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