Saltwater Aquaponics Farm Worker

Olakai Hawaii is hiring full- and part-time farm workers for immediate work at its Kahuku aquaculture and saltwater-aquaponics farm. The locally based operation grows sea asparagus and ogo, or limu, in soil-free ponds supplied with ocean water and is developing a recirculating system that brings shrimp, halophytes, and seaweed into one production cycle. This opening is for practical daily farm work rather than a research or university position. What you will do • Help tend, inspect, harvest, rinse, sort, and move sea asparagus and ogo as trained • Observe pond levels, water movement, crop appearance, algae pressure, debris, and production conditions during routine rounds • Support feeding and basic husbandry work when assigned around the farm's aquatic production system • Clean harvest tools, bins, work surfaces, pond edges, and other production areas • Pack or stage farm products carefully for kitchen, delivery, or customer orders • Report damaged plumbing, weak flow, unusual water conditions, crop stress, or animal-health concerns promptly How the work fits together The farm's products live in a full-strength saltwater environment, so the worker must learn how crop handling, water movement, sanitation, and harvest timing connect. A day may start with production checks, continue with harvesting and washing sea vegetables, and finish with cleaning or light maintenance. Farm workers may coordinate with kitchen and delivery staff, but their central responsibility is helping the outdoor production area operate safely and consistently. The role requires attention even during repetitive work because a blocked flow or visible crop change may signal a larger system problem. What the farm is looking for The employer does not state a formal degree or prior aquaponics requirement for this farm-worker opening. A dependable candidate should be comfortable learning unfamiliar saltwater crops, working around ponds and pumps, following food-handling and worker-safety procedures, and spending long periods outdoors. Aquaculture, aquaponics, hydroponics, nursery, greenhouse, seafood, harvest, landscaping, irrigation, or kitchen-production experience can transfer well. Applicants should communicate their preferred full- or part-time schedule and whether they need to be considered for farm lodging. Schedule, conditions, and compensation The current careers page describes immediate full- and part-time work starting at $15–$18 per hour depending on experience. It lists medical benefits, workers' compensation, temporary disability insurance, four paid holidays, and birth pay for full-time employees. Food and a farm dormitory are included for qualified applicants. Candidates should confirm the exact wage offered, typical start time, weekly hours, weekend rotation, housing eligibility, and any housing rules or payroll deductions before accepting. This is an in-person agricultural position. Priorities can change with animal health, weather, crop condition, water quality, equipment availability, and harvest timing. The successful person must communicate clearly, protect animal welfare and food safety, and leave useful notes when a task or concern carries into the next shift. Gates, tools, vehicles, feed areas, water systems, and production spaces should be left clean, secure, and ready for the next person. Applicants should expect physical work that may include long periods of standing or walking, bending, lifting, repetitive hand tasks, wet or dusty conditions, and work outdoors or in agricultural buildings. Dependable arrival matters because livestock and living production systems cannot simply wait for a late shift. Candidates should confirm the exact weekly schedule, overtime treatment, training period, and benefit eligibility with the employer before accepting an offer. How to apply Email a resume and brief introduction to wsun@marineagrifuture.com or use the contact route on Olakai Hawaii's careers page. Reference the Kahuku farm-worker opening, state whether you want full- or part-time work, and describe relevant crop, water-system, aquaculture, harvest, packing, food-safety, or outdoor-labor experience. Applicants may also call 808-779-2885 to request an interview appointment.