Lead Processing Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $28.00/hour

This position does not offer relocation reimbursement. Preference will be given to applicants already residing in Kona or on Hawaii Island or in the Hawaiian Islands.

About Us

Blue Ocean Mariculture is the leader in sustainable open-ocean aquaculture in the USA. We are the exclusive producer of Hawaiian Kanpachi, a premium sashimi-grade fish coveted by chefs at top sushi and fine dining restaurants everywhere. Hawaiian Kanpachi are raised in the clear, clean waters off Kona, Hawaii using the most environmentally sustainable farming methods.

Our company offers an amazing opportunity to work with a team of passionate individuals who care deeply about aquaculture, the sustainability of our oceans, and responsible fish farming. We are on a mission to promote ethical production of fish, and we're looking for people who share our values. Join us and make a positive impact on the world!

Benefits We Offer

• Health Insurance Plan with 85% company-paid premiums for just you or your qualified family members. Blue Ocean offers medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage with two different health carriers to choose from.
  
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with up to 4% company match with a plethora of self-directed investment allocations so you choose how your contributions are invested.
  
• Paid Time Off (PTO) with a starting accrual of four (4) weeks per year (160 hours), increasing at three (3) years and six (6) years of working with Blue Ocean.
• Paid Community Service Hours up to 24 hours per year through independent volunteering or with Blue Ocean group activities.
• Let's Eat Fish! allowance of up to $100 per month (you can order weekly) of Hawaiian Kanpachi in either whole fish, filets, or Kanpachi collars.
  

About the Role

The Lead Processing Technician is responsible for collecting and compiling wholesale and locally distributed order information, harvest data, pack data, quality assurance documentation, and all other relevant data to contribute to the efficiency and quality of the Processing operation. They are responsible for making sure all data is entered and maintained correctly in the database and/or software system and communicated to the appropriate team members in a timely manner. The Lead Processing Technician must work closely with the Processing Team Leads and Processing Team Members to ensure adherence to departmental procedures, quality standards, production plans/timelines and distribution requirements. This position works closely with management but reports to the Processing Manager.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily production operations, including data collection, input, troubleshooting, and decision-making.
• Oversee wholesale boxing and distribution of whole and cut fish sales orders.
• Verify quality control standards at each production stage; complete check sheets and enter required data.
• Manage inventory using FIFO practices based on harvest dates.
• Coordinate with Sales to prioritize order fulfillment, customer preferences, and inventory allocation.
• Follow protocols for accurate use and tracking of packaging materials; conduct physical counts and submit inventory reports by deadline.
• Develop daily/weekly production schedules in coordination with the Processing Manager.
• Ensure timely and accurate entry of harvest data and proper labeling/placement of packing lists.
• Create and maintain spreadsheets to analyze production data and support business decisions.
• Perform data quality checks and confirm all outbound orders are labeled and organized for shipment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives (automation, quality control, facility upgrades, efficiency).
• Assist with implementation and follow-up of department changes and initiatives.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for assigned responsibilities.
• Work in refrigerated, freezer, and outdoor environments (as low as -10F / -23C) to include working in heat (temperatures in excess of 100F/38C), sunlight, rain, wind.

What You'll Bring

Required and Preferred Skills

• Advanced skills in MS Excel and proficiency in other MS Office applications along with Google Suite.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience with senior managers.
• Ability to document daily tasks and effectively communicate work progress status.
• Valid drivers license in good standing.

Highly Desired Skills

• Previous experience in food handling or working in a food processing environment
• Knowledge of regulatory food safety and sanitation practices, including HACCP or similar protocols
  

Preference will be given to candidates already residing in Hawaii.

We are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

We embrace diversity and equal opportunity. Blue Ocean is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.