An amazing opportunity in Hawaii, join an exceptional company with a fantastic culture!

The Director, Farm Operations plans, directs, coordinates, and oversees Blue Ocean’s offshore farm operations, including production planning, day-to-day operations, facilities, and infrastructure changes. The Director, Farm Operations is professional, organized, confident and self-motivated, with strong leadership and communication skills.

About our client

Blue Ocean Mariculture began its life as a demonstration project in 2001. The intent was to show how offshore aquaculture could become a viable business model for the citizens of the State of Hawaii, who stand committed to preserving the integrity of their ancestral waters while encouraging enterprises that enhance the local economy. The project was a resounding success, which triggered a spark in the minds of the founders: what if Blue Ocean could be more than just a demonstration? Eight years later, with solid partnerships built with the University of Miami and the University of Hawaii, Blue Ocean Mariculture launched the only commercial operation in the United States that raises fish in the open ocean. “We see our role as linking the economic and social elements to the ecology of Hawaii,” says Dick Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Blue Ocean Mariculture.

To that end, the company has dedicated itself to finding and hiring only the best staff, bringing their expertise and ideas to bear on this ambitious operation to ensure that business and environmental considerations achieve an equilibrium that benefits people and the planet. “It’s especially important for us to take our people’s views and perceptions into consideration in order to balance human needs with the needs of our fish.”

The Blue Ocean team worked hard to collect as much data as possible to situate sea pens in ideal locations, continue to gather maritime and biological information today to adapt to changing conditions, and consult with local stakeholders to stay informed on community needs. The result of this conscious approach is that Blue Ocean Mariculture has been built in a way that will improve the marine environment while responsibly safeguarding the economy for future generations. “It means we are able to really benefit the local ocean economy and the livelihoods of our people, while caring for our fish and protecting the environment, and that’s what creates a Blue Economy.”

The Role

• Oversee all aspects of department operations, including production, equipment/infrastructure maintenance, inventory management (feed, consumables, spare parts, etc.), equipment/infrastructure installation, and ordering supplies/equipment.
• Oversee the planning, scheduling and coordination of daily/weekly/monthly staffing, tasks, and priorities.
• Ensure production delivers the desired results in the operational areas of safety, fish health, production output, and cost.
• Utilize KPIs to monitor, adjust, and optimize Company performance.
• Identify, communicate, and drive implementation of infrastructure investments and improvement projects.
• Ensure departmental decisions and project plans are in line with the Company’s business strategy and plan.
• Optimize operations and equipment up-time by ensuring implementation and utilization of SOPs and a preventative maintenance program.
• Ensure compliance with leases, permits, environmental regulations, and safety best practices.
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection & reporting. Analyze, interpret, and communicate results.
• Source and purchase supplies and equipment in compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Develop and execute annual operating plans and budgets. Team
• Build, develop, and lead a highly motivated and world-class team to achieve company goals.
• Promote a culture of safety, integrity, and excellence.
• Develop and maintain a high performing team through hiring, training, conflict resolution, and other team member relations activities.
• Provide successful leadership and positive team member relations through effective communication, coaching, training, and development.
• Consistently comply with and enforce Company policies and procedures, including safety and biosecurity protocols.

The Ideal Candidate

• Degree in Aquaculture, Marine Science, or equivalent field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading offshore fish farm operations.
• Hands-on, results-oriented leader with a proven track record of successfully developing people and teams to their fullest potential.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• A high degree of initiative, creativity, and problem-solving ability.
• 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 written and oral communication skills and ability to write reports and presentations

How to apply

Does this sound like the role for you? For a confidential conversation, email cristian@aquaculturetalent.com, or simply apply on our portal.

Does this sound like the role for you? For a confidential conversation, email cristian@aquaculturetalent.com, or simply apply on our portal.