Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Fish Hatchery Technician

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dedicated and observant Fish Hatchery Technician to join our team. In this critical role, you will be the frontline caregiver for our aquatic populations, responsible for all aspects of their daily health, growth, and environment. This position involves a blend of biology, mechanics, and rigorous operational procedure, ensuring the successful propagation of fish stocks for conservation, commercial, or research purposes. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a physically active and dynamic environment and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of biosecurity and animal welfare.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Biology or Environmental Science Internship
Agriculture or Farm Hand Position
Aquarium or Pet Store Specialist
Volunteer at a Nature Center or Fisheries Program

Advancement To:

Senior Hatchery Technician or Lead Culturist
Hatchery Manager
Fish Biologist or Aquatic Scientist
Broodstock or Genetics Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Water Quality Technician
Environmental Compliance Specialist
Aquarium Curator or Aquarist
Fisheries Observer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Monitor and maintain all aspects of fish health, including observing behavior, identifying signs of disease or stress, and reporting abnormalities to management.
Administer scientifically formulated diets to various fish species and life stages, ensuring proper nutrition and adjusting feeding rates based on observation, water temperature, and growth targets.
Conduct daily water quality testing, analyzing parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and temperature, and making necessary adjustments to life support systems.
Perform routine cleaning of tanks, raceways, and filtration systems to maintain a hygienic environment and prevent disease outbreaks.
Execute established biosecurity protocols, including the use of footbaths, equipment disinfection, and controlling facility access to mitigate pathogen introduction.
Assist in all phases of fish propagation, including broodstock selection, conditioning, spawning, egg incubation, and the intensive care of larval and juvenile fish.
Perform grading, sorting, and counting of fish populations to manage densities, ensure uniform growth, and maintain accurate inventory records.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex life support systems (LSS), including pumps, filters, UV sterilizers, aeration systems, and automated monitoring equipment.
Collect, record, and manage detailed data on fish growth, mortality, feed consumption, and environmental conditions using logbooks and digital spreadsheets.
Participate in the safe handling, inventory, and transportation of live fish between tanks or for stocking and distribution purposes.
Maintain and calibrate sensitive water quality monitoring instruments and other laboratory equipment to ensure accurate readings.
Perform routine facility and grounds maintenance, which may include minor plumbing, net repair, vegetation control, and general repairs to ensure a safe and efficient workplace.
Assist biologists with research projects by implementing experimental protocols, collecting samples, and recording precise data.
Culture live feeds, such as artemia and rotifers, for larval fish nutrition, managing culture densities and harvest schedules.
Perform fish sampling activities, including weighing, measuring, and collecting tissue samples for genetic or health analysis.
Identify and remove mortalities daily, recording data accurately to track population health trends.
Operate light and heavy equipment such as forklifts, small tractors, and boats as required for hatchery operations.
Implement prescribed therapeutic treatments for fish populations under the direction of a fish health professional.
Conduct fin clipping, elastomer tagging, or other marking techniques for fish identification and tracking in research or stocking programs.
Monitor and respond to automated alarm systems for critical life support functions, sometimes requiring on-call or after-hours availability.
Weigh and prepare fish feed according to strict schedules and calculate Feed Conversion Ratios (FCR) to assess efficiency.

Secondary Functions

Assist biologists and managers with ad-hoc data collection requests for research initiatives or population assessments.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of the hatchery's biosecurity, safety, and standard operating protocols by providing feedback from daily tasks.
Collaborate with other hatchery staff, biologists, and maintenance teams to ensure efficient, safe, and coordinated facility operations.
Participate in daily team meetings and planning sessions to coordinate tasks, report on system status, and address immediate operational needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Water Quality Analysis: Proficiency in testing and interpreting key parameters like dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and alkalinity.
Fish Husbandry: Deep understanding of fish handling, feeding techniques, and recognizing behavioral indicators of health and stress.
Aquatic Life Support Systems: Experience operating and maintaining pumps, biofilters, protein skimmers, and UV sterilizers, particularly within Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS).
Fish Disease Recognition: Ability to identify common parasites, bacterial, and fungal infections in aquatic species.
Data Collection & Management: Meticulous record-keeping skills using physical logs, Microsoft Excel, or specialized aquaculture software.
Basic Mechanical & Plumbing Skills: Competence in performing minor repairs on PVC pipes, valves, pumps, and other hatchery equipment.
Biosecurity Protocols: Strict adherence to disinfection, quarantine, and contamination prevention procedures.
Microscopy: Skill in using a microscope for tasks such as parasite identification, egg staging, or live feed evaluation.
Feed Management: Ability to calculate feeding rates, measure growth, and understand feed conversion ratios (FCR).
Fish Propagation Techniques: Knowledge of spawning induction methods, egg incubation, and larval rearing.

Soft Skills

Keen Observation: The ability to notice subtle changes in fish behavior or system performance that could indicate a problem.
Problem-Solving: A practical, hands-on approach to diagnosing and resolving mechanical or biological issues.
Physical Stamina: Ability to perform demanding physical tasks in various weather conditions, including lifting heavy objects (e.g., 50 lbs).
Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in data entry, feed measurement, and following complex procedures.
Teamwork & Communication: Capable of working effectively within a team and clearly communicating observations and needs.
Independence & Self-Motivation: The drive to complete tasks efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours as required by the biological needs of the animals and systems.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by relevant work experience.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant scientific field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aquaculture or Fisheries Science
Marine Biology or Aquatic Biology
Environmental Science
General Biology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of experience in a related field.

Preferred: 1+ years of direct, hands-on experience working in a fish hatchery, aquaculture research facility, public aquarium, or similar environment is highly desirable.