1

Shellfish Farmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The clam and oyster farmer, works in the intertidal area of the beach and is responsible for taking part in the harvest which is done primarily by forking or handpicking oysters into a container such ...

Oyster Farmer

Bow, WA · On-site

$19.50 - $30/hr

General maintenance of farm * Must be a hard worker CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT * Must be a hard worker * Must maintain proper employee conduct including being aware and respectful of time of day, noise ...

Wholesale Driver I

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Our drivers are essential to ensuring that shellfish and seafood products move safely, efficiently, and on time between the farm, restaurants, and wholesale customers. The Wholesale Driver I is an ...

Farm Crew

Samoa, CA

$22 - $25/hr

We take care and effort hand raising sustainable shellfish, which we proudly serve at our farm in Marshall and our restaurants in Marshall, San Francisco, Larkspur and Napa. What we provide:

Farm Crew

Samoa, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

We take care and effort hand raising sustainable shellfish, which we proudly serve at our farm in Marshall and our restaurants in Marshall, San Francisco, Larkspur and Napa. What we provide:

Oyster Farmer-Flip Bag Operation

Bow, WA · On-site

$19.50 - $30/hr

General maintenance of farm * Must be a hard worker * Must be willing to work long hours CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT * Must complete safety orientation prior to working on the beach. * Must be able to ...

Farm Crew

Samoa, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

We take care and effort hand raising sustainable shellfish, which we proudly serve at our farm in Marshall and our restaurants in Marshall, San Francisco, Larkspur and Napa. What we provide:

Oyster Farmer

Shelton, WA · On-site

$17.50 - $25/hr

Wage Range: $17.50 Hourly + Piecework Bonus POSITION DESCRIPTION As a member of the oyster crew, which is an intertidal worker that is responsible for taking part in the harvest which is done ...

Line Cook - FWD

Manhattan Beach, CA

$16.75 - $21/hr

... shellfish, meat and vegetable, can follow specific direction, motivated to be the best they can be ... If youre a cook who gets excited about from-scratch-cooking, farmers market produce and exploring ...

Line Cook - FWD

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

... shellfish, meat and vegetable, can follow specific direction, motivated to be the best they can be ... If you're a cook who gets excited about from-scratch-cooking, farmer's market produce and exploring ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Shellfish Farmer information

See salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do shellfish farmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for shellfish farmer in the United States is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Shellfish Farmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Shellfish Farmer, you need a solid understanding of marine biology, aquaculture techniques, and basic water quality management, often supported by vocational training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with GPS navigation, water testing equipment, and aquaculture management software is typically required. Strong problem-solving, physical stamina, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure sustainable shellfish production, regulatory compliance, and the ability to adapt to environmental challenges.

What are shellfish farmers?

Shellfish farmers are professionals who cultivate and harvest shellfish such as oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops for commercial purposes. They manage aquatic farms, monitor water quality, and ensure the healthy growth of shellfish by controlling environmental factors and preventing diseases. Their work plays a crucial role in providing sustainable seafood and supporting local economies. Shellfish farming can take place in coastal waters, estuaries, or specially designed tanks and requires knowledge of marine biology and aquaculture techniques.

What is the difference between Shellfish Farmer vs Fish Hatchery Technician?

AspectShellfish FarmerFish Hatchery Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, aquaculture certificationsHigh school diploma, aquaculture or fisheries certifications
Work EnvironmentCoastal waters, farms, open waterIndoor tanks, hatcheries, laboratories
Industry UsageShellfish cultivation, aquaculture farmsFish breeding, hatchery operations

Shellfish Farmers and Fish Hatchery Technicians both work in aquaculture but focus on different species and environments. Shellfish Farmers cultivate shellfish like oysters and clams in coastal waters, while Fish Hatchery Technicians work in controlled hatchery settings breeding and raising fish. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital to the aquaculture industry, but they differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

What are some common challenges shellfish farmers face in maintaining healthy stock and how can they be managed?

Shellfish farmers often encounter challenges such as water quality fluctuations, disease outbreaks, and predation, all of which can impact the health and yield of their stock. Regular monitoring of water conditions and prompt response to changes are essential for preventing losses. Farmers also need to implement effective biosecurity measures and sometimes use predator exclusion devices. Collaboration with local environmental agencies and ongoing education about best practices can significantly help manage and mitigate these challenges.
More about Shellfish Farmer jobs
Infographic showing various Shellfish Farmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,772 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Oyster/Clam Farmer

$17.50 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Wage Range: $17.50 Hourly+ Piecework Bonus

This job will primarily be in our Totten and Little Skookum Inlet locations.

The clam and oyster farmer, works in the intertidal area of the beach and 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 or using a clam fork to harvest clams. Forking involves using a pitchfork like device that you push along the surface of the beach to collect oysters. 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 help 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.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Must complete safety orientation prior to working on the beach.
  • Must be physically able to lift and handle sixty pounds.
  • Must wear proper safety gear when necessary. 
  • Must work well with crew members. 
  • Must be capable of understanding and following orders. Follow crew boss instructions and be accountable to them
  • Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions and various times of the day and night.
  • May be required to work at other work sites/locations as needed
  • May be required to do other tasks as needed
  • Must pick up any garbage found on the beach and never leave any of their own garbage on the beach.
  • Ability to stand and/or walk on uneven ground
  • The employee may be  required to stoop, bend, kneel, twist, and squat 
  • The vision requirements include: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
  • Must be able to speak and hear well enough to communicate with co-workers.
  • Must be able to use hands for repetitive simple grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation