Description

are seeking General Operatives in Carlingford for full-time and seasonal positions, available from April 2026.
As part of the Gillardeau France family group, a multi-national leader in the oyster market since 1898, we value human integrity, passion for work in nature, and a commitment to exceptional quality products—this is the core ethic of our company.
If you are dynamic, motivated, and driven by a passion for the sea and its products, we invite you to join our crew!
1/Purpose of the Job
Reporting to the Supervisor, the successful candidate will be responsible for picking, grading, loading, storing, packing, and quality control of our oyster products, as well as performing other tasks as assigned.
This is a full-time position with an immediate start, and various trainings and certifications such as (Manual handling-Fire training-First aid-Tractors or even Tele-handler/Forklift training) will be provided to successful candidates.
2/Key Responsibilities
• Maintain equipment and work area in a clean and orderly manner.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance work processes.
• Follow work instructions, procedures, checklists, and workflow guidelines.
• Achieve daily and weekly production targets.
• Report any product deficiencies to the team supervisor.
• Support Health & Safety, Maintenance, and Quality teams to ensure production runs safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
3/Skills, Experiences and others Specification Required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, including night shifts and outdoor conditions (approx. 70-80% of work time).
• Strong organisational skills and work ethic.
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented, quality-focused, and results-driven.
• Flexibility to work overtime and shift changes, including some weekends (2 weekends per month).
• Minimum 18 years old
• Probation period: 6 months for full-time positions, or pro-rated based on the length of employment for seasonal roles.
• Annual leave: calculated at 8% of working hours, up to a maximum of 4 weeks (can be taken as 2 × 2 weeks consecutively). Any special requests should be submitted and approved prior to the start of employment. Holiday entitlement for probationary and seasonal employees is applied according to the company’s terms and conditions.
• Public holidays: full-time employees are entitled to 10 paid public holidays per year, calculated based on hours worked, including various types of leave.
• Valid driving license and personal transport to commute to work.
• Physically fit; role is heavy and physically demanding.
• Manual Handling certification up to date (advantageous).
• Experience with powerboats or advanced powerboat driving (e.g., ISC or Irish Sailing Club) with basic outboard boat skills is a plus.
4/What we Offer
- Working hours: 40–45 hours/week (~160 hours/month, including weekends)
- Overtime: available on certain days
4.1/Compensation
• €15/hour (gross) during the first year (probation period of 6 months included)
• €15.50/hour (gross) in the second year, subject to successful completion of the first year.
4.2/Payment method
• Monthly payment in arrears: paid by bank transfer, usually between the 1st to the 4th of the following month.
• Safety equipment and uniform provided.
• Paid lunch breaks: 1 hour per day.
• Monthly performance bonus: up to €574 gross per month.
4.3/Bonuses & Additional benefits
- Recruitment bonus available: earn €150 gross/month (on top of performance bonus) for 3 months after a successful hire.
- Forklift driver / loader incentive: up to €210 gross per month, based on the loading of 4 trucks per month (during or outside standard working hours)
- A welding incentive : up to €200 gross per month is available (limited positions). The bonus is based on the type of welding performed and skill level. Advanced proficiency in metal welding is recommended. Experience in stainless steel and aluminium welding (from beginner to advanced level) is considered an advantage but is not required to qualify for the bonus.
- Annual profit-sharing scheme : 4% of the Group’s global profit calculated from June to June each year, based on company accounting. The bonus is pro-rated according to absences and hours worked, reflecting the policy that "those who work more earn more" ! Paid annually in arrears on 31st January of the following year to eligible employees.
- Employee well-being benefit: reimbursement of up to 2 physiotherapy sessions per year
- Employee engagement: company events organized throughout the year
- Year-end closure: the company closes between Christmas and New Year, with layoff options available.
Connect With Us
Follow us on our Facebook page at Keenan Oysters Ltd and explore our private group page to view videos highlighting our daily goals, challenges, and the main purpose of the job. link attached below
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19vg6CiAQB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Videos are also available by searching “Good Practice Keenan Oysters Ltd” in our private Facebook group.
For more insights and curiosity about our heritage, visit the Maison Gillardeau Facebook page.
Join us on board and experience life at Keenan Oysters !
• Team Keenan Oyster Ltd 2026

Send your cv for

keenan.oysterfarm gmail.com