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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Fish Culturist

💰 $38,000 - $65,000

AquacultureAgricultureEnvironmental ScienceBiologySkilled Labor

🎯 Role Definition

A Fish Culturist is the backbone of any successful aquaculture or hatchery operation. You are a dedicated, hands-on specialist responsible for the complete lifecycle management of aquatic species. This role combines the principles of biology, engineering, and animal husbandry to create and maintain optimal environments for fish growth, health, and reproduction. From meticulously monitoring water chemistry to executing complex breeding programs, a Fish Culturist ensures the productivity and sustainability of the facility. We're looking for individuals with a passion for aquatic life, a strong scientific aptitude, and the resilience to work in a physically demanding, dynamic environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aquaculture Intern/Trainee
  • Biology or Environmental Science Graduate
  • Farm or Ranch Hand

Advancement To:

  • Senior Fish Culturist
  • Hatchery Manager
  • Aquaculture Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Water Quality Technician
  • Aquatic Research Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Administer daily feeding routines for all fish life stages, carefully calculating and adjusting rations based on species requirements, biomass, water temperature, and observed feeding behavior.
  • Perform comprehensive water quality analysis, including testing for dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and alkalinity, and take corrective actions to maintain parameters within optimal ranges.
  • Conduct daily observations of fish stocks to monitor for signs of stress, disease, or abnormal behavior, and promptly report any health issues to management for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Execute routine cleaning and disinfection of rearing tanks, raceways, and associated equipment to uphold strict biosecurity protocols and prevent disease outbreaks.
  • Maintain and perform preventative maintenance on critical life support systems, including pumps, filters, UV sterilizers, oxygen generators, and automated feeding equipment, to ensure uninterrupted operation.
  • Participate in all aspects of fish spawning, including broodstock selection, hormone induction, egg collection, and fertilization, following established genetic and reproductive management plans.
  • Manage the incubation of fertilized eggs, monitoring development, controlling fungal growth, and accurately estimating hatch timing and success rates.
  • Perform fish inventory tasks such as counting, sampling, grading, and moving fish between tanks to manage density, size distribution, and prepare stocks for transfer or sale.
  • Collect and meticulously record a wide range of production data, including growth rates, feed conversion ratios (FCR), mortality, and water quality parameters, using spreadsheets or specialized software.
  • Assist in the harvesting, processing, and packaging of market-ready fish, ensuring compliance with food safety standards and customer specifications.
  • Implement prescribed fish health treatments, including medicated feeds and bath treatments, ensuring accurate dosage calculations and adherence to withdrawal periods.
  • Operate and maintain live-feed culture systems (e.g., rotifers, artemia) for the nutritional support of larval and early juvenile fish stages.
  • Safely operate heavy machinery and equipment such as forklifts, tractors, and transport trucks for moving feed, supplies, and live fish.
  • Respond to on-call and after-hours system alarms, diagnosing problems with life support systems and performing emergency repairs to prevent catastrophic stock loss.
  • Perform minor plumbing, fabrication, and construction tasks to repair, modify, or improve hatchery infrastructure and aquaculture systems.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain a detailed inventory of feed, chemicals, and consumable supplies, and assist in placing orders to ensure adequate stock levels for continuous operation.
  • Support research and development projects by collecting specific data, implementing experimental protocols, and providing detailed observations on trial groups.
  • Assist in training and mentoring new technicians, interns, and temporary staff on standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and daily husbandry tasks.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for hatchery tasks to improve efficiency, safety, and consistency.
  • Participate in facility tours, providing information to visitors, students, and stakeholders about the hatchery's operations and the importance of aquaculture.
  • Participate in regular team meetings and safety briefings, actively contributing to a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in water quality testing and analysis using various meters and chemical titration kits (e.g., YSI meters, Hach kits).
  • Deep understanding of fish husbandry, nutrition, and species-specific environmental requirements.
  • Experience operating and maintaining Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), including biofilters, protein skimmers, and ozone systems.
  • Knowledge of fish pathology and common disease identification and treatment methods.
  • Basic mechanical, plumbing, and electrical troubleshooting skills for system maintenance and repair.
  • Proficient in data collection and management using computer software, particularly Microsoft Excel.
  • Ability to safely operate vehicles, boats, and heavy equipment like forklifts or small tractors.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and strong observational skills to detect subtle changes in fish health or system performance.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, especially under pressure during system emergencies.
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively with a diverse team.
  • High degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Physical stamina and the ability to perform demanding tasks in challenging weather conditions, including lifting heavy objects (e.g., 50 lbs).

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

An Associate's degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries, Biology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and direct hands-on experience.

Preferred Education:

A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, or a closely related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aquaculture and Fisheries
  • Marine Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Zoology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of progressive experience working in a fish hatchery, aquaculture farm, or aquatic research facility.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience with a specific culture environment (e.g., coldwater, warmwater, marine) and familiarity with Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) is highly desirable.

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