We are looking for a part-time Pond Supervisor to strengten our team a Aqua Pharma's Prawn Farm and Research Facility in Ilbilbie (MacKay area), QLD, Australia

About the Role:

We are looking for a full-time Farm Supervisor to join our team at Aqua Pharma’s Prawn Farm and Research Facility in Ilbilbie (Mackay area), QLD, Australia. This new role will play a key part in ensuring the efficient coordination of pond management and research activities, supporting overall farm operations. The Farm Supervisor will be responsible for overseeing daily pond activities, including feeding, water quality assessments, and data collection, while also assisting with broader farm operations and R&D projects. This position reports to the Farm Manager.

What you'll be doing

Pond Supervision

Oversee pond operations, ensuring optimal conditions for shrimp growth and health.

Assist in seasonal farm operations from September to May, including PL inputs, feed management, and water quality assessments.

Operate and maintain the automatic feeding systems, ensuring efficient feed conversion and growth rates. Conduct weekly weight and health assessments to track shrimp development.

Ensure accurate and timely recording of water quality and feeding data. Participate in partial and full harvest activities.

Monitor and adhere to key performance indicators (KPIs) for the farm, including survival rates, feed conversion ratio (FCR), R&D project completion, and timely data entry.

Support HACCP compliance related to pond operations, ensuring all safety and bio security standards are met.

Assist in implementing corrective actions when non-conformities are identified.

Provide input and support for R&D projects conducted at the facility.

Implement data collection and reporting strategies provided by Aqua Pharma's R&D team.

Farm Operations Assistance

Assist farm manager in overall farm operations on a daily basis.

Provide leadership and support to pond (casual) operators in harvesting, feeding, and disease management.

Ensure all operators are trained on and comply with Aqua Pharma's Code of Conduct, health and safety requirements, and other relevant regulations.

Support operational efficiencies by organizing workflow, rosters, and planning.

Work closely with the farm manager and maintenance supervisor to ensure proper upkeep of equipment, ponds, and settlement areas.

Assist in purchasing supplies, managing budgets, and overseeing inventory. Sign off on team time sheets for pond operators and ensure accurate labor tracking.

Perform after-hours on-call duties on a rostered basis.

Off-Season Responsibilities (May - September)

Conduct pond maintenance and preparation for the next cycle.

Support with equipment maintenance when required, and assist in ensuring site readiness for the upcoming production period.

Employment Structure: This is a full-time role with full-time hours during the production season (September to May), in line with standard working hours for Australian prawn farming. During the off-season (June to August), reduced hours apply. All working arrangements comply with industry regulations and the Aquaculture Industry Award.

What we're looking for

Relevant qualifications in Aquaculture Management or a related field.

Strong knowledge of aquaculture practices, particularly in prawn farming.

Experience in pond supervision, water quality management, and feed system operation.

Proven ability to maintain a safety-first work environment.

Excellent data recording and analysis skills.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities with attention to detail.

Ability to lead a team and create a collaborative and efficient work culture.

Proficiency in computer literacy, including data entry and reporting tools.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Why Join Us?

For over 20 years, David and the team have run the farm with dedication, and now, under Aqua Pharma, they are leading it into an exciting new phase—combining commercial prawn production with research to improve yield, sustainability, and test new solutions for aquatic welfare. With ongoing improvement projects and planned R&D initiatives, the team is looking forward to extra helping hands, making it a great time to come on board.

At Aqua Pharma, you will work in an international environment and contribute to R&D initiatives for improved health management in prawn farming. Our vision, "Welfare Below Water," drives us to innovate and improve aquaculture farming practices worldwide.

About Aqua Pharma

Aqua Pharma is a provider of veterinary services and solutions for the aquaculture industry. We specialize in fish and shrimp health management, operating in eight countries. Structurally backed by Solvay (a global leader in sustainable materials and solutions) and Aquatiq (a Norwegian reference in food safety), Aqua Pharma combines expertise in innovation, sustainability, and practical solutions for aquaculture.

For more information, visit: https://aqua-pharma.com/

Apply now for this exciting opportunity to join our team and contribute to the success of our farming operations.