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Fish Farm Hand

Also known as Fish Farmer and Fish Farm Attendant.

Fish farm hands assist with the growing and cultivation of fish and the maintenance of fish farm premises and equipment.

Fish farm hands may be employed in either finfish farming or shellfish farming.

They usually work outside, either on or in the water, and at shore-based facilities.

Fish farms are generally located in sheltered waters.

Most fish farm hands are expected to work overtime, particularly in the summer months.

TASKS

Fish farm hands may perform the following tasks:

feed and grade fish and monitor their growth
assist with farm layout and the construction of nets, longlines and/or cages
check and look after all equipment and fish housing
operate pumps and other equipment
test and check on water quality
renove dead or dying fish
operate lifting equipment such as forklifts and small cranes
handle marine vessels (barges, for example)
harvest fish and sort and pack for transportation
maintain farm records

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy outdoor work
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
able to swim

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a fish farm hand without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in aquaculture. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a fish farm hand through a traineeship in Aquaculture.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Seafood Industry Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Some employers also require a diving qualification and/or a licence to operate a vessel. Training is usually available on the job. See the separate entries for Diver and Coxswain for details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Fish farm hands are employed by aquaculturalists, government fisheries authorities, tertiary institutions and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

Fish farming has developed in response to the dwindling natural supplies of fish and to provide greater consistency in product quality.