Aquaculture Farm Manager - Marine Species

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation on-site near farm

Health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Aquaculture Farm Manager to oversee a marine species facility near Polokwane. This on-site role leads daily operations, feeding, water quality, health management, and biosecurity to ensure stock health and successful harvests.

You will manage a farm team, maintain records, and implement best practices in environmental control, feeding programs, and cost management. A Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in aquaculture are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of aquaculture farm management experience.
• Experience with water quality control and husbandry for marine species.
• Strong leadership and record-keeping capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily farm operations, feeding, water quality and environmental control.
• Lead and train farm technicians and laborers, ensuring safety.
• Implement biosecurity measures and monitor stock health.
• Manage harvesting operations and ensure product quality.
• Maintain records of stock performance, water quality, feed usage and costs.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and best practices.
• Plan for expansion and improvement projects.
• Maintain farm inventory of feed, chemicals, and equipment.

Skills

Farm management

Team leadership

Record-keeping

Problem solving

Aquaculture knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aquaculture or related field

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing leader in sustainable aquaculture, is seeking an experienced Aquaculture Farm Manager to oversee their marine species farm located near Polokwane.

This is a critical on-site role responsible for the daily management and operational success of the aquaculture facility. The Farm Manager will oversee all aspects of fish husbandry, including breeding, feeding, water quality management, disease prevention, and harvesting. This position requires a deep understanding of aquatic biology, aquaculture systems, and farm management principles. You will be responsible for ensuring the health and productivity of the stock, maintaining high standards of biosecurity, and managing the farm team effectively. The ideal candidate will possess strong operational skills, a commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve challenges in a dynamic production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily farm operations, including feeding programs, water quality monitoring, and environmental control.
• Oversee the health and welfare of farmed fish species, implementing disease prevention and treatment protocols.
• Supervise and train farm technicians and laborers, ensuring efficient task execution and safety.
• Implement and maintain biosecurity measures to prevent disease introduction and spread.
• Monitor fish growth and performance, making adjustments to feeding and husbandry practices as needed.
• Manage harvesting operations, ensuring product quality and efficient processing.
• Maintain detailed records of stock performance, water quality, feed consumption, and operational costs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and industry best practices.
• Manage farm inventory, including feed, chemicals, and equipment.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of farm expansion and improvement projects.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aquaculture farm management, preferably with marine species.
• Strong knowledge of fish biology, nutrition, health management, and breeding systems.
• Proven experience in managing water quality parameters and environmental controls in aquaculture.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a farm team.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic farm management software.
• A commitment to sustainable and ethical aquaculture practices.
• Ability to work in challenging environmental conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive salary, with potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Accommodation on or near the farm may be provided.
• Employees receive health insurance benefits and access to retirement savings plans.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in advanced aquaculture techniques are available.
• Paid annual leave and a supportive team environment are key advantages.

Our client is dedicated to fostering a safe and productive workplace.