Aquaculture Technician
Location: Sneads Ferry, NC
Part-time | On-site | Grit Required
Hold Fast Oyster Company takes pride in producing some of the most highly coveted southern oysters right here in Sneads Ferry, NC. Our dedication to aquaculture involves year-round farming in a dynamic, ever-changing coastal environment. It demands patience, resilience, a serious work ethic, and then even more patience to grow unmatched southern oysters.
We’re on a mission to infuse exuberant energy into everything we do. It’s more than a motto. It’s a mindset. Around here, if the enthusiasm isn’t a resounding "HECK YES", then it’s an unequivocal "HECK NO!"
We are searching for someone who matches that spirit to join our crew as an Aquaculture Technician. Someone who’s not afraid to get their hands (and boots) dirty, embrace the grind, and be part of a growing company with big ambitions and salty roots.
What We Value:
At Hold Fast, our work is rooted in a set of values that guide how we farm, how we show up, and how we grow:
- Community – We believe anything is possible when we connect through shared purpose.
- Stewardship – The earth and her oceans are ours to care for.
- Perseverance – It takes a lot of hard work, learning, making mistakes, never giving up, and loving what we do to grow a darn good oyster!
- Curiosity – “The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.” – Albert Einstein
- Optimism – There are always possibilities; we just have to look for them.
If these values resonate with you, there’s a good chance you’ll thrive with us.
What You'll Do:
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions to manage oyster grow-out operations, from seed to market size
- Handle gear maintenance, cleaning, and deployment (bags, cages, floats, etc.)
- Harvest and sort oysters by size and quality
- Support farm upkeep including dock, boat, and gear repair
- Load and unload gear and products efficiently and safely
- Assist with data collection, inventory, and production tracking
- Represent Hold Fast values while interacting with partners and visitors on the water or at events
What You Bring:
- A positive, team-first attitude with a serious work ethic
- Physical stamina and strength to lift 50+ lbs regularly and work long, active days
- Willingness to work in varying weather and water conditions (rain or shine, tide up or tide out)
- Experience with boats, marine equipment, or aquaculture is a plus, but we’ll train the right person
- A love for the outdoors, the water, and the idea of building something meaningful from the ground up
- A strong sense of pride in quality, craftsmanship, and Southern oyster culture
Bonus Points:
- You’re the kind of person who says “Let’s go” before the coffee kicks in
- You’ve got a playlist that can power through a 10-hour gear clean
- You believe in hard work, good food, and salty hands
To Apply:
Send us a note explaining why you're a "HECK YES" for this opportunity. Resumés are great, but attitude and energy matter more.
Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
