Job title
Farm Operations Manager – Oyster Farm.
Company
Swahili Coast Farms.
Description of the job
Swahili Coast Farms is seeking an experienced, proactive, and hands-on Farm Manager to oversee daily operations at their oyster farming site in Kenya. The company is Kenya's first commercial oyster farm, committed to cultivating premium sustainable oysters while creating inclusive economic opportunities for youth and coastal communities.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating farming activities, supervising staff, maintaining farm infrastructure, ensuring biosecurity and compliance, and supporting growth and innovation in operational systems. Through regenerative aquaculture practices and conservation-conscious operations, the company aims to become a leader in the blue economy.
This is a full-time position that requires working in physically demanding environments and variable weather conditions.
Farm Operations Management:
- Oversee daily farm activities including oyster handling, tumbling, grading, harvesting, and farm maintenance.
- Monitor and manage oyster growth cycles and mortality rates.
- Ensure the implementation of best aquaculture practices (BAP) and safety protocols.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date farm records (e.g., stock movement, production data, water quality logs).
Team Supervision & Capacity Building:
- Manage and support farm technicians, casual workers and interns on site.
- Conduct on-the-job training for youth and new hires.
- Foster a culture of discipline, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community respect.
Environmental Monitoring & Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with KeFS, NEMA, KMFRI, BMU, and other regulatory standards.
- Oversee regular water quality testing and environmental monitoring.
- Identify and report unusual biodiversity to relevant partners.
Infrastructure & Equipment Management:
- Supervise the maintenance of farm.
- Track inventory and ensure timely procurement of materials and farm inputs.
- Coordinate minor repairs and liaise with technical contractors as needed.
Reporting & Communication:
- Prepare and submit scheduled reports on overall farm performance.
- Participate in stakeholder meetings (e.g., BMU, local government, researchers).
- Collaborate with research, conservation, marketing, finance, or business development teams when required.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
- Identify areas for operational efficiency and sustainability improvements.
- Contribute to the development of new farming techniques, value addition opportunities, and pilot trials.
Requirements
Essential:
- Degree in Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Environmental Science, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in aquaculture, preferably shellfish or marine farming.
- Strong leadership and staff supervision experience.
- Comfortable working in and around water; strong swimmer and diver.
- Good understanding of coastal ecosystems and environmental compliance.
- Can drive a manual vehicle.
- Fit to lift and pull heavy.
Desirable:
- Familiarity with Kenyan aquaculture regulations and BMU operations.
- Boat operation experience and small engine maintenance knowledge.
- Offshore operations skills (mooring, anchoring, marine knots etc).
- Proficiency in Swahili and English (written and spoken).
Key Competencies:
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and reporting skills.
- Detail-oriented with excellent record-keeping.
- Problem-solving mindset and adaptability.
- Passion for sustainability, youth empowerment, and marine conservation.
- Ability to work in physically demanding environments and variable weather.
Location
Gazi, Kwale County, Kenya.
Salary
Not specified.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to talktous@swahilicoastfarms.com with the subject line: Farm Operations Manager Application – [Your Name]. Position will remain open until successfully filled.
Deadline
31/12/2025
Disclaimer
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