Head of Freshwater Farming

Barcaldine, near Oban, Scotland

Following the successful first generation of smolts reared at our £58M Barcaldine RAS Hatchery, our Head of Freshwater Farming is heading home to Norway, creating a rare opportunity for a highly skilled, commercially astute successor to help deliver our plans for growth. 

With 42 marine farms located around Scotland’s west coast and Northern Isles, Scottish Sea Farms already supplies premium quality salmon to customers in over 24 countries. On course to deliver 39kt in 2021, our five-year ambition is to be producing 50kt by 2025. 

Achieving this will involve steadily increasing volumes at our Barcaldine Hatchery to full operational capacity. We also have plans to develop our own bespoke post-smolt facility capable of producing fish up to 500g and further shortening the time required at sea. 

About the role

With a sector-leading team in place, we’re looking for a stand-out candidate capable of overseeing all freshwater farming activities, both at Barcaldine and our flow-through Knock Hatchery on nearby Mull: from strategic and operational planning, to people development and succession planning.

Strong working relationships with marine colleagues will be every bit as important, helping ensure the smoothest transition for our fish and maximising survival once at sea. 

About you

First and foremost, you’ll be a freshwater farmer who understands the importance of giving our fish the very best start and who has a proven track record of pairing intuition with innovation to deliver high quality, highly conditioned fish. 

You’ll be equally adept at getting the very best out of your team, nurturing and developing individuals according to their natural attributes and skill-sets.

Ideally, you’ll have some understanding of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and rearing fish in a controlled environment: biofilter processes, maturation, water chemistry, the lot. Experience of the design and build of such a RAS system, whilst not essential, would also be advantageous.

Competitive package

In return, we’ll offer a competitive salary reflective of your experience, along with personal pension, private healthcare and bonus scheme.

An equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitable qualified persons. (Please note, if applying from outside of the UK you will be required to provide your right to work papers.)

To arrange an informal, confidential conversation about the role, email tracy.bryant-shaw@scottishseafarms.com. Applications will close on Wednesday 4 November 2020.