Mga spotlight

Mga Katulad na Pamagat

Fish Culture Technician, Fish Farm Technician, Aquaculture Technician. Fish Rearing Specialist, Hatchery Assistant, Aquatic Biologist Technician, Fishery Technician, Fish Health Technician

Deskripsyon ng trabaho

Fish hatcheries are facilities where fish eggs are hatched and raised under controlled, optimal environmental conditions where they can thrive. They are later transferred or released into other bodies of water. As U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service notes, hatcheries also “recover endangered or threatened species, “improve recreational fishing,” and “stock 98 million fish every year into rivers and lakes.” 

Fish Hatchery Technicians play an essential role in these operations. They do most of the manual tasks required to keep the hatcheries running smoothly. From taking care of the facilities and grounds to feeding the fish, keeping their water fresh and at an appropriate temperature, and even counting their eggs, Fish Hatchery Technicians are so important that some employers have them live on-site! 

Mga Aspeto ng Kapaki-pakinabang sa Karera
  • Protecting fish and enabling conditions for them to propagate 
  • Helping to balance fragile ecosystems
  • Ensuring sufficient fish populations for commercial use and fishing
Ang Inside Scoop
Mga Pananagutan sa Trabaho

Oras ng trabaho

  • Fish Hatchery Technicians work full-time, with overtime possible during busy periods. They work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform a good amount of physical labor throughout the day.  

Mga Karaniwang Tungkulin

  • Feed fish populations in controlled, specialized ponds, tanks, or other artificial channels (aka raceways)
  • Ensure the water quality and temperature are suitable for the type of fish being taken care of, to closely emulate their natural habitats
  • Some hatcheries receive freshwater or saltwater from natural sources; others use groundwater, municipal water, recirculated water in a closed-loop system, or even rainwater)
  • Maintain equipment such as pumps, fish feeders, screens, filters, etc.
  • Trap and sample fish from hatchery populations; monitor eggs as they hatch into the “fry” stage and grow into “fingerlings” 
  • Keep track of fish population numbers; maintain records of numbers and weights of fish released or sold
  • Monitor for signs of microorganisms or disease 
  • Treat or segregate diseased fish quickly, and remove dead fish
  • Harvest, count, and weigh eggs, as needed
  • Transport fish and fish eggs; release mature fish into natural bodies of water to restock them. Distribute some fish to customers
  • Perform general groundskeeping, including cutting grass and maintaining roads and trails 
  • Maintain facilities and vehicles; keep track of mileage driven; help order supplies and accept deliveries 

Mga Karagdagang Pananagutan

Limit or control access to certain off-limits facilities and production areas to reduce the risk of disease spread (note, some hatcheries are open to the public and even feature tours!)
Respond to questions from visitors or the general public
Create or follow emergency plans to address biosecurity incidents
Keep up-to-date on employer policies and rules, as well as state and federal guidelines and regulations
Assist with training new team members, volunteers, or community service workers

Mga Kasanayang Kailangan sa Trabaho

Soft Skills

  • Pananagutan
  • Mabusisi pagdating sa detalye
  • Deduktibong pangangatwiran
  • Inisyatiba
  • mapagmasid
  • Organisado
  • Pagtugon sa suliranin
  • Stamina
  • Malakas na kasanayan sa komunikasyon  
  • Pamamahala ng oras 


Teknikal na kasanayan

  • Pangunahing kasanayan sa kompyuter
  • Basic laboratory techniques
  • Biology, wildlife, geography, and math
  • Carry and load heavy objects
  • Pagpasok ng data, pangongolekta ng data, at pagtatala ng talaan
  • Fish breeding (i.e., spawning, fertilization, egg collection, incubation, hatching)
  • Fish health assessment, disease prevention, and treatment methods
  • Hatchery policies, regulations, and laws
  • Operate and maintain vehicles (i.e., small boats, ATVs, pickups, utility vehicles, snowmobiles, loaders, etc.)
  • Operating/maintaining filtration systems and recirculation equipment, pumps, aerators, and feeding systems
  • Small power tools (and firearms, for some jobs); calibration of specialized instruments
  • Water quality management (i.e., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia levels) and water dynamics (flows, flow patterns)
  • Water safety, first aid, CPR
  • Wear of personal protective equipment
Iba't ibang Uri ng Organisasyon
  • Commercial hatcheries
  • Pederal, estado, o lokal na ahensya ng pamahalaan

Per Cal Poly Humboldt, the following are potential employers for fisheries biology majors: 

Mga ahensyang pederal

  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs
  • Kawanihan ng Pamamahala ng Lupa
  • Bureau of Reclamation
  • Ahensya ng Pangangalaga sa Kapaligiran
  • Federal Power Administration
  • Fish & Wildlife Services
  • Forest Services
  • Marine Advisory Extension Services
  • National Marine Fisheries Services
  • National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • National Park Services
  • Natural Resources Conservation Services
  • Peace Corps
  • Smithsonian Institute
  • U.S. Customs Services
  • U.S. Geological Survey

