HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
There is no single education path for this occupation, and requirements can vary by employer and work setting. Many workers enter with a high school diploma or equivalent, while some employers may hire people with less formal schooling if they can do the work safely and reliably. Because the job is practical and often seasonal, employers may value hands-on ability, comfort with outdoor conditions, and willingness to learn on the job. Some positions may be available in rural or remote areas, especially where aquaculture operations are located. Experience around boats, fish, shellfish, or farm equipment can be helpful, but it is not guaranteed or required for every job.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Assist aquaculture technicians in operation of a fish hatchery or other aquatic farm
- Feed aquaculture stocks, vaccinate stocks, perform culling and marking or banding techniques and report any observed irregularities in stock
- Operate, maintain and clean pumps, filters, tanks and other aquaculture equipment and clean and maintain aquaculture enclosures
- Keep daily records of water flow and fish samples
- Grade and weigh aquaculture stocks
- Prepare aquaculture stocks for market
- Operate boats, if necessary, in marine aquaculture operations.
- Marine plant gatherers rake seaweed, dulse or Irish moss from beach, rocks or shallow water and load into a cart, wagon or other receptacles
- Marine plant gatherers spread gatherings to dry and remove foreign objects
- Marine plant gatherers transport gatherings to processing plant.
- Shellfish harvesters dig clams from beds with spade, fork or other instrument, or pick oysters
- Shellfish harvesters clean, sort and transport shellfish to market.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day often starts early and focuses on care, cleaning, and close attention to stock and equipment. A worker might feed fish, check tanks or enclosures, and note any changes in water flow or animal health. The day can also include cleaning pumps and filters, sorting or weighing stock, and helping prepare products for market. In marine settings, the work may involve going out on a boat or gathering shellfish, seaweed, or other marine plants, depending on the season and the site. Because conditions can change with weather, tides, and the time of year, workers need to stay flexible and follow directions closely.
SKILLS TO BUILD