How to become an Aquaculture Technician

Aquaculture technicians are involved in freshwater and marine farming and hatchery management, as well as research into farmed species. They can be involved in equipment design, site development and research, and the harvesting, processing and shipment of products.

Personal requirements for an Aquaculture Technician

A practical approach to work
Enjoy science
Good observational skills
Enjoy outdoor work
Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Aptitude for working with computers

Education & Training for an Aquaculture Technician

To become an aquaculture technician you usually have to complete a VET qualification in aquaculture. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become an aquaculture technician through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Duties & Tasks of an Aquaculture Technician

Aquaculture technicians:

Breed and raise marine organisms such as fish, eels, crustaceans, shellfish, pearl-producing shellfish, algae, crocodiles and turtles in artificial conditions
Identify common diseases in fish and shellfish, and take the necessary steps to prevent problems that may occur in intensive farming
Assist with experiments relating to nutrition or methods of controlling predators, parasites and other disease-causing organisms
Monitor the environment using oxygen meters, salinity meters, pH (acidity) meters and water chemistry analysis kits
Maintain live feed and algae cultures
Keep records of breeding, production and treatment programs
Develop and implement systems of profitable farm management.

Tasks

Operating lifting equipment such as forklifts and small cranes
Removing dead and dying fish
Checking and looking after equipment and fish housing
Collecting and recording growth, production and water quality data
Feeding and grading fish, and monitoring their growth
Operating pumps and other equipment
Restocking pens, pools, tanks, ponds, rivers and dams with juvenile fish
Harvesting fish, and sorting and packing for transportation
Testing and checking on water quality
Assisting with farm layout and constructing nets, long-lines and cages

Working conditions for an Aquaculture Technician

Aquaculture technicians work outdoors in all kinds of weather. They may also work in a hatchery or laboratory. The work can be located in isolated areas and heavy lifting may be required. Shiftwork is common, including on weekends and public holidays.

Employment Opportunities for an Aquaculture Technician

Aquaculture technicians can be employed in a range of positions, including as a fish farm worker, fish farm nutritionist and hatchery or pond technologist. They may work as owner-managers of aquaculture farms or find employment with state and territory fishery authorities, tertiary institutions, industrial organisations, private hatcheries and fish farms or research organisations such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

Specializations

Aquaculture Technician

Average age
36 years
Future Growth
Stable
Gender Share
14% female
Average full-time
46 hours
Weekly Pay
Unavailable
Skill level rating
Entry level
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
68% Full-Time
Employment Size
1,400 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 0.0%
NSW: 16.2%
NT: 1.4%
QLD: 16.4%
SA: 14.2%
TAS: 40.2%
VIC: 7.7%
WA: 3.9%
Age brackets
15-19: 9.4%
20-24: 14.4%
25-34: 22.2%
35-44: 19.7%
45-54: 20%
55-59: 7.4%
60-64: 4.6%
65 and Over: 2.3%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 6.2%
Bachelor degree: 8.3%
Certificate III/IV: 27.2%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0%
Year 10 and below: 33.8%
Year 11: 5.4%
Year 12: 19.1%