Find & Apply For Fish Hatchery Manager Jobs in Wilmington, North Carolina

Oyster Farm Manager Position Overview We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Oyster Farm Manager to oversee daily farm operations, oyster husbandry, equipment maintenance, harvesting, and biological monitoring. This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in aquaculture who is comfortable working on the water, operating boats and equipment, and taking ownership of farm production and performance. Key Responsibilities Oversee day-to-day oyster farm operations, including planting, husbandry, grading, handling, maintenance, and harvesting. Monitor oyster growth, health, survival, and overall farm performance. Conduct and oversee biological sampling and data collection to monitor oyster health, growth rates, mortality, stocking densities, and environmental conditions. Maintain accurate farm production records, sampling data, inventory, and harvest records. Inspect, clean, repair, and maintain oyster farming equipment, including boats, pumps, trailers, cages, bags, tumblers, and other farm equipment. Perform regular mechanical inspections and identify equipment issues before they impact farm operations. Safely operate and trailer boats and farm equipment as needed. Coordinate planting and harvesting schedules based on oyster growth, environmental conditions, market demand, and farm capacity. Supervise and coordinate farm hands and seasonal employees as needed. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment. Monitor water quality and environmental conditions and respond appropriately to changing conditions. Ensure farm operations remain compliant with applicable NC Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requirements, including environmental, aquaculture, shellfish, and water-quality regulations. Work closely with management to improve production efficiency, reduce mortality, control costs, and increase overall farm profitability. Assist with developing and implementing improved farming practices and production strategies. Experience & Qualifications Proven experience in aquaculture, shellfish farming, or a closely related field. Strong understanding of oyster biology, husbandry, growth, mortality, and farm management techniques. Experience with oyster planting, grading, handling, and harvesting preferred. Mechanical aptitude and experience maintaining farm, marine, or industrial equipment. Comfortable operating and trailering boats. Valid boater's license/certification and the ability to safely operate a boat. Valid driver's license and clean driving record. Ability to work independently, make decisions in the field, and take ownership of farm operations. Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather and water conditions. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate production and biological records. Ability to lift and move equipment and oyster containers and perform physically demanding work on the water. Knowledge of NC DMF and DEQ regulations related to shellfish aquaculture is a strong plus. Compensation & Opportunity Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications. Profit-share incentive opportunity tied to farm performance and profitability. Opportunity to take on significant responsibility and play a key role in the growth and development of a commercial oyster farming operation. Potential for increased compensation and responsibility as production expands. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a hands-on aquaculture professional and problem solver who understands that successful oyster farming requires both biological knowledge and strong operational execution. This person should be comfortable getting on the boat, working the farm, maintaining equipment, managing employees, collecting data, and making decisions that improve oyster survival, growth, and profitability.

Pay:

From $25.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person