Marine Gear Maintenance Technician – Oyster Farm

About Us:

Founded in 1899, Rappahannock Oyster Co. is a family-owned business that has helped shape the modern oyster renaissance, providing premium oysters to some of the world's greatest restaurants. Beyond farming, we are leaders in sustainable aquaculture, passionate stewards of the Chesapeake Bay, and proud innovators in the seafood industry — featured by The TODAY Show, Food & Wine, New York Times, and more.

We’re looking for curious, dependable, and hardworking individuals to join our farming team. This is an opportunity to be part of a company where craftsmanship, stewardship, and innovation are at the heart of everything we do.

Position Overview
We're looking for a reliable, hardworking Marine Gear Maintenance Technician to join our team at our Topping, VA oyster farm. This role is primarily water-based and ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, on the water, and solving problems with their hands. You will be maintaining and organizing all farm gear located in the water, ensuring lines, buoys, cages, and marine infrastructure stay in safe, working condition.

This is a critical position that keeps the farm running smoothly and helps maintain the quality and consistency of our oyster program.

Key Responsibilities

On-Water Gear Maintenance

• Operate daily in a farm boat to inspect oyster lines, cages, buoys, anchors, and markers.
• Tighten, repair, or replace worn or broken lines.
• Identify and fix issues before they become larger problems.
• Repaint buoys, restore faded markers, and maintain proper farm signage.
• Replace chafing lines and prevent wear on gear.
• Respond quickly to broken or loose lines, damaged gear, or gear out of place.

Installation & Projects

• Install new farm lines, gear systems, and hardware as needed.
• Assist in planning water-based improvements or expansions.

Land-Based Gear Organization

• Keep all spare gear, tools, and hardware neatly organized on land.
• Maintain an inventory of cages, clips, lines, floats, and repair materials.
• Ensure broken cages are repaired weekly and do not pile up.
• Communicate gear needs or shortages to management.
• Tighten, repair, or replace worn or broken lines.
• Identify and fix issues before they become larger problems.
• Repaint buoys, restore faded markers, and maintain proper farm signage.
• Replace chafing lines and prevent wear on gear.
• Respond quickly to broken or loose lines, damaged gear, or gear out of place.

What We’re Looking For

• Eco-conscious and excited about sustainable aquaculture.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Basic mechanical or hands-on repair skills (we can train the rest).
• Ability to operate or learn to operate small workboats.
• Good problem solving and attention to detail.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Must be able to lift 50–70 lbs and perform physical tasks on boats and docks.

Be Part of Our Story
At Rappahannock Oyster Co., we believe that great food starts with great farmers — and great farmers are made through passion, patience, and precision. If you’re ready to build a career with purpose (and a pretty great view every day), we’d love to hear from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary, Internship

What We Offer:

• Supportive, team-oriented work culture
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Life jacket, wet suit, and other specialty gear provided
• Boots, bibs, and jacket are provided on a cost share basis

Schedule & Location:

• Typical schedule: 8-hour shifts, Monday–Friday (occasional Sundays).
• Position is based at our farm in Topping, VA 23169.
• Candidates must be able to reliably commute or relocate before starting work.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Topping, VA 23169 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Topping, VA 23169: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $20