Oyster/Clam Farmer

Wage Range: Hours Production Bonus $17.50-$30.00

The clam digger will harvest clams either by wet or dry digging. Wet digging is done by standing in knee to thigh deep water while using a dredging fork (a long handled pitchfork like tool) to shift through substrate to harvest clams. Dry digging is performed by kneeling on the beach and using a hand held rake to turn over the substrate to harvest market size clams. The clams harvested are placed into a four gallon bucket. When the bucket is full the digger empties the clams into a net sack. The digger will open car covers or clam nets as needed.  At the conclusion of the days digging each digger is responsible to load his/her sacks into the boat and, once transported to the beach, load onto the truck as well.  

As a member of the oyster crew, which is an intertidal worker that is responsible for taking part in the harvest which is done primarily by forking or handpicking oysters into a container such as an oyster tub or bushel basket. Forking involves using a pitchfork like device that you push along the surface of the beach to collect oysters. Crewmembers must be comfortable lifting heavy amounts on, sometimes, uneven ground. Oyster tubs are to be fully filled for pick up by another crew to be counted for pay. A crewmember is responsible for the equipment assigned to them, and be able to work day or night tides in all types of weather conditions. This means the crewmembers must wear appropriate protective clothing.  Oyster crews are to report to their crew boss for hours, places, and transportation. Oyster crews are often assigned to other tasks such as digging clams and must be open and available to work this position as well. 

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Digging clams
• Picking oysters
• Would be a plus if you have experience on forklift or tractor, but not required
• General maintenance of farm
• Must be a hard worker

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must complete safety orientation prior to working on the beach.
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions (wet, cold, hot, dry) at varied timed of day and night
• Must be able to work day and night as tides vary throughout the different seasons.
• Must be physically able to lift and handle sixty pounds.
• Must wear proper safety gear when necessary.
• Must work well with other crew members
• Must have own supply of rain gear, and head light.
• Must pick up any garbage found on the beach and never leave any of their own garbage
• Must maintain proper employee conduct including being aware and respectful of the time of day, noise level, and the homeowners that surround the beaches.

Salary : $18 - $30