Nursery Manager
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Nursery Manager to lead operations at our kelp nursery facility in Peniche. This role is ideal for someone with strong leadership skills and technical expertise in aquaculture or marine biology, who thrives in dynamic, hands-on environments. As Nursery Manager, you will oversee the entire cultivation process of kelp, from spore collection to outplanting readiness, and ensure the smooth operation of nursery systems. You will also play a central role in coordinating with field teams, managing nursery staff or technicians, and contributing to data collection and analysis for our restoration projects.
- Onsite - Peniche, Portugal
- Full-Time
Key Responsibilities
Nursery Operations & Management:
- Oversee kelp cultivation cycles, including system setup, seeding, growth monitoring, and preparation for deployment.
- Ensure nursery systems are operating efficiently, maintaining optimal water quality and cleanliness.
- Oversee maintenance of nursery infrastructure, tools, and cultivation systems.
- Manage procurement of supplies and ensure compliance with safety and operational protocols.
Team Leadership:
- Manage and mentor nursery technicians, interns, or seasonal staff and provide guidance on system operation and safety procedures.
- Organize and manage tasks, timelines, and staff availability to ensure the nursery runs smoothly and consistently.
Field Coordination & Support:
- Liaise with the sea operations team to align nursery outputs with project timelines.
- Support outplanting efforts and assist in planning logistics for kelp deployment to field sites.
Data Management & Reporting:
- Maintain detailed records of nursery activities, growth metrics, and environmental conditions.
- Contribute to reporting, research initiatives, and potential collaborations with academic and partner institutions.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in aquaculture, marine biology, or kelp cultivation (minimum 2–3 years preferred).
- Strong leadership and organizational skills, capable of managing staff and multiple tasks simultaneously.
- A proactive, hands-on attitude with excellent problem-solving capabilities.
- Familiarity with aquaculture system maintenance, water quality management, and biosecurity procedures.
- Experience working in dynamic environments, such as marine labs, aquaculture facilities, or field stations.
- Excellent communication skills and fluency in English; Portuguese is a plus.
- [Preferred] Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Where to apply
How to Apply
If you’re inspired by the opportunity to create real change, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and passion for SeaForester’s mission to info@seaforester.org.
Please use 'Nursery Manager' in the subject line of your email.
Application Deadline: 15th of May
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: SeaForester Lda
Country: Portugal
City: Peniche