Shellfish Hatchery Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and experienced Shellfish Hatchery Manager to join an ambitious and expanding shellfish hatchery in the Orkney Islands. Reporting to the company directors, this role will be accountable for the overall hatchery operations whose primary base is Orkney, Scotland.

The hatchery is a recently set-up shellfish hatchery company and part of a wider group consisting of over 40 companies, based across the UK, British Virgin Islands, Canada and the USA. The hatchery business has extensively refurbished a prior aquaculture facility to a very high standard to reflect the company ethos of operating a modern hatchery in a clean environment.

The key responsibilities for this role include managing hatchery operations from spawning through to nursery production of oyster spat (Ostrea edulis and Crassostrea gigas). Planning and coordinate hatchery and nursery activities to achieve production goals. Coordinating micro-algae production with the Algae Biologist. Supervising hatchery personnel and ensure all hatchery staff adheres to established protocols. Set and maintain high standards of hygiene, biosecurity and safety. Maintain accurate and well organised records of productions, inventory and hatchery activities. Collaborate with the company directors and specialist consultants appointed by the company to develop, innovate and refine production techniques and assist with the construction and maintenance of production systems. Facilitate development and testing of equipment and techniques for lobster (Homarus gammarus) - hatchery and on-growing. Facilitate development and testing of equipment and techniques for other shellfish and finfish species - which may, in the longer term, include, Nephrops and lumpfish. Assist with the creation of a hub for marine biological research activities involving academic partners in Orkney and beyond - which are of mutual interest to the company and the participating research organisations.

The Hatchery Manage will manage and supervise all activities of the facility reporting to a designated Director. The manager will be responsible (assisted by specialist consultants engaged by the company where appropriate) for the staff and all production and development operations. The manager will be expected to familiarise themselves with all elements of the production cycles of the species identified as primary production - these are currently listed as Oyster (Ostrea edulis) and Lobster (Homarus gammarus).

A working knowledge of the process of intensive micro-algae production will also be necessary. Whilst day-to-day operations of the systems and production will be the task of hatchery technicians there is likely to be some requirement for hands-on work in any of the hatchery areas.

Training of staff in both production activities and system development is expected to be undertaken by specialist consultants, although as the manager you will be expected to coordinate these activities.

The manager will be the first port of call for staff welfare, both of company employees and visiting researchers. The set up and maintenance of staff work duties and time-off rostering will be undertaken by the manager as will staff discipline and appraisal. Instances of serious or repeated indiscipline will be dealt with by a nominated Director of the company. The Board of Directors will also be responsible for setting remuneration and ultimately for approving staff recruitment or redundancy, though the manager will play a part in these processes.

The manager will supervise office administration involving sales and purchase invoices (including contact with customers and suppliers), liaising with the Directors for sales quotes and permission for purchases other than day to day running costs and consumables. Payroll and account handling will be undertaken by a part-time bookkeeper/accounts clerk.

There is an expectation that the successful candidate will be willing to involve themselves with varied tasks as part of a close knit team and help build a happy and successful work place.

Ideally you will already have significant shellfish hatchery experience, preferably with oysters. Experience in commercial-scale shellfish hatchery operations including phytoplankton culture, broodstock management, larval rearing and nursery production would be desirable. You will be able to demonstrate competence with a variety of culture systems and confidence in the operation and maintenance of hatchery equipment. You will also have the ability to effectively train and manage hatchery personnel and maintain a cooperative team environment. The successful candidate must be self-motivated, resourceful, detail orientated with a positive and proactive attitude combined with the ability to work well under pressure, above all have excellent problem-solving skills.

The hatchery manager will - alongside specialist consultants engaged by the company and Directors of the company - be closely involved in the ongoing business development of the company to include attracting sales and contact with customers under the leadership of consultants engaged by the company or the Directors.

The hatchery manager will be involved in the co-ordination with network partners (e.g. ICIT in Orkney and members of ELCE - European Lobster Centre of Excellence) and in research activities involving research students/workers including placements and secondments to the facility