OCEAN INFRASTRUCTURE VESSEL – LEAD DECK HAND

at  Rare Foods Australia

Do you want to be a part of the growth story of Augusta’s largest employer as we scale up our sustainable and premium product range?
We have this FULL-TIME opportunity reporting to the Ranch Manager for people living in the South-West of WA or seriously considering a relocation to the area whether from the east coast or Perth metro.
The successful candidate will also get growth and upskilling opportunities as well as a possible pathway towards a Master 5 and / or Commercial Aquaculture qualification which would be considered for the right candidate.
Who we are
Rare Foods Australia (RFA) was founded on its innovative approach to sustainably produce highly sought-after wild-caught greenlip abalone off the pristine coast of Western Australia.
Our wild-enhanced fishery has earned the coveted Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification and our harvest from this globally unique fishery carries MSC’s blue tick – an internationally recognised symbol of sustainability.
Where we are headed
Today the business produces more than 20% of the world’s wild-caught greenlip abalone supply and has the capacity to expand.
With a strong growth agenda, the business has recently integrated other local wild-caught products including brownlip and roei abalone.
Leveraging its strengths and innovative spirit, the business is among the first in Australia to have completed trials of Ocean Cellared wine, in collaboration with award-winning wineries from the local Margaret River region.
After several successful trials RFA is now planning to scale Ocean Cellared products and integrate these exciting products into the business’s unique offerings.
The Opportunity
For the last three years, Ranch Management has significantly improved the organisational systems required to plan, organise, and undertake the required work to grow the ranches productive capacity.
We have over 10 years of data indicating clearly ABITAT harvest declines from an average 20/ABITAT, down to as low as 4.5kg/ABITAT due to biofouling (the cleanliness) of the ABITAT surface. We have developed a strategy to continually refurbish ABITATS to a standard of cleanliness which underpins our 7-Year Strategy.
Our Ocean infrastructure Vessel, (the Kon Dios) is a critical component of our strategy. The vessel was originally used for the deployment of the ABITATs, today it is integral to delivering the cleanliness standard to support improved production growth.
This work is the lynch pin of our wild caught abalone production. ABITAT cleanliness dictates the ocean work priorities, to maintain, deploy new juveniles or harvest commercial grade stock. It’s imperative that the Ocean Infrastructure Vessel remains on schedule.
The Ocean Infrastructure Vessel Lead Deckhand will support the Ocean Infrastructure Vessel Skipper to ensure the planning, equipment maintenance and quality standards to achieve ocean infrastructure goals. With ever changing ocean conditions it is imperative that this is done whilst ensuring a safe working environment.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Complete the work to deliver the reef relocation plan to the required safety, productivity, and quality standards.
• 100% compliance to agreed daily plan
• Vessel and Equipment maintenance
• Assistance to the Vessel skipper with any required vessel maintenance
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of all safety, maintenance, and processing within RFA
• Handle Ocean Cellared wine from underwater cellars in the foreseeable future.

Your Key Accountabilities

• Always practice safe work and actively participate in safety awareness
• Aligns with Rare Foods Australia Values and Behaviours
• Participate, provides insight, and support the implementation of the weekly/fortnight plan.
• 100% compliance to the quality standards
• Assist with vessel and equipment maintenance.
• Actively Identify Improvement opportunities and present plans for Improvement
• As required, support other Ranch and Processing tasks

Challenges

• Ability to work in a fast-paced and frequently changing environment while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
• Ability to assist internal and external stakeholders, or refer to the appropriate person/team within the ranch.
• Always communicate in a respectful and professional manner.
• Willingness to take on tasks outside the deckhand remit to support on-land ranch operations.
• Ability to work in challenging conditions, including cold and windy conditions.

Skills & Experiences

• Ability to complete a pre-employment medical and pass a drug and alcohol test
• Ability to obtain a certificate of competencies to use high pressure water jetting equipment.
• Previous relevant experience
• Desire and proven ability to work at sea operating onboard heavy lifting equipment
• Ability to work in close quarters within a small team
• Current Drivers License

Highly desirable

• Experience with rigging
• Aquaculture experience
• Current Senior First Aid and CPR
• Forklift licence

How to Apply
This is a fantastic opportunity for deckhands wanting to grow into leadership roles in a performance-based work culture.
If you would like to be considered for this role, please submit your CV via email (including the information which has been requested above). All enquiries are welcome and can be directed to: hr@rarefoods.com.au.
You may also apply via the Careers section on our website.
The Company will only consider candidates who have unrestricted eligibility to work in Australia and are residing in Augusta or surrounding regions.

• Complete the work to deliver the reef relocation plan to the required safety, productivity, and quality standards.
• 100% compliance to agreed daily plan
• Vessel and Equipment maintenance
• Assistance to the Vessel skipper with any required vessel maintenance
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of all safety, maintenance, and processing within RFA
• Handle Ocean Cellared wine from underwater cellars in the foreseeable future