Fish Hatchery Technician Career Profile
- Career Name - Fish Hatchery Technician
- Category - Animal Care / Health / Farming & Livestock Management / Marine Conservation
- Skills Required - Life skills 40% - Career skills 60%
- Basic School Subjects - Language, Business Studies, Biology
- Minimum Required Education - High School
- Species Worked With - Fish
- Kind of Interaction with Animals - Direct
Do you want to work as a fish hatchery technician?
READ: This page helps you to read about the career and the info you need to decide on whether this is indeed the career you want to follow.
RESEARCH: Learn about the skills required and minimum subjects to enter this career, as well as the places where you can study further after school.
PREPARE: If you want to plan and prepare for the career, then join the OZT Community! Members have access to tools, while chatting with other students and experts from around the world. Prepare to be amazed!
CAREER MENTORS
UPDATED:
25 April 2024
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What is a fish hatchery technician?
A fish hatchery technician takes care of the wellbeing of the different kinds of fish, kept at a hatchery. They also help maintain the tanks and water quality.
Alternative Names
Fish hatchery technicians may be referred to by various alternative names, depending on the specific context or region. Some of the known alternative names for a fish hatchery technician include:
- Aquaculture Technician
- Fish Culturist
- Fish Farm Technician
- Fish Hatchery Specialist
- Aquaculture Specialist
- Fisheries Technician
- Fish Production Technician
- Fishery Technician
- Hatchery Manager (for higher-level positions with managerial responsibilities)
These alternative names often reflect the broader field of aquaculture and fisheries management, as well as the specific tasks and responsibilities performed by technicians within fish hatcheries.
Career Categories
The Fish Hatchery Technician career can be found within the following OZT career categories:
- Animal Care
- Health
- Farming & Livestock Management
- Marine Conservation
Ancient history?
Aquaculture has been around for more than 4,000 years
Fish farming?
There is an estimated 12 million fish farmers around the world
What does a Fish Hatchery Technician do?
Groups of animals a Fish Hatchery Technician works with
What is the level of Interaction with the Animals?
- Directly - A person works directly with the animals with some form of physical contact at least once every few days
- Indirectly - The career doesn't require direct or physical contact at all.
With who does a Fish Hatchery Technician work?
Besides working with all of the animals, Fish Hatchery Technicians will need to interact with other people while doing their daily tasks. The people might include fellow staff members or the public.
Fellow staff might include:
- Supervisors/Managers
- Operational staff, such as Human Resources, Finance and Maintenance
- Research Scientists
- Aquarists
What does a Fish Hatchery Technician focus on?
The primary focus of a fish hatchery technician is to take care of the daily upkeep of the fish being bred for either commercial sale, or conservation.
What are the daily tasks of a Fish Hatchery Technician?
- Assist with the transport of fish and their eggs
- Maintain the condition and water within the tanks
- Assist in the feeding of the fish
- Help with the harvesting of eggs and fish
- Keep records of the growth of new eggs or hatchlings
- Monitor the health of the fish
- Ensure that the hatchery safety regulations are adhered to
- Administration and filing
Working conditions of a Fish Hatchery Technician
Where does a Fish Hatchery Technician work?
Environment –
Fish hatchery technician work indoors, mainly within the hatchery, which can be completely enclosed, or partially open to allow sunlight and fresh air into the hatchery.
Places of Employment –
Hatchery technicians find employment at hatcheries, research institutions, universities, fish conservation organizations, and government.
What is the average annual salary of a Fish Hatchery Technician?
On average the income per year is around $28,000. This will differ from country to country.
Can a Fish Hatchery Technician be promoted?
Promotion to senior levels are available in most animal caretaker careers. The levels of each promotion might differ from organization to organization, but generally are the following:
Intern -> Junior Technician -> Senior Technician -> Aquaculturist -> Manager
What kind of difficulties can a Fish Hatchery Technician face?
The most difficult part is working with eggs and small fish that can be extremely fragile. They may also work shifts, long hours and over weekends and holidays.
Future growth and Possibilities
The average yearly growth of new positions is around 5%, which is below the global job availability average, and causes some competition for new jobs. Possible new opportunities might open as privately owned hatcheries increase in an effort to ensure that the stock level of fish in nature remains stable.
Availability of Jobs
Average
Which Skills are required by a Fish Hatchery Technician?
The skills required for a career as a fish hatchery technician can be divided into two very important groups. The first is the group containing life skills, which are the core skills that are necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life. The second group is career skills, or the specific skills required to allow a person to enter and operate effectively within a specific career. Some or maybe even all of the life skills can assist in strengthening the career skills, and they might even be the same for specific careers.
Life Skills
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Decision making
- Problem Solving
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal relationship
Career Skills
- Good business knowledge
- Good animal care and handling
- Basic customer service skills
- Good health and physical fitness
- Excellent computer literacy
Which Subjects must I have at School to help prepare for this career?
Most hatcheries will require at least a good grade in language to ensure efficient communication
Although Biology will not be required to enter the career, it can assist in gaining admission to future college or universities studies.
If you are thinking of working within a hatchery and later moving out to start your own hatchery
The subjects you choose at school are important as they lay the foundation for further studies at college or university. While still at school, it’s also important to learn more about the animals you will work with, as well as gain some experience.
OZT has a list of various tertiary institutions where you can study further, after school. Each of these institutions also have their own Group page on OZT where you will find the exact subjects they require of you to have passed in school. Keep these requirements in mind, and discuss it with your school, guidance counselor and parents to ensure that you are prepared!
What will I need to Study to become a Fish Hatchery Technician?
Minimum educational requirements
To become a Fish Hatchery Technician doesn’t require formal training, but many do go on to study a College Diploma.
Study Focus
Major –
Further studies help to secure management positions, or entry into a more advanced career. Major can include biology, marine sciences, animal husbandry or aquaculture.
Short Courses –
As this career evolves, there will always be new short courses on topics, such as hatchery methods and the use of technology.
Study Duration
The duration of College Diplomas can be up to 3 or 4 years. Short Courses are usually between a few weeks and a year.
FREE Career Path Plans
If this is your dream career that you want to pursue, then it’s important to plan the way forward.
Why is planning important?
To ensure that you understand the requirements for your career, and that you are always prepared for the next step on the road towards your dream. A preparation path is like a road map to where you want to be.
Possible Paths:
Here’s a possible career preparation path for a high school student interested in becoming a fish hatchery technician, incorporating the provided points:
1. Attend Career Guidance Sessions:
Attend career guidance sessions offered by the school or local community organisations to learn about various career options in the field of aquaculture and fisheries management, including the role of a fish hatchery technician.
2. Research all of the possible careers:
Conduct research on different careers related to aquaculture, fisheries management, and fish hatchery operations to understand the job responsibilities, educational requirements, and career prospects.
3. Explore Educational Paths:
Explore educational paths such as vocational training programmes, community college courses, or university degrees in aquaculture, fisheries science, biology, or related fields.
4. Align high school subjects with the educational path:
Take high school courses in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and mathematics to build a strong foundation for further studies in aquaculture and fisheries management.
5. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent:
Successfully complete high school and obtain a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.
6. Learn about animals that will work with:
Learn about various fish species commonly raised in fish hatcheries, their biology, behaviour, and habitat requirements through independent study or extracurricular activities.
7. Align post-school path with either entering a career/job directly, studying further, or starting a business:
Decide whether to enter the workforce directly after high school, pursue further education at a vocational school or college, or start a business related to aquaculture or fisheries management.
8. Gain experience through volunteering, internships, mentorship, etc.:
Seek opportunities to gain practical experience through volunteering at local fish hatcheries, participating in internships, or connecting with professionals in the field for mentorship and guidance.
9. Pursue Extracurricular Activities:
Participate in extracurricular activities such as environmental clubs, 4-H programmes, or Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters to gain additional knowledge and skills related to agriculture and natural resource management.
10. Join Professional Associations:
Join professional associations such as the American Fisheries Society or the World Aquaculture Society to connect with professionals in the industry, access resources, and stay updated on industry developments.
11. Gain specialised Skills:
Acquire specialised skills relevant to fish hatchery operations, such as water quality monitoring, fish handling and care, Aquatic ecology, and hatchery management techniques.
12. Network with Professionals:
Network with professionals in the aquaculture and fisheries industry through industry events, workshops, and online forums to expand your professional connections and learn from experienced professionals.
13. Enter the job market, finish tertiary studies, or launch a business:
Depending on your chosen path, enter the job market as a fish hatchery technician, continue your studies at a tertiary institution to pursue advanced degrees or certifications, or start your own business in aquaculture or fisheries management.
14. Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education:
Stay updated on advancements in aquaculture and fisheries management by attending workshops, conferences, and continuing education courses to maintain and enhance your skills throughout your career.
Possible Combined Career Paths
It is possible to sometimes combine two or more related careers. This normally happens when you study and practice a specific main career, but the knowledge and experience gained also help you to have a paying hobby or secondary income career.
Possible Alternatives (there are a lot more):
Stepping Stone Career
Being a fish hatchery technician can also be used as a stepping stone career. A stepping stone career is one which is used to help you get to another career, normally because the other career is too difficult to reach (sometimes due to things like high fees etc).
You can begin as an intern after basic short courses and expert guidance (maybe working under a mentor). The money made can then be used to pay for studies towards a promotion or another career, and the experience helps in gaining knowledge. One paying to help get to the other.
Some of the possible paths:
Training and apprenticeship
Even though it is important to study to get into some of the animal careers, most of the skills you will need as a fish hatchery technician will be acquired through practice. This means that you will learn how to perform some of the daily tasks by actually doing it a few times and learning the steps.
In some cases entry level positions require training sessions even before you are allowed to actually perform your job duties. These sessions are offered by the place of employment, after you have successfully applied.
Apprenticeship is also possible where you need to learn skills from a more senior technician or biologist.
Join the Fish Hatchery Technicians Group in the OZT Community to learn more and even interact with the educational institutions that will help you secure your dream career!
Average level of educational qualification people had when entering the Career
Licenses, Registration, Certification and Professional Associations
Certain animal careers require some form of legal certification to prove that you can indeed do the work, and work with the necessary equipment.
Although not required by law, certifications may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills.
Learn more about requirements by joining OZT
Professional Associations
Where can I study further?
All of the above information will help you understand more about the Career, including the fact that there are different paths to take to reach it. But if you are almost done with High School (Grades 11 or 12), you also need to start thinking about further studies, and WHERE you will study.
See the List of Universities, Colleges and Online Training Academies who offer courses towards fish breeding.
How do I start to prepare for this Career?
If you do decide on following this career, then OZT can assist you in figuring out a path to prepare, as well as help you to gain further knowledge about the career and the animals you will be working with. We do this by offering you FREE career development tools. There are almost a dozen free tools, but these are the three primary ones:
CAREER PATH PLAN
Use the career path plan above on this profile as an example to follow, or to work out your own path.
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
SHORT COURSES
Access easy-to-use short courses to make your career preparation easier! The basic information in each course is free, but the rewards can only be unlocked as an OZT member!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
STUDY GUIDE
Get a supercharged study guide that fits into the career path plan! Now that's really upping your preparation game! Join us for free to gain access!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Members Only
But, if you are still uncertain about choosing this specific career, and even where to start, then have a look at our special series of WHAT NEXT courses (link below). They take you through all of the questions you might have on how to choose the right career, what to do while at and after school, and even how to start your own business.
JOIN the OZT community & Career Group
Join us as a special member and learn more about becoming a fish hatchery technician.
Members of the Platform have special access to:
- Info on the best places where you can study (colleges, universities and online)
- Expertly designed advice to prepare you for the career, and links to places where you can gain valuable experience. For some career experience is necessary, otherwise you wont get the job!
- Top notch info on each of the different species you will work with
- Make friends around the world and share knowledge
- Compete and win points, badges, games, prizes and certificates. Be the best of the best, while you learn and prepare!
If you have decided on being a Fish Hatchery Technician, please click on the JOIN GROUP button. Members will be directed to the Group, while non-members will be assisted to register first.
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