Shellfish Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

Wholesale is the operational hub of Hog Island Oyster Company. 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 entry-level driver role responsible for the safe handling, transport, and delivery of live shellfish and seafood products while maintaining Hog Island's high standards for food safety, quality, customer service, and teamwork. Drivers serve as brand ambassadors and help create a positive, professional experience for every customer and partner.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Shipping and Receiving:

• Safely transport and deliver products throughout Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and San Francisco counties
• Load and unload products weighing up to 50 lbs repeatedly throughout the day
• Drive for extended periods, often during high-traffic and limited parking conditions
• Pick up and deliver products between Hog Island locations and wholesale accounts
• Exchange and deliver invoices, order forms, and related paperwork
• Notify accounts upon delivery completion

Product Handling & Food Safety (HACCP Compliance):

Safely handle and transport live shellfish in compliance with HACCP standards and maintain professional customer interactions. Quality control is very important to Hog Island and the following duties are essential to ensuring that only the best product is sold to market:

• Follow Hog Island's HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plan at all times
• Maintain required temperature controls:
• Under 50F in storage
• Under 45F during transport
• Inspect products for quality and packaging integrity
• Confirm there are no broken or crushed bags or boxes
• Never throw or mishandle shellfish or seafood
• Properly tag and handle products in compliance with regulations
• Systematically sort and remove mortality
• Properly handle crab and other seafood products
• Clean and sanitize containers, gloves, wet gear, vehicles, and equipment regularly
• Maintain clean floors, drains, and work areas

Daily Operations

• Pull, weigh, and prepare seafood orders accurately
• Stage deliveries safely and efficiently
• Maintain awareness of safety equipment locations
• Follow all sanitation and safe handling procedures
• Keep vehicles, tools, and workspaces clean and organized
• Accurately record time worked and take required meal and rest breaks

Inventory Communication, Quality Control and Reporting:

Drivers coordinate daily with the Wholesale and Farm teams to communicate inventory and delivery schedules. As the final quality checkpoint, drivers ensure safe handling, accurate deliveries, and consistent product excellence. Send ETA notifications and delivery check-in/check-out communications as required.

• Report product damage or quality concerns immediately
• Report vehicle or equipment issues promptly
• Communicate clearly with the Wholesale Manager, Farm Manager, and team members
• Support inventory awareness and coordination with farm and wholesale teams

Customer Service & Culture:

• Serve as a professional, friendly ambassador for Hog Island
• Follow Hog Island's "10-4 Rule":
• Make eye contact and smile within 10 feet
• Greet guests verbally within 4 feet
• Provide respectful, helpful, and informed customer interactions
• Work collaboratively and contribute to a positive team environment
• Support Hog Island's values of great food, authentic relationships, and having fun

Requirements

Measurements of Success:

• Success in this role is demonstrated by:
• On-time and accurate deliveries
• Safe handling and exceptional product quality
• Clear, prompt communication
• Accurate paperwork and timekeeping
• Clean and well-maintained vehicles and equipment
• Strong attendance and punctuality
• Positive customer and team feedback

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In addition, the individual must be punctual, have a good attendance record, and have reliable and demonstrate reliable and punctual attendance.

• Must meet Hog Island's vehicle insurance eligibility requirements to operate company vehicles (current policy requires drivers to be 26 years of age or older);
• Demonstrates alignment with Hog Island's values and commitment to teamwork and customer service;
• General knowledge of Hog Island's HACCP requirements;
• Operational understanding of pump and wet storage system;
• Ability to effectively operate a forklift;
• Ability to work in a team environment;
• Contributes positively to a collaborative and respectful team environment; and
• Abides by company policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Special Requirements:

• Must possess a valid CA driver license and a clean driving record;

Education and Experience:

• Proficient in basic computer skills including Excel
• 2 years' experience preferred

Certifications (Required within 90 days of hire)

• Forklift Certification
• Food Handler Certification required within 30 days of hire. Hog Island will pay for certification and compensate employees for required training time.

Physical Demands

The Wholesale Driver I job is a physically demanding job which includes the lifting of up to 50 lbs. at a time, multiple times throughout the day, driving for long periods of time (various delivery vehicles) generally in the early morning, but also throughout the day and in high traffic and limited parking situations.

• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Lift and move up to 50 lbs repeatedly
• Drive for several hours per day
• Use hands and arms frequently
• Work in wet, cold, and outdoor environments
• Talk and hear for extended periods throughout the shift

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

• Fast-paced, changing environment
• Outdoor farm and warehouse conditions
• Exposure to moisture, cold storage, and seafood products
• Moderate to high noise levels
• Occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals and equipment

PLEASE NOTE: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Wholesale Driver I position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.