Farm Assistant

Job Details

Matheson Oyster Co. is looking for a positive and hardworking individual to join our team as a Farm Assistant. This is a hands-on role with year round work assisting our team in growing, harvesting, and processing oysters for market. Working on an oyster farm is very physical and requires diligence, attention to detail, and an easy-going temperament. If you get gratification from working with your hands, being part of a team, and creating a great product, this would be a perfect fit for you.

Role & Responsibilities:

The Farm Assistant will work under management both on the farm and in the processing facility. When on the farm, you would work on the Mobjack Bay, both in the water and on the boat, taking care of oysters as they grow to market size. Once they are ready to be sold, the Farm Assistant will help harvest them from the farm and then assist in the washing, grading, and packing of the oysters. Other duties include seed handling, biofoul management, and gear maintenance.

• Grading, washing, and packing oysters in fulfillment of orders

• Assist in harvesting market-ready oysters and refilling inventory on farm

• General farm maintenance tasks such as biofoul management, gear maintenance, data collection, etc.

• Assist with the upkeep, maintenance, and cleanliness of equipment and facilities

• Assist with install of additional farm sites

• Maintain a clean and organized environment, both in company equipment and personal belongings such as locker space and fridge space

• Uphold sanitation and safety regulations at all times, both in the processing facility and on the farm

• Take direction from supervisors and support teammates

• Comply with all Matheson Oyster Co. standard operating procedures and internal policies

• Other duties as assigned

Expectations:

• Positive attitude and friendly demeanor

• Self-starter and strong work ethic

• Ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment

• Consistently arrive to work on time

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions

• Communicate clearly with your team and supervisors

• Comfortable being in and near the water, as well as in a boat setting

• Comfortable working in inclement outdoor conditions and in an indoor refrigerated environment

• Must be able to work flexible morning hours to accommodate the tide schedule.

• Individuals must adhere to all safety standards, including proper use of personal protective equipment and sun-protective measures.

Requirements

Applicants are not expected to come into the job with previous experience working oysters, but are expected to learn the necessary skills on the job effectively and in a timely manner. 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 physically demanding and active job which at times involves extended periods of repetitive and strenuous work. Applicants should be able to lift and handle 50 pounds without difficulty.

• Valid driver's license and your own vehicle is required

• Ability to operate a boat with a Virginia’s Boating License is preferred. If this is not already possessed, a willingness to learn immediately is a must

• Willingness to learn how to operate a tractor

• Previous experience with manual labor is helpful

• Carpentry skills a plus, although not required

• Must have an iPhone or Android to download farm management app to use while on the farm

• Willingness to take a HACCP certification class once employed

• Must either already be living in/near Gloucester, VA or willing to relocate within ~30 mile radius

Physical Requirements:

This position requires an average of eight hours per day of standing and moving; it also requires the physical strength, hand-eye coordination, balance, and stamina needed to complete farm and processing tasks. Applicants should be able to lift and handle 50 pounds without difficulty, often repeatedly.

Contact Information

Please send your resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to jobs@mathesonoyster.com. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Matheson Oyster Co. is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy that employees and applicants will not be subjected to unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran’s status, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable state, federal, or local laws.