State & County agencies

  • Fish & Game Departments
  • Parks & Recreation Departments
  • Public Aquariums
  • Water Resource Control Boards
  • Water Resource Departments

Private organizations

  • Aquaculture & Mariculture Companies
  • Aquarium & Pet Supply Companies
  • Environmental Consultants
  • Manufacturing Companies

Public utility companies

  • Timber Product Companies
  • Water Quality Monitoring Equipment
Mga Inaasahan at Sakripisyo

Fish Hatchery Technicians are responsible for monitoring fish and eggs, feeding fish, maintaining water quality in tanks and ponds, and cleaning equipment to ensure the fish and eggs under their care are healthy and able to thrive. 

Fish Hatchery Technicians need to cultivate a good understanding of fish biology and behavior, so they can watch out for problems. They must follow strict protocols to prevent or control disease outbreaks that can endanger the hatchery’s entire fish population. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work outdoors are all critical to do this job. Some technicians live at remote sites and may be required to carry a firearm. 

Mga Kasalukuyang Uso

In the field of fish hatcheries, there’s an increased focus on sustainable practices and conservation efforts. Many hatcheries are prioritizing the production of native and endangered fish species to restore and maintain natural ecosystems. This shift aligns with concerns about biodiversity loss and habitat degradation, driving hatcheries to play a more active role in preserving aquatic environments.

The integration of technology and data-driven approaches is another trend. Advanced monitoring systems, sensors, and automated feeding mechanisms are being adopted to optimize fish growth and health while allowing technicians to better track water quality parameters, feeding schedules, and fish behavior. Data analytics and modeling also help hatcheries adapt to changing environmental conditions and optimize resource allocation! 

Anong uri ng mga bagay ang kinagigiliwang gawin ng mga tao sa karerang ito noong bata pa sila...

Fish Hatchery Technicians are typically physically active people who prefer working outdoors versus staying in an office all day. They may have always had a keen interest in fish, perhaps having aquariums—or just doing a lot of fishing in their younger days! 

