Lead Hand I

Blue Ocean Mariculture is seeking a Lead Hand I in Kailua-Kona, HI. The role involves assisting Operations Managers, overseeing Farm Hands, and ensuring daily tasks related to fish health and maintenance are completed safely and efficiently. Responsibilities include leading operations, monitoring inventory, supervising dive operations, and training team members. Candidates should have strong leadership skills and at least one year of relevant experience.
About Us

Blue Ocean Mariculture was founded in 2009 to pursue the sustainable farming of local Hawaiian marine finfish. We are proud to be the only open ocean mariculture farm in the United States. With first-hand experience in commercial capture fisheries and understand that some farming of the oceans is necessary and inevitable.

We are the exclusive producer of Seriola rivoliana, better known by the market name Hawaiian Kanpachi, a premium sashimi-grade fish coveted by chefs at top sushi and fine dining restaurants everywhere. Hawaiian Kanpachi is raised in the clear, clean waters off Kona, Hawaii, using the most environmentally sustainable aquaculture farming methods.

About the Role

Lead Hands assist Operations Managers in organizing and overseeing Farm Hands through the safe and successful completion of daily department duties. The Lead Hand is responsible for the day-to-day execution of tasks related to feeding, fish health, infrastructure checks & maintenance. It is the Lead Hand's responsibility to ensure that all operating tasks are completed in a manner consistent with company policies, procedures, and Operations Manager expectations. Lead Hands are professional, organized, confident and self-motivated, with strong leadership and communication skills.

Duties & Responsibilities

Production & Projects
• Perform tasks and functions of a Farm Hand.
• Lead daily operations assigned by Operations Manager, including production, equipment/ infrastructure maintenance, and equipment/ infrastructure installation.
• Prepare, monitor, maintain, and safely operate equipment and vessels.
• Identify & find safe solutions to production issues/bottlenecks.
• Provide input to the Operations Manager for plans and schedules. Assist in coordinating daily/weekly/monthly staffing, tasks, and priorities.
• Monitor and document inventory levels (feed, consumables, spare parts, etc.)
• Lead team achievement of delivering desired results in the operational areas of safety, fish health, production output, and cost.
• Monitor and report on department Key Performance Indicators.
• Understand and communicate department KPI to team members and help lead team to reach KPI goals.
• Assist with accurate and timely data collection & reporting. Prepare standardized reports.
• Supervise dive operations assigned by the Operation Manager and ensure all BOM dive policies and safety procedures are being followed on the farm site.
• Communicate and help drive excellence in the feed and growth plan on the farm by working directly with the Production Manager and Lead Production Technician to actualize the feed plan and validate changes in feed protocols.
• Perform any duties assigned by the Operations Manager necessary to operate the department and maintain a safe working environment.

Team
• Consistently comply with, and monitor team's compliance of, Company policies and procedures, including safety and biosecurity protocols.
• Train and mentor team members on daily operations, fish husbandry, maintenance, and dive operations. Develop SOPs as needed.
• Assist with developing and maintaining a high performing team, including participate in the hiring process, conduct training, and assistance with conflict resolution.
• Promote a culture of safety, integrity, and excellence.

What You'll Bring

Required Experience:
• At least one year experience at Blue Ocean Mariculture.
• Minimum 2 years of commercial dive experience and strong mechanical skills.
• Minimum 2 years as a captain operating large vessels in near shore or offshore waters (100 ton USCG license preferred).
• Prefer 2 years of experience in offshore fish farm operations.

Preferred Experience:
• Hold a valid driver's license.
• Be self-motivated, independent worker with strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including ability to multi-task and manage paperwork.
• Have strong computer skills, including all MS Office applications.
• Have strong communications skills.
• Able to work atypical schedule, including Saturdays, Sundays & holidays.
• Be able to consistently lift 50 lbs, frequently climb 4+ feet, & work in a sunny, hot, & humid environment.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Blue Ocean Mariculture is not able to sponsor US work visas.

A pre-employment background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle report are required. This position is subject to the US Coast Guard drug testing program under Title 46 CFR 16.230.

About our Company Offerings

Our company offers an amazing opportunity to work with a team of passionate individuals who care deeply about aquaculture, the sustainability of our oceans, and responsible fish farming. We are on a mission to promote ethical production of fish, and we're looking for people who share our values. In addition to being part of a great cause, we provide our employees with medical, dental, and vision benefits, a competitive salary, 401k opportunities with a 4% company match, PTO, and even community service opportunities. Join us and make a positive impact on the world!

We embrace diversity and equal opportunity. Blue Ocean is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.