Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fish Farm Manager

🎯 Role Definition

The Fish Farm Manager is the cornerstone of our aquaculture operations, responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of the entire fish lifecycle, from hatchery to harvest. This individual ensures the farm operates efficiently, sustainably, and profitably, while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare, biosecurity, and environmental compliance. You will be instrumental in implementing innovative technologies and practices to improve production metrics, manage risk, and guide the long-term success and growth of the facility.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Assistant Farm Manager
Senior Aquaculture Technician / Hatchery Technician
Aquaculture Biologist

Advancement To:

Regional Operations Director (Aquaculture)
Director of Production
Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Lateral Moves:

Aquaculture Consultant
Fisheries Research Scientist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Oversee all daily farm operations, including feeding strategies, fish grading, population density management, and harvesting schedules to maximize growth and efficiency.
Develop, implement, and rigorously enforce comprehensive biosecurity protocols to prevent disease introduction and spread, ensuring the health and welfare of all aquatic stock.
Manage and mentor a diverse team of farm technicians and staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, performance evaluation, and fostering a culture of safety and excellence.
Conduct regular and systematic monitoring of water quality parameters (e.g., oxygen levels, pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrites), making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal environmental conditions.
Develop and manage the farm's annual operational budget, tracking expenditures, analyzing variances, and implementing cost-control measures without compromising quality or animal welfare.
Maintain precise and detailed records of fish stocks, including growth rates, feed conversion ratios (FCR), mortality, and treatments, utilizing farm management software.
Lead fish health management activities in collaboration with veterinarians, including disease diagnosis, implementation of treatment plans, and preventative health strategies.
Plan and coordinate the logistics of fish harvesting, processing, and transportation to ensure product quality and meet customer demand and delivery timelines.
Manage inventory of critical supplies, including fish feed, chemicals, and equipment parts, ensuring timely procurement and efficient use.
Ensure the proper operation, maintenance, and repair of all farm infrastructure and equipment, such as pumps, filtration systems, feeders, nets, and vehicles.
Guarantee full compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental, health, and safety regulations, and maintain all necessary permits and licenses.
Champion and implement sustainable aquaculture practices to minimize environmental impact, including waste management and water usage optimization.
Analyze production data to identify trends, pinpoint areas for improvement, and develop strategic plans to enhance farm productivity and profitability.
Prepare and present regular, detailed reports on farm performance, production metrics, financial status, and key challenges to senior management.
Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and research in the aquaculture industry to drive continuous improvement and innovation within the facility.
Develop and maintain a robust workplace health and safety program, conducting regular risk assessments and safety drills for all personnel.
Coordinate with the sales and marketing teams to align production targets with market demand and sales forecasts.
Manage all aspects of the hatchery and nursery phases, ensuring high survival rates and a consistent supply of healthy fry and fingerlings for grow-out.
Oversee predator control measures and site security to protect fish stocks from external threats.
Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, auditors, community stakeholders, and vendors, building and maintaining positive professional relationships.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis on fish growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and environmental correlations.
Contribute to the organization's broader sustainable farming and data-driven aquaculture strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including veterinary and nutrition specialists, to translate fish health needs into actionable operational requirements.
Participate in agile project management ceremonies for the implementation of new farm technologies and software systems.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced knowledge of fish husbandry, including nutrition, health, and breeding.
Proficiency in water quality management, testing protocols, and remediation techniques.
Expertise in operating and maintaining Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and/or net-pen systems.
Strong understanding and practical application of biosecurity measures and disease management.
Experience with aquaculture management software (e.g., AquaManager, Fishtalk).
Budgeting, financial forecasting, and P&L management skills.
Data analysis and reporting, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for troubleshooting and maintenance.
Familiarity with environmental regulations and compliance reporting.
Inventory and supply chain management for feed and farm supplies.

Soft Skills

Exceptional leadership and team management abilities.
Strong analytical and data-driven problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, 24/7 operational environment.
Superior organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
Keen attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
Calm and effective decision-making under pressure.
Interpersonal skills for building relationships with staff, management, and external partners.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aquaculture or Fisheries Science
Marine Biology
Animal Science or Veterinary Medicine
Agricultural Business Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-10 years of progressive experience in a commercial aquaculture setting.

Preferred: At least 3+ years in a supervisory or management capacity within a large-scale fish farming operation. Direct experience with the specific species (e.g., salmonids, tilapia, barramundi) is highly advantageous.