Shellfish Farm Technician at Nova Harvest Ltd

Job Details

Application Details

Cover letter

Job type

Full-time

Benefits

Extended health care

Paid time off

Full Job Description

Nova Harvest Ltd is a young, fast-paced business producing high-quality shellfish with the principle
focus on supporting development of the shellfish aquaculture industry. We are seeking energetic, career-minded individuals passionate about developing shellfish aquaculture to assist with all aspects of
production at our shellfish farm on the west coast of Vancouver Island in Bamfield, BC, Canada.
As our company grows, we are looking to build our dream team, and we are in search of people with
specific characteristics, and specific skills.

YOU:
You find shellfish aquaculture fascinating and sometimes find yourself daydreaming about the
incredible opportunity for its development in Canada. You are a generally happy person who is not
easily overwhelmed. You are a responsible person who is self-motivated, self-aware, self-disciplined
and always self-improving. You can work independently and are a true team player who looks for ways
to build up your teammates. You love working with your hands, being challenged intellectually, and
enjoy constantly learning. You are looking for a rewarding career in shellfish aquaculture.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
A typical day’s work starts by traveling to the ocean farm in an open work boat, rain or shine. At the
farm, workers will expect to be outside for the entire 8 – 10 hour shift, moving heavy oyster culture
equipment to machines, sorting and picking through oysters, handling and counting oysters into bags,
cleaning oysters and fouled equipment, building and maintaining infrastructure. Work is dirty and
hard, physically and mentally challenging, requiring teamwork, flexibility, and the ability to adapt in a
dynamic environment.
Reporting to the Farm Manager, the Farm Technician will participate in:
Production, harvest, processing, and shipment of shellfish
Construction, troubleshooting, and maintenance of farm equipment, including boats
Equipment cleaning and maintenance; general maintenance of the farm
Environmental and product growth monitoring and daily record keeping
Compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements; Record keeping
Generally killing it at whatever you are doing

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

REQUIREMENTS: The successful applicant must:
Be comfortable and willing to work in a marine environment, on the water, in all kinds of
weather including wind, rain, fog, cold or hot and sunny or dark conditions
Be comfortable and willing to work in a fast-paced, deliverable-based environment
Have an excellent work ethic and strong initiative; Take pride and responsibility in their work
Have good communication skills; Be able to speak and understand English; Be able to follow
written and verbal instructions
Be organized and clean in their work
Work effectively without direct supervision, both independently and as part of a team
Be physically fit and capable of lifting large weights (50 lbs) repeatedly, occasionally more
Be comfortable working on floating and/or uneven ground in slippery, wet conditions
Be able to swim; Wear proper safety gear when necessary
You must be able to legally work within Canada.

ASSETS:
A degree or diploma in marine biology, or aquaculture is preferred, but equal consideration will also be
given to applicants with relevant shellfish or commercial fishing industry experience.
Experience in commercial-scale shellfish farm, aquaculture equipment, and culture systems
Mechanically inclined with general building experience
Comfortable operating boats, SVOP, and First aid can tie a bowline in 8.2 seconds
Degree or diploma in marine biology, aquaculture, construction, or related field

SALARY & SCHEDULE:
Three-month probation period with base wage
Following probation: Competitive wage negotiated based on position and responsibilities and
extended health benefits package
Usually 40hrs a week, Monday to Friday, but must be comfortable with an unconventional
work schedule and extra hours during production times
Flexible with time off and vacation outside production season

START DATE:
ASAP – Spring/Summer 2022

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
ASAP

HOW TO APPLY:
Please email résumés with cover letter and two references to info@novaharvest.com with “Farm
Technician” in the subject line. While the interest of all applicants is appreciated, only those selected
for an interview will be contacted.

LOCATION:
Bamfield is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, in the traditional territories of the Huu-ayaht First Nations. Bordered by the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, it is in the heart of some of the
most stunning scenery and finest hiking, diving, surfing, boating, and fishing in Canada. Despite its
remote location and small population, Bamfield has a thriving and welcoming community –
community is important to us, and Bamfield is a special one to be a part of. Candidates should be
aware that Bamfield has a population of less than 300 people and is located over 75km away from the
nearest town at the end of a logging road. If you like hiking, fishing, exploring the rocky intertidal,
remote islands, and beautiful beaches, Bamfield is a great place to be.