Lead Facilities Technician

About Us

Blue Ocean Mariculture was founded in 2009 to pursue the sustainable farming of local Hawaiian marine finfish. We are proud to be the only open ocean mariculture farm in the United States. With first-hand experience in commercial capture fisheries and understand that some farming of the oceans is necessary and inevitable.

We are the exclusive producer of Seriola rivoliana, better known by the market name Hawaiian Kanpachi, a premium sashimi-grade fish coveted by chefs at top sushi and fine dining restaurants everywhere. Hawaiian Kanpachi is raised in the clear, clean waters off Kona, Hawaii, using the most environmentally sustainable aquaculture 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.

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.
• Referral Program encourages current team members to refer a qualified candidate to Blue Ocean and, if they're hired and complete 12 months of employment, the team member and the qualified candidate may each be eligible for a $1,500 bonus, subject to program requirements.

About the Position

The hands on Lead Maintenance Technician is to support the day-to-day operation and upkeep of our seafood processing facility. The position combines routine equipment maintenance and basic repairs with planning, recordkeeping, spare-parts organization, and coordination of outside service providers.

The ideal candidate has practical mechanical aptitude, takes initiative, follows through on details, and communicates clearly with plant personnel, supervisors, and contractors. This is a working lead role: the person helps organize and conduct maintenance work, but is not expected to be a licensed electrician, refrigeration technician, or expert in every mechanical trade.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain and follow preventive maintenance schedules for processing equipment, refrigeration, pumps, motors, and facility systems.
• Keep accurate maintenance logs, work orders, equipment records, and lists of open items; consistently close the loop on follow-up work.
• Organize maintenance tools, parts, and supplies; monitor critical spares and communicate purchasing or reorder needs.
• Work with the supervisor to establish daily priorities and report progress, delays, equipment risks, and next steps.
• Perform routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, filter and belt changes, and minor mechanical repairs.
• Assist with troubleshooting production equipment, vacuum packaging systems, pumps, motors, and basic electrical or mechanical components within training and authorization.
• Identify recurring problems, recommend practical corrective actions, and promptly escalate work requiring a licensed trade or specialized contractor.
• Carry out basic facility upkeep, including corrosion control, painting, and minor repairs as needed.
• Be a primary on-site contact for approved refrigeration, electrical, equipment, and facility service providers.
• Clearly describe issues, share photos, service histories, and manuals, help schedule visits, and obtain information needed for quotes.
• Coordinate access and timing with production staff; keep the supervisor informed of cost, downtime, status, and outstanding needs.
• Confirm completion of service work, record what was done, and follow up on unresolved issues, parts, or return visits.
• Provide timely, concise updates to the supervisor and production team, especially for equipment failures and potential downtime.
• Follow plant safety, sanitation, food-safety, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) procedures while performing maintenance.
• Use appropriate PPE and follow lockout/tagout and other equipment-isolation procedures when trained and authorized.
• Maintain a clean, orderly work area; cooperate with coworkers and outside service personnel to support safe, reliable operations.

Qualifications

• Approximately 1–3 years of experience in maintenance, facilities, equipment service, or a production environment; relevant hands-on experience may substitute for formal training.
• Familiarity with food processing, packaging equipment, refrigeration, pumps, motors, pneumatic systems, or basic electrical controls.
• Trade-school coursework, mechanical training, or experience coordinating contractors and service calls.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated organization, attention to detail, reliability, and a consistent habit of documenting and following up on work.
• Excellent communication skills and a professional, respectful approach with coworkers, supervisors, vendors, and outside contractors.
• Practical mechanical aptitude, safe use of common tools, and the ability to perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, recognize limitations, and seek appropriate technical assistance.
• Comfort with email, basic spreadsheets, and digital maintenance records, or willingness to learn these systems.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and comply with all Company safety and biosecurity requirements.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, shop equipment, and maintenance equipment safely.
• Work on-site in an active seafood processing facility, including refrigerated and wet areas and around moving equipment.
• Exposure to pumps, machinery, electrical and mechanical equipment, water systems, vehicles, and other active operational environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and safely use tools and maintenance equipment; use assistance or mechanical aids for heavier tasks.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds consistently.
• Ability to climb four feet or higher and safely access equipment, systems, and elevated work areas.
• Regular exposure to sunny, hot, humid, wet, and changing environmental conditions.
• Occasional schedule flexibility for urgent maintenance, weekends, or other operational needs, as coordinated with the supervisor.
• Ability to respond to occasional work outside normal business hours when operationally necessary.

A pre-employment background check and motor vehicle report are required.

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