Kailangan ang Edukasyon at Pagsasanay
  • Fish Hatchery Technicians need at least a high school diploma or GED. Entry-level positions at small facilities probably won’t require a college degree
  • Workshops and standalone courses are a great way to learn hatchery techniques, equipment operation, and best practices
  • On-the-Job training is provided but having hands-on experience in aquaculture or fisheries management (via volunteering or part-time jobs) may give you a boost
  • Larger hatcheries might require an associate’s in aquaculture, fisheries and wildlife management, fisheries biology, or marine science
  • Higher-level technician roles involving research, management, or complex operations require a bachelor’s or higher. Undergraduate class topics may include:
  1. Aquatic ecology
  2. Biometrics
  3. Dendrology
  4. Ecosystems
  5. Equipment usage
  6. Fish management
  7. Habitat maintenance
  8. Ichthyology
  9. Ornithology
  10. Pisyolohiya
  11. Population dynamics
  12. Wildlife genetics
  • Biosecurity training to manage disease prevention might be necessary. Topics include quarantine procedures, hygiene, sanitation, pathogen testing, control of invasive species, etc. 
  • A valid driver’s license, boater education card, ATV safety card, or forklift operator certification may be needed
  • Workers who apply pesticides often need a license. Some positions require training in firearm use
  • Workers may complete additional certifications such as Auburn’s Certification for Aquaculture Professionals or CWEA’s Laboratory Analyst Certification
Mga bagay na hahanapin sa isang Unibersidad
  • Not all Fish Hatchery Technicians need a college degree, but it can be helpful to complete classes in aquaculture, fisheries and wildlife management, biology, or marine science. Seek programs with internships or opportunities to get practical experience 
  • Paghambingin ang mga gastos sa matrikula at mga bayarin, na binabanggit ang mga gastos sa loob ng estado kumpara sa labas ng estado
  • Suriin ang mga opsyon sa scholarship at tulong pinansyal
  • Tingnan kung ang programa ay may anumang pakikipagsosyo sa mga kumpanyang kumukuha ng mga nagtapos! 
  • Tandaan ang mga istatistika ng pagtatapos at paglalagay ng trabaho para sa mga alumni 
Mga dapat gawin sa High School at College
  • Fish Hatchery Technicians perform lots of manual labor tasks, so engage in regular workouts to stay in shape
  • In high school, study biology, environmental science, chemistry, math, agriculture or aquaculture, animal science, and physics
  • Go camping, hiking, or fishing to get used to being outdoors a lot (if you aren’t already!)
  • Get your driver’s license and consider applying for a CDL. You may also want to get a boater education card and/or ATV safety education card
  • Learn about the different types of fish that are raised in hatcheries, such as trout, salmon, catfish, bass, walleye, and tilapia
  • Read about the history of why they are raised and what happens to them when they mature (for example, are they released into ponds or rivers, or sold to businesses?) 
  • Watch videos such as Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s YouTube channel
  • Check out the videos Trout Hatchery Tour - See How A Hatchery Works! and Fish Hatchery - Daniel, Wyoming
  • Talk to working Fish Hatchery Technicians. Ask about their jobs and what they recommend for education and training. See if it is possible to shadow them for a day or volunteer
  • Because technicians have direct access to valuable fish populations which may be used as sources of food later, technicians must often undergo a criminal background check! 
Karaniwang Roadmap
Technician ng Fish Hatchery
Paano makuha ang iyong unang trabaho
  • Check out job portals like Indeed.com, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, CareerBuilder, SimplyHired, ZipRecruiter, USAJOBS, etc.
  • Take note of keywords in job postings. Tailor your resume to include them, while highlighting your relevant education and experience
  • If you don’t have the necessary experience for certain jobs, don’t give up. Keep looking for entry-level or associated positions until you find one that you qualify for. If that doesn’t work, take a few classes to beef up your application
  • Attend recruitment events. Many governmental agencies go to job fairs ready to hire. Come dressed nicely and prepared to ask questions and give mature responses
  • Kung kukuha ka ng mga kurso sa kolehiyo, magtanong sa mga instruktor o kapwa mag-aaral tungkol sa mga bukas na alam nila o mga koneksyon na mayroon sila. Maraming trabaho ang matatagpuan sa pamamagitan ng networking!
  • Ask working Fish Hatchery Technicians how they landed their jobs
  • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s hatchery system features ~70 national hatcheries plus a handful of fish technology or health centers. Consider moving closer to one, if you want a job there. Otherwise, look for commercial hatchery locations!  
  • Gumawa ng listahan ng mga potensyal na personal na sanggunian. Kumuha ng pahintulot na ibahagi ang kanilang impormasyon sa pakikipag-ugnayan nang maaga
  • Brush up on hatchery practices and terminology. During interviews, demonstrate your knowledge of the fish hatchery business and highlight your commitment to safety—both for yourself and the fish! 
  • Review sample Fish Hatchery Technician resumes and interview questions
  • Magtanong sa isang kaibigan (o sa career center ng iyong paaralan) na tulungan kang makayanan ang ilang mga kunwaring panayam
  • Bago pumunta sa isang pakikipanayam, siguraduhing pag-aralan ang website ng employer para matuto pa tungkol sa kanilang operasyon
Paano Umakyat sa Hagdan
  • Take excellent care of the fish and eggs you are responsible for
  • Ask questions and learn all you can about every aspect of the hatchery operation
  • Let your supervisor know that you want to master your job and are interested in advancement opportunities when the time is right. Ask for their advice about what you should do to make yourself a stronger asset to the organization
  • If a degree is required to advance, consider taking classes and see if the organization offers tuition assistance. Some employers might send you to classes if you ask
  • Actively seek opportunities to gain leadership and managerial experience
  • Practice outstanding safety at all times to show you’re a responsible worker! 
  • Maintain good physical fitness so you’ll have the stamina to do your duties 
  • Show up for work on time and take good care of tools, equipment, and vehicles 
  • Work effectively as part of a team and try to offer solutions to problems that come up  
  • Participate in professional organizations (see our list of Recommended Tools/Resources)
  • Offer to give tours or teach workshops so you can get practice engaging with the public
  • Learn about the sales and marketing side of the hatchery business  
  • Sanayin nang lubusan ang mga bagong manggagawa. Magtakda ng matataas na pamantayan upang matutunan nilang gawin ang trabaho nang ligtas
  • Stay up to date on trends and industry changes that improve performance and reduce health risks for fish and eggs

Promotions are typically based on a mix of your job performance, knowledge and skills, and alignment with the employer’s needs. By consistently excelling in your current role, displaying leadership qualities, and actively contributing to the hatchery’s success, you increase your chances of being considered for a promotion! 

Plano B

Fish Hatchery Technician work can, at times, be fun, exciting, dull, or dangerous. Every day comes with its own unique set of challenges. While many people love this line of work, it is not for everyone! If you’re curious about related career fields, consider some of the below options: 

  • Aquaculturist
  • Aquatic Biologist
  • Aquatic Ecologist
  • Aquatic Pathologist
  • Biological Technician
  • Fish & Game Warden
  • Fish & Wildlife Assistant
  • Fish Behaviorist
  • Fish Culturist
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Fisheries Conservