About Blue Ocean Barns

Blue Ocean Barns, Inc. (BOB) is a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation on a mission to solve the climate impact of cattle by working with farmers and food companies to commercialize and rapidly scale the production and use of our proprietary, algae-based livestock feed ingredient. Originally launched in the heart of Silicon Valley, the company has since established operations on the Big Island of Hawai'i and San Diego. We are a well-resourced, professionally managed, and rapidly growing company looking for diverse and exceptionally talented people who are motivated to make a meaningful impact on climate change.

BOB has successfully transitioned the cultivation of the tetrasporophyte phase of asparagopsis taxiformis (a red macroalgae)from the laboratory to a 0.25 acre outdoor production facility located at the Company’s headquarters in Kailua-Kona, HI (NELHA). The Company is expecting to further expand outdoor cultivation to 2 acres, beginning in Q3, 2022, and to a total of 8 acres, beginning in Q3 2023. In anticipation of this rapid scale up, the Company is in need of a Senior Phycologist who has several years experience working with macroalgae in a commercial setting, to support the ongoing design of a scalable cultivation system.

This person will play a key role on the Company’s R&D and Design Team, which is physically located in San Diego, CA. However, because the Team is looking for a person to be “on the ground” to manage experimentation, process implementation, and day-to-day problem solving, this person would ideally be located and primarily work from the Company’s headquarters on the Big Island of Hawaii. This role reports to the Aquaculture Design Manager and works closely with the Algae Production Manager, as well as with other members of the Company’s R&D & Design and Farm Operations Teams.

Responsibilities

- Operational Scaling, Production System Optimization, and New Process Implementation
- Manage and maintain scale-model production tanks and related systems that are specifically dedicated to experimentation
- Design and conduct operational scale experimentation to define optimal nutrient requirements and fertilizing regimens
- Design, conduct, and/or support operational scale experimentation to mitigate non-target species
- Create and work collaboratively with the Farm Operations team to implement SOPs, based on results from the above
- Diagnose problems and provide recommendations to the Algae Production Manager when unexpected outcomes occur related to productivity or non-target species
- Design, conduct and/or support other operational scale experimentation as needed
- Day-to-Day Operational Problem Solving
- Provide knowledge and guidance on solving problems related to daily farm operations
- Provide insight and input related to scalable aquaculture designs, technologies, and processes
- Provide consulting services related to the above, to external contract production partners
- Data Analysis, Insight Implementation, and Intellectual Property
- Analyze results and synthesize insights and learning from experimentation; facilitate discussions related to operational implementation of insights and learning
- Implement best practices with respect to documenting and protecting intellectual property

Experience & Abilities

- Degree in phycology, aquaculture, or related field
- 7+ years experience in commercial production of macroalgae
- Outstanding knowledge and understanding of algal biology, aquaculture systems, and appropriate biosecurity protocols for growing macroalgae
- Experience conducting applied research in a production setting
- Experience with designing scalable aquaculture systems and processes
- Basic skills in plumbing, aquaculture mechanics, and working knowledge of air, water, and nutrient delivery systems

Compensation & Benefits

- Competitive compensation dependent on level of experience
- Full health, vision, and dental coverage, covering 100% of insurance premium for employee and 50% for dependents
- Opportunity to participate in employee stock option plan
- Reimbursement for relocation expenses

Employment Policy

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.