Sea Cucumber Grow-Out Manager

About Blue Alliance

Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas currently manages 60 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across four MPA networks in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Zanzibar. With plans to expand our management to 200 MPAs in six MPA networks by 2030, our goal is to protect 2,000,000 hectares of coral reef biodiversity, safeguard over 70 threatened marine species, and significantly improve the livelihoods of more than 50,000 coastal community members.

Our innovative model focuses not only on ecological conservation but also on the economic empowerment of local communities through long-term income generation from reef-positive businesses in ecotourism, sustainable fisheries, blue carbon, and aquaculture. In this context, Blue Alliance established Aquahub Aquaculture, a private company that focuses on the farming and commercialization of sea cucumbers.

About AQUAHUB

AQUAHUBs vision is to lead the future of sustainable aquaculture while safeguarding marine biodiversity. Profits generated by Aquahub are reinvested into conservation and community programs, benefiting local people and protecting marine ecosystems over the long term.

Job Summary

The Sea Cucumber Grow-Out Manager/ Supervisor is responsible for leading the development and management of sea cucumber grow-out operations at sea in a remote coastal environment. This position oversees the full grow-out cycle, including infrastructure planning, procurement of materials, system installation and maintenance, team supervision, and performance monitoring. Importantly, the Sea Cucumber Grow-Out Manager/ Supervisor is accountable for validating the success of the pilot phase and leading the scale-up process to commercial-scale operations. The key performance indicators are survival rates and growth rates of the sea cucumbers from juvenile to adult stages.

The role involves close collaboration with the NGO sister company BLUE ALLIANCE, which plays a key role in facilitating community engagement and supporting the implementation of farm security measures. The ideal candidate combines a hands-on and proactive attitude with a scientific approach to problem-solving and a strong ability to engage and collaborate with local communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Management: Plan and implement grow-out workplans, coordinate labor, including community members where applicable, manage daily routines, and ensure full compliance with local regulations and company policies such as the environmental and social action plan.
• Team Supervision: Supervise and mentor a team of aquaculture technicians and community members, with a focus on building local capacity, ensuring safety, and maintaining high operational standards.
• Material Procurement: Source and purchase quality materials and equipment required for sea cucumber grow-out, enclosures, and monitoring tools, while adhering to budget constraints.
• System Installation and Maintenance: Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of grow-out infrastructure in the sea lagoon, ensuring systems are secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
• Technical Monitoring: Regularly monitor sea cucumber growth rates, health, and environmental conditions (e.g., pH, temperature, salinity) to achieve target KPIs such as optimal growth and high survival rates, while identifying and addressing emerging risks.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Collect, manage, and analyze data related to the project performance including zootechnical metrics, material usage and operational costs. Prepare regular technical and financial reports to inform decision-making by the Aquaculture Director and Consultant.
• Problem Resolution: Identify and resolve challenges such as disease outbreaks, equipment failures, or environmental changes promptly, implementing contingency plans where necessary to minimize disruptions and losses.
• Sustainability Practices: Promote environmentally responsible practices, and best aquaculture practices, that protect the lagoon ecosystem, encourage meaningful community inclusion, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.

Skills and Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors or Masters degree in Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field; equivalent field experience may also be considered.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in aquaculture, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role. Work experience in hatchery operations, community-based aquaculture, and sea cucumber farming are highly desirable.
• Language: Bahasa Indonesia is required and proficiency in English preferred.
• Skills:
• Strong understanding of aquaculture systems and marine operations
• Ability to manage operational budgets, procurement, and logistics
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, including mentoring local staff
• Experience engaging with local communities in participatory aquaculture projects
• Effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Proficiency in water quality testing and environmental monitoring
• Basic data collection, analysis, and reporting using digital tools
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work in marine and lagoon environments, including prolonged periods in the water and physically demanding tasks such as installing pens.
• Certifications: A valid drivers license is required, and relevant aquaculture or marine certifications such as SCUBA diving and boat license are a plus.
• Regional and Regulatory Awareness: Familiarity with working in remote coastal areas, such as Central Sulawesi, including a strong understanding of local environmental regulations.

What the role offers

This is a challenging yet highly rewarding position, offering the chance to make a tangible difference in local livelihoods, marine conservation, and the growth of a pioneering aquaculture initiative. Work Environment and Expectations include:

• Field-based role in a dynamic marine environment, with regular exposure to outdoor conditions, offering the opportunity to work closely with nature and contribute directly to impactful community-based aquaculture.
• Involves travel to multiple remote coastal sites to oversee operations and support local teams and ensure consistency in implementation.
• Flexible working hours, including occasional weekends, may be required to respond to operational needs, seasonal demands, or emergency situations.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter, using the subject line Sea Cucumber Grow-Out', and detailing your relevant experience to:[Confidential Information]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

AQUAHUB is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace.