Description/Background

8/15/2025

Atlantic Aqua Farms is hiring seasonal and year-round oyster farmers! We're looking for self-motivated and driven individuals with experience doing hands-on physically demanding work. Oyster Farmers raise and process wholesale and retail oysters. The individuals who fill this position should thrive in a fast-paced work environment that offers a variety of unique challenges.

We rear the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) from egg to adult size. For decades we have doggedly pursued our goals of understanding the life cycle of the Eastern oyster and are committed to using the best available technology to reliably provide disease free, disease resistant, and naturally grown juvenile oyster seed. Our hatcheries produce hundreds of millions of juvenile oysters (seed) annually for sale to other oyster growers along the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine, and for our own cultivation of market oysters, which are sold all over the continental United States. This is an opportunity to be a part of a team of people who are passionate about oysters and the future of aquaculture in Maine.

Please check out our websites to learn more about us:

mookseafarm.com

muscongusbay.com

Primary Responsibilities

The Oyster Farmer job is an entry level position. Employees should be comfortable working as a part of a team. Oyster Farmers work outside on boats on the Damariscotta river taking care of oysters that are growing to market size. Oysters that are ready to sell are harvested from the river, washed, sorted, and packed by the oyster farmers in our packing plant. Oyster Farmer duties include harvesting, cleaning, sorting, packing oysters, seed handling, biofouling control, and gear maintenance. Most of the jobs on the farm are physically demanding; there should be no aversion to manual labor.

Specific responsibilities

Sort, wash, and pack oysters in fulfillment of orders.
Accurately measure and fill seed into our harvest bags and deploy them at our river leases.
Harvest market sized oysters and restock inventory.
Carry out biofouling control processes.
Raise and sink gear in accordance with our overwintering plan.
Aid in repairing gear as needed both on land and on water.
Uphold sanitation and safety regulations within the packing plant and on the water while working on our river leases.
Take direction from supervisors and give a solid effort as member of our team.
Take accountability for actions and work to follow-through on Mook Sea Farm’s efforts.
Improve initial efficiencies.
Be available and flexible for work outside of 8 hours or 5 days a week
Maintain a clean/organized locker space.
Comply with all Mook Sea Farm standards and policies.
Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Employees are not expected to come into the job with previous experience but are expected to learn the necessary skills effectively and in a timely manner. Previous experience with manual labor is preferred. We can train the right person who has an interest in the work we’re doing, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic. This is a great opportunity to learn more about large-scale oyster farming.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Teamwork & collaboration, as well as ability to take ownership of tasks and work independently.
Flexibility and ability to follow directions.
Clear and direct communication.
Ability to think critically and systematically and problem solve.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Previous experience with manual labor is a plus.
Willingness to work in a variety of challenging conditions.

Physical Requirements

This position requires an average of eight hours per day of standing and moving, and requires physical strength, balance, hand-eye coordination, and stamina necessary to complete tasks in the plant and on the river. The position requires an ability to lift push and/or pull up to 75 pounds repeatedly, and the manual dexterity as needed to operate a variety of equipment. Should be able to tolerate exposure to typical noises associated with oyster farming.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.
Reports to: River Manager & Packing Plant Manager

Schedule and Pay

Paydays are bi-weekly on Thursdays. The schedule is Monday - Friday every week. The shifts are scheduled for 6am-2pm daily. Daily shifts are approximately 8 hours; however, this position requires a flexible work schedule that may vary in the number of hours worked in a day, or in which the stop times may vary because we are responsible for live oysters. Holiday and weekend work is occasionally required. Benefits include paid time off, retirement, short-term disability, health, vision, and dental insurance.

Location: 321 State Rt 129, Walpole, ME 04573

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 – 45 per week

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Health savings account
Paid time off
Parental leave
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Atlantic Aqua Farms Ltd

Latest Jobs

Oyster Farmer