Manager - Seaweed Operations

About Us

The Indian Centre for Climate & Societal Impacts Research (ICCSIR) is a non-profit, public-private partnership organisation based in Mandvi, Kutchh, Gujarat, India. Registered under Section-08 of the Indian Companies Act, 2013, ICCSIR focuses on an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to research in climate science and societal adaptation. Our goal is to promote socio-economic and political stability on a global scale in the 21st century through a deep understanding of climate evolution.

Manager – Seaweed Operations will be responsible for the end-to-end management of all seaweed cultivation activities, growth monitoring, harvesting, and initial post-harvest processing. Responsibilities include managing cultivation processes, monitoring the growth and health of seaweed, ensuring sustainability practices, coordinating with researchers and field workers, and maintaining equipment. This role requires a hands-on leader with a deep understanding of marine biology, aquaculture principles, and practical experience in seaweed farming. The incumbent will ensure optimal growth, yield, and quality of seaweed while adhering to sustainable practices and operational efficiency. The role also involves analysing data, preparing reports, and staying up-to-date with industry trends and advancements.

Responsibilities

 Seaweed Centre Management:

• Oversee the establishment and operation of Seaweed Centre facilities, including spore collection, sporophyte development, and seeding lines/substrates.
• Manage for optimal growth and health of juvenile seaweed.
• Ensure proper water quality parameters (temperature, salinity, nutrients, etc.) are maintained in the Seaweed Centre.

Out planting & Farm Operations:

• Plan and execute seaweed out planting activities at designated farm sites.
• Manage the installation, maintenance, and repair of cultivation infrastructure (lines, buoys, anchors, nets, etc.).
• Conduct regular inspections of farm sites to assess seaweed growth, health, and detect potential issues (e.g., disease, fouling, predation).

Growth & Health Monitoring:

• Implement robust monitoring programs to track seaweed growth rates, biomass, and overall health.
• Identify and address issues such as disease, pests, and environmental stressors.
• Maintain detailed records of cultivation parameters, growth data, and observations.

Harvesting & Post-Harvest:

• Plan and supervise seaweed harvesting operations, ensuring efficient and sustainable collection.
• Oversee initial post-harvest handling, including cleaning, sorting, and preparation for further processing or transport.
• Implement best practices for maintaining seaweed quality post-harvest.

Research & Development Support:

• Collaborate with R&D teams on trials for new species, cultivation techniques, and environmental adaptations.
• Provide practical insights and data from farm operations to inform research initiatives.

Team Leadership & Management:

• Recruit, train, and supervise a team of cultivation technicians
• Foster a safe, productive, and collaborative working environment.
• Develop and implement training programs for staff on cultivation techniques and safety protocols.

Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Implement and maintain biosecurity protocols to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Manage equipment maintenance and ensure safe operation of all tools and machinery.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all cultivation activities, including planting schedules, harvest yields, environmental data, and operational costs.
• Generate regular reports on farm performance, challenges, and recommendations.

Budget Management:

• Assist in the development and management of the cultivation budget, controlling costs while optimising production.

Job Requirements

• Preference for 5+ years of experience in seaweed cultivation, aquaculture, or marine biology
• Minimum 3 years of proven experience in commercial seaweed cultivation, ideally in Ulva Lactuca.
• Strong understanding of seaweed life cycles, physiology, and environmental requirements.
• Practical experience with marine farming infrastructure and equipment.
• Ability to operate boats and other marine equipment (e.g., winches, pumps) safely.
• Knowledge in environmental science or sustainability practices
• Master’s in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Oceanography, Fisheries Science, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, or related field
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Strong data analysis and report writing skills
• Excellent organisational and team management abilities
• Effective communication and coordination skills
• Prior experience in project management is a plus