plan the daily schedule around when the farm is accessible
● Raising and lowering cages
● Measuring out and deploying seed
● Sorting through the cages and cleaning the oysters
● Harvesting market oysters
● Record keeping, which includes QC, and inventory tracking
● Flipping the cages in accordance with the biofouling management strategy
● Fix, maintain and deploy new gear as needed.
● Landing, tumbling, and re-bagging oysters as they grow.
● Working with the executive team on increasing farm efficiency, and evaluating new, and existing technology, and equipment.
● Manage supplies needed for the oyster farm, and associated vessels.
To Apply
Please email [email protected] with a resume, and a cover letter expressing why you feel you would be a good fit for this position. We are expecting to receive applications through Mid to late March, and have hired someone in April.