Company: Cermaq Newfoundland
Job Title: Smolt Facility Manager
Location: Marystown, NL
Venor is proud to partner with our client, Cermaq Newfoundland, in the recruitment of a Smolt Facility Manager for their Marystown operation.
About Cermaq
Cermaq is an international salmon farming company, which prides itself on playing a leadership role in the global sector. We have a team of more than 3500 employees across Chile, Canada and Norway. A committed team that is proud to grow nutritious seafood for a competitive global market. At Cermaq, you become part of a meaningful and consistently developing workplace. We offer a wide range of job opportunities, where you will be able to grow and learn in a rapidly advancing and dynamic sector. We support our employees’ personal development and make it possible for you to realize new ideas and initiatives. Our culture is informal and dedicated. We are smart people in rubber boots. We care for each other, for the environment and for our communities.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Freshwater Production Manager, the Smolt Facility Manager works both independently and within a team environment, maintaining a close working relationship with the Project Management team, senior management and freshwater staff. The Smolt Facility Manager ensures the highest welfare standards are met for Atlantic salmon production and understands the requirements of the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) with minimal direction. They ensure all staff are working safely and efficiently to meet production goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure all staff are appropriately trained in Cermaq’s procedures and safety practices.
- Mentorship & development of freshwater staff.
- Adjust site procedures and staff tasking as necessary to optimize production efficiency.
- Development, optimization, and implementation of sound husbandry practices.
- Collect, interpret, and report data, such as feeding, growth performance metrics and cost of production.
- Feed forecasting, ordering, inventory, and quality control.
- Material and equipment requirement projections.
- Develop and enforce biosecurity protocols.
- Troubleshooting and maintenance of a RAS system.
- Coordinate maintenance tasks with maintenance team members.
- Assist the Project Management team with planned projects and offer insight on production system development.
- Understand, enforce, and adhere to all government regulations and best practices.
- Coordinate fish movement events and ensure proper life stage adjustments.
- Implement emergency response systems.
- Foster communication and knowledge transfer within the Cermaq group of companies.
- Ensure full adherence to and compliance with all procedures and policies established by the Cermaq group of companies.
- Understand and adhere to government regulations, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), Workplace NL and Company biosecurity rules and practices.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in Aquaculture, Biology, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
- A minimum of 3–5 years of progressive experience in aquaculture, hatchery operations, or a related environment.
- Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience in an operational setting, with responsibility for team performance and accountability.
- Experience managing facility infrastructure, water systems, and equipment, including preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
- Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment, with accountability for safe work practices and regulatory compliance.
- Working knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements, including environmental, fish health, and occupational health and safety standards.
- Experience coordinating contractors and external service providers, including oversight of work and adherence to site requirements, is considered an asset.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess risk, prioritize work, and respond effectively in a dynamic operational environment.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines.
- Proven leadership capability, including the ability to supervise, coach, and hold teams accountable for performance and safety.
- Demonstrated ability to lead safety in a high-risk environment, including hazard identification, implementation of controls, and enforcement of safe work practices.
- Strong knowledge of preventive and corrective maintenance systems, including planning, scheduling, and execution.
- Ability to manage facility infrastructure, equipment reliability, and maintenance programs.
- Working knowledge of regulatory requirements, including environmental, fish health, and occupational health and safety standards.
- Strong understanding of SOPs, permits, and operational processes, with the ability to ensure consistency and compliance.
- Experience managing contractors and external service providers.
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proficiency with computer systems and maintenance/reporting tools.
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s license.
Employment with Cermaq
Cermaq is proud to support their employees health, wellbeing and work-life balance with the following perks and benefits:
- Sick, personal, and vacation leave.
- Employee Assistance Program with confidential counselling and wellness support.
- RRSP company matching up to 5%.
- Group benefits with cost-shared medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
- Career development opportunities.
- Safety-focused culture with a commitment to a safe, healthy, and respectful work environment.
We embrace a culture of belonging in the workplace. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you think, what you believe in, or who you love, we welcome your application. We all come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, bringing in unique perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC), women, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities. If you require any accommodation in the application and interview process, please let us know (including different materials or otherwise).
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please contact, Ryan Thistle at [email protected] OR Jessica Tibbs at [email protected]
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
