Overview
A fisheries technician oversees and assists in the daily work to be completed at a fishery. They ensure fish are well and fed and are responsible for general maintenance around the facility.
What responsibilities will I have?
- Assist biologists and technicians of higher level in various natural resource management or research activities, including use, maintenance and calibration of scientific and technical equipment
- Assist in habitat enhancement and management
- Operate high-pressure spray pumps, outboard motors, air boats, mud boats, vehicles, tractors, and other equipment
- Provide technical support and assistance to professional personnel engaged in fish production and freshwater mussel propagation at a disease-free hatchery
- Prepare diets for fish
- Collect fish broodstock
- Sort and spawn fish
- Clean aquaculture equipment and tanks
- Record keeping
What education and training is required?
A bachelor’s degree in aquaculture, biology, chemistry, statistics, or agriculture.
To pursue a career as a fisheries technician:
The following high school courses are recommended: agriculture education, mathematics, biology, chemistry and environmental sciences.
Where can I work?
Fishery technicians work for privately owned fisheries, but government and state agencies also employ fishery technicians.
Future Job Market / Outlook
The job outlook for a fisheries technician will be good over the next five years.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations
- American Fisheries Society
- National Aquaculture Organization
- The World Aquaculture Society
