Shellfish Farm Hand

Baywater Inc • Full-time • Port Ludlow, Washington State, United States • USD $21 / hour • 1w ago

Job Summary

Employees at Baywater play a crucial role in the cultivation of our oysters, clams, and geoduck. Team members support the day-to-day operations of our shellfish farm, including harvesting, planting, and maintaining shellfish beds. This role requires physical endurance, reliability, and the ability to work safely and efficiently in an outdoor marine environment.

Successful candidates work well in a collaborative team environment, communicate effectively, maintain a positive attitude, and prioritize safety at all times. Reliable transportation to and from the worksite is required.

Duties & Responsibilities

As a Shellfish Farm Hand, your primary responsibilities will include participating in year-round shellfish farming operations such as:

Harvesting oysters, clams, and geoduck
Planting and transplanting shellfish
Handling shellfish bags and attaching them to grow lines
Removing and re-installing gear as part of farm maintenance
Maintaining clean and organized beach and work areas
Safely operating around boats, farm equipment, and shellfish gear
Supporting other operational tasks assigned by the crew supervisor

Crew members must be capable of safely lifting up to 50 pounds regularly for 6–8 hours per day, often on uneven terrain and in outdoor conditions. Duties may require wading in water up to knee height.

Team members are expected to follow all farm safety procedures and wear appropriate protective clothing at all times.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

The physical requirements described below represent those required to perform the essential functions of this job:

Employees must be able to:

Sit, stand, and/or walk on uneven ground
Stoop, bend, kneel, twist, and squat
Lift up to 50 lbs regularly, with occasional exertion up to 125 lbs
Drag up to 150 lbs when required
Use hands for repetitive grasping, pushing, pulling, and manipulation
Maintain balance and agility when working on boats, equipment, or uneven terrain
Work outdoors in all weather conditions (wet, cold, hot, windy)
Occasionally wade in water up to knee height
Meet vision requirements including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment
Hear and speak clearly enough to communicate with coworkers and supervisors
Swim when necessary for safety

Conditions of Employment

Employees must:

Complete safety orientation before working on the beach
Follow all farm safety requirements and wear appropriate protective gear
Work within a buddy system for safety
Work effectively with other crew members
Maintain respectful conduct around neighboring properties and shoreline communities
Maintain clean work areas and remove any garbage from the beach
Submit accurate time sheets every half-month pay period
Have reliable transportation to the worksite
Provide their own basic rain gear and boots

Typical schedule includes:

7-8 hour shifts
Day shift
Monday through Friday, occassional weekend work depending on low-tide schedule

Schedule may vary depending on tides, weather, and operational needs.

Qualifications

Preferred

Previous farming, aquaculture, or outdoor manual labor experience (1 year preferred)

Required

Valid driver's license
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Ability to communicate effectively in English for safety purposes

Work Location

This position is in person and based on Baywater Shellfish's farm location on the Hood Canal.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Baywater Shellfish is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Work Location: In person