Oyster Processing Assistant

Job Description

Job title: Oyster Processing Assistant

Job type: Full-time

Location: Hayes, VA

Schedule: The schedule is Monday-Friday every week. Early mornings are expected on days for harvest; harvests can start as early as 6am. Expected weekly hours are 40-45 hours a week.

Reports to: Owner, CEO, Facility Manager

How to apply: Please email your resume and a short cover letter to jobs@mathesonoyster.com

Summary

• The Processing Assistant will work directly under the Facility Manager in assisting our team in the day-to-day organization and execution of operations within the processing facility. The primary responsibilities will focus on grading and the completion of packing market orders.
• This role will have a secondary responsibility of partnering with the Farm Technicians and assisting with any farm needs
  
  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Grading, washing, and packing oysters in fulfillment of orders
• Partner with the Facility Manager on the upkeep, maintenance, and cleanliness of equipment and facilities. Specifically, the Processing Assistant must maintain a clean and organized processing facility and yard at all times
• Ensure building is prepared and ready ahead of time for grades and market activities
• Uphold sanitation and safety regulations at all times, both in the processing facility and when on the farm
• Operate small and heavy medium machinery such as pallet jacks, tractors, forklifts, and trucks
• Take direction from supervisors and support teammates
• Comply with all Matheson Oyster Co. standard operating procedures and internal policies
  
  

Additional Duties

• Assist the Farm Technicians and Farm Manager with farm husbandry activities
• Secondary activities include, but are not limited to: bringing baskets in to run for grades, running grades, returning oysters to the farm, harvest staging, and general farm equipment maintenance
• Assist in the Nursery Coordinator in the upkeep and grading of seasonal upweller tanks
• Anticipate and prepare any gear needed for for the farm or farm expansion
• Maintain a clean and organized environment both in company equipment and personal belongings such as locker space and fridge space
• Communicate both over email and verbally with other employees and managers
  
  

Expectations

• Positive attitude and friendly demeanor
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions from supervisors
• Highly organized and able to calmly handle busy situations
• Self-starter and strong work ethic
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment
• Consistently arrives to work on time
• 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
• Individuals must adhere to all safety standards, including proper use of personal protective equipment and sun-protective measures
  
  

Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. They must have the ability to track progress toward assigned goals and review/communicate that progress with management. In addition, the individual must be punctual, have a good attendance record, and have reliable means of transportation to work.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Must have a valid Virginia driver’s license
• Must have a reliable phone and access to email
• Must attend a HACCP certification class once employed
• Must either already be living in/near Gloucester, VA or willing to relocate within ~30 mile radius
• Swimming proficiency
• Cultural fit
  
  

Physical demands & work environment

This position is a physically demanding job requiring physical strength, hand-eye coordination, balance, and stamina needed to complete processing and the occasional farm tasks.

• Regularly standing and walking for extended periods of time
• Regularly walking on a variety of surfaces: wet, uneven, elevated, or graveled
• Applicants should be able to lift and handle 50 pounds without difficulty, often repeatedly
  
  

Work environment includes exposure to heat and cold of indoor and outdoor environment; risk associated with work in the Mobjack Bay; water craft; sharp knives and barnacles (cut risk); loud noise; risk associated with lifting, mechanical machinery, wet or uneven ground surfaces. The work environment entails a fast-paced frequently changing environment in which interruptions are considered normal. In addition, the noise level in this work environment is high.

Salary

• Starting salary is $18/hour
• There is a 90 day training period associated with this role
  
  

Company Description

Matheson Oyster Co. is a female-owned and family-operated company based in Gloucester, VA. We grow aquaculture-raised oysters in Virginia’s Mobjack Bay using an adjustable longline system and Flip Farm. We start the oysters at seed size and grow them through adulthood. Since beginning operations in 2022, Matheson Oyster has expanded to selling our WavelengthTM oysters up and down the East Coast and Gulf Coast. In addition to growing a half shell-market oyster, we always strive to make the most environmentally-friendly operational choices for our business. This is an opportunity to be a part of an innovative team of people who are passionate about oysters and the future of Virginia aquaculture. Please check out our website to learn more about us: mathesonoyster.com

Matheson Oyster Co. is a female-owned and family-operated company based in Gloucester, VA. We grow aquaculture-raised oysters in Virginia’s Mobjack Bay using an adjustable longline system and Flip Farm. We start the oysters at seed size and grow them through adulthood. Since beginning operations in 2022, Matheson Oyster has expanded to selling our WavelengthTM oysters up and down the East Coast and Gulf Coast. In addition to growing a half shell-market oyster, we always strive to make the most environmentally-friendly operational choices for our business. This is an opportunity to be a part of an innovative team of people who are passionate about oysters and the future of Virginia aquaculture. Please check out our website to learn more about us: mathesonoyster.com