How to become an Aquaculture Technician

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

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.

  • Average age
    Average age
    36 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Stable
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    14% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    46 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    Unavailable
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Entry level
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    68% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    1,400 workers
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
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