Deployment Vessel Skipper

Rare Foods Australia (ASX: RFA) is expanding and has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Skipper to be a part of our unique seafood operation. Join our specialist Ranch team and help us continue to lead the world in the sustainable production of seafood from our base in the Margaret River region of Western Australia.

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.

Our founder Brad Adams was last year named MSC’s Sustainability Hero and we have recently won the WA Export Awards for 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

Our ocean ranch nurtures and grows greenlip abalone for distribution to international chefs around the world. A unique and specialist process, perfected through the years, it requires expert hands to manage the journey.

The main role of our Deployment Vessel Skipper is to drive and lead a small deck team on the Kon Dios [CG1] to ensure the ranching process is carried out and the deployment vessel cleanliness work remains on schedule as we implement and maintain our 7 year strategy.

The role is hands-on, team-orientated, fast-paced and offers an opportunity to join a dynamic, growth-focused seafood business.

If you enjoy innovative thinking and constant challenge, we’d be happy to hear from you. This opportunity will allow the right person to blend their love of the ocean and boats to grow into leadership roles in an exciting business. The role will require the successful candidate to live in Augusta or regional centres close by, such as Margaret River. For those relocating from outside of Western Australia we do have free rudimentary accommodation available to support the transition over the first 3 months of employment.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

If you enjoy innovative thinking and constant challenge, we’d be happy to hear from you. This opportunity will allow

• Weekly planning and rosters that can be communicated amongst the team.
• Undertake preventative maintenance and repairs on vessels and machinery.
• Provide accurate reports on productivity and progress.
• Work collaboratively with the team to ensure timely and efficient delivery of our plans and tasks
• Deployment and supporting work with ocean-cellaring.

YOUR KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop and implement agreed safety management programs and effective risk mitigation plans.
• Design, implement and maintain effective planning and scheduling routines that will deliver operating goals.
• Develop, maintain and implement effective and productive operating systems, routines, work practices and standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain an effective Recruitment, Induction, Performance Management, and Training programs for all direct reports.
• Lead, develop and implement an effective Deployment Vessel Maintenance system.
• Develop and apply a program required to satisfy all Government and Regulatory compliance requirements.
• Develop the required procedures to comply with Company policies.
• Develop and apply a program to deliver continuous improvement in areas of, productivity, quality and cost management.

CHALLENGES

• Work in a fast paced and frequently changing environment while meeting deadlines that align with the 7 year master schedule.
• Ability to be forward thinking and agile regarding establishing plans and process improvements.
• Always communicate in a respectful and professional manner.
• Drive the team to be motivated to achieve the team and company goals. 
• Ability to work in challenging conditions, including cold and windy conditions.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Master 5 Skipper Certification.
• HPJW(High Pressure Jet Water) Assistant course (desirable). However RFA will cover training for this once employed.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Safety Conscious with experience in open ocean operations.
• Performance and target driven.
• Solutions focused and strong leadership skills to be able to manage a small deck team.

SELECTION CRITERIA

In your email to us, please provide the following information about yourself:

• Current residential address.
• Schooling (level achieved).
• Details of current driver’s license (including license class).
• Your availability to attend work.

The role is full-time and based at our Augusta facility. It will require the successful candidate to live in Augusta or regional centres close by.

HOW TO APPLY

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious skipper who wants 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: [email protected].

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.

If you are ready for the challenge, get in touch today!