Aquaculture Operations Lead

Summary

NEOM is seeking a highly skilled Marine Aquaculture Operations Lead to join our dynamic Topian Aquaculture team. The ideal candidate will oversee and audit both land-based and marine operations, leading new farming projects from site selection to full operation. This role involves managing communications, procurement, permits, and stakeholder interactions. The candidate should excel in warm-water and tropical marine finfish aquaculture, with expertise in land-based hatchery and nursery operations supporting marine sites. The successful candidate will lead marine aquaculture farming teams, ensuring optimal farm operations and equipment installation.

Position description and responsibilities

Introduction

NEOM’s aims at providing opportunities for people to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives, while sustainably using the natural resources they depend on. NEOM works with governments, local and international businesses, knowledge institutes to transform ideas into policy, policy into action, and action into impact. NEOM uses its technical knowledge and experience, passionate staff, local presence, and global influence to make a lasting difference in people’s livability especially in desert like conditions in a world facing climate change.

As a Marine Aquaculture Operations Lead you will contribute to the success of our ambitious aquaculture projects in Saudi Arabia. You will support land and sea operations, lead new farming initiatives from initial site selection to full implementation, and ensure effective communication and coordination with various stakeholders. If you possess extensive experience in tropical marine finfish aquaculture and thrive in development of both land-based and marine projects, we invite you to apply and play a crucial role in advancing sustainable aquaculture in the Kingdom.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and audit both land-based and marine aquaculture farm operations.
• Lead new farming projects from initial site selection to full operation.
• Develop and implement operational plans for tropical marine finfish aquaculture farms.
• Collaborate with the Fish Health team to monitor and assess the health and welfare of farmed fish.
• Perform routine health checks and administer treatments as necessary.
• Monitor and report on the growth and performance of farmed fish.
• Maintain accurate records of farmed fish health, feeding, growth, and production performance.
• Coordinate with hatchery staff, including those in land-based hatcheries, to ensure successful transfer and nursery operations.
• Monitor water quality parameters and adjust as necessary to support optimal development of the fish stock.
• Ensure farming systems and equipment are maintained and cleaned regularly.
• Monitor and troubleshoot equipment to ensure optimal farm operation.
• Assist in the design and setup of new aquaculture systems, including land-based systems and fully recirculating RAS facilities.
• Handle communications with internal and external stakeholders regarding farm operations.
• Manage procurement of equipment and supplies related to farm operations.
• Register and file for governmental permits and access to sites as needed.
• Manage meetings and set up workshops to discuss farm management practices.
• Interact with government and non-governmental stakeholders in the Kingdom and internationally.
• Oversee site selection, mooring design, deployment, and oceanographic surveys for marine sites.
• Lead and manage marine aquaculture farming teams to ensure optimal farm operations and equipment installation.
• Implement biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks in farming operations.

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong knowledge of marine and land-based aquaculture farm operations.
• Proficiency in water quality management and disease control.
• Excellent observational and analytical skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience working in diverse and multi-cultural teams.
• Experience with tropical marine finfish species.
• Knowledge of biosecurity measures and protocols.
• Experience in equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with governmental regulations and permit processes in aquaculture.
• Strong project management skills, including planning and resource allocation.
• Ability to conduct training and provide mentorship to junior staff.
• Proficient in data management and record-keeping.
• Experience with fully recirculating RAS aquaculture facilities and land-based farm management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, or a related field (preferred but not mandatory).
• At least 5 years of experience in marine and/or land-based aquaculture farm management or a related field.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing operational plans for aquaculture farms.
• Experience with routine health checks and administering treatments to marine and land-based fish.
• Experience with tropical marine finfish aquaculture.
• Proven experience in managing aquaculture farm operations and equipment installation.
• Proficiency in water quality management and disease control techniques.
• Knowledge of biosecurity measures and protocols to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Experience in project management, including planning, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills, both internal and external.