The Lead-Hand is responsible for leading a small 2-4 person crew while at the shellfish site.
Good communication, strong leadership, strong work ethic, a working knowledge of the farm, and physical ability are key skills to succeed in this position.
Like other crew members, the Lead Hand will have accommodation and basic groceries provided while at staying at the remote site for camp shifts of 10 days.
The Lead Hand will also be responsible for tracking needed supplies at the site, as well as necessary equipment.
GENERAL
● Manage assigned work using the best available resources; maintain organization for efficiency and profitability
● Rely on Manager, other Lead Hands, and coworkers for maintaining work production
● Troubleshoot problems effectively, and respond appropriately
● Understand and maintain company assets in good operational condition
● Work to continuously improve operations with respect to productivity, quality, safety, inventory levels and operating expenses while utilizing effective aquaculture methods
● Must be able to work independently in a team setting
● Must be able to understand work goals andmanage tasks with their crew
● Must be a self-starter and possess the ability to prioritize and multitask
● Be able to perform other duties, as assigned
General Description of Duties
● General Operations
○ Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
○ Ability to understand, adhere and enforce all government regulations, farm practices and standards of practices
● Farm Operations
○ Operate, maintain and clean pumps, filters, tanks and other aquaculture equipment, and clean and maintain aquaculture nets/enclosures
○ Observe safe equipment operation of: ropes, floats, nets, etc
○ Operate both motorized/non-motorized watercraft for aquaculture operations
● Data Collection
○ Be responsible for the collection of daily monitoring data using scientific instruments
○ Be responsible for collecting and recording growth and production data
○ Ability to write out reports and correspondence
○ Able to communicate and summarize farm operations both in written and verbal form
○ Ability to calculate proportions and perform basic unit conversions; be able to calculate percentages, area, circumference and volume
○ Be responsible for data collection and working with spreadsheets
● Harvesting
○ Some travel may be required.
Husbandry:
● Perform duties related to cleaning, sorting, grading, tumbling of shellfish
● Basic understanding of the physiological requirements of the shellfish as it relates to the environment and culture conditions (growing densities, growing media - trays or nets, handling procedures both out of the water, effects of sun, wind and rain on shellfish)
● Maintain proper densities, and ensure rafts are functioning at capacity
Physicality
○ This work requires standing for prolonged periods.
○ Must be able to lift 50 lbs. on regular basis.
○ Other physicality required: Repetitive motions. Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Dexterity. Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm. Reaching and extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Frequently required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
○ Visual acuity to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned, or to make observations of facilities or structures (ie. Equipment operation, safety risks, inspection).
○ Must be able to work on a floating platform and therefore being aware of foot placement and tripping hazards.
Working Conditions:
● All work is outdoors. Exposure to elements in all weather conditions in all seasons. Work is done around heavy equipment and boats.
● Mild to moderate noise level.
Communication:
● Communicating with crew is for safety and for efficiency.
● The Lead Hand is responsible for communicating with the Manager and conveying direction and work tasks to other crew members over a work shift. It is the responsibility of the Shellfish Aquaculture Worker to follow the directions provided by the Lead Hand to the best of his/her ability.
● The Lead Hand takes responsibility for understanding their progress and conveying updates, thoughts and recommendations both to the Manager and the next Lead Hand taking over the next shift.
● Must be able to express and exchange ideas through verbal communication. At times will be required to convey detailed or important instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
● Hearing – perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking volumes without requiring correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication.
Personal Protective Equipment:
● Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) must be worn at all times
● Basic PPE will be provided
● Hand protection (latex gloves and work gloves) will be provided; workers are responsible for ensuring work gloves are cleaned regularly so as to minimize waste
● Sun protection (sunscreen) will be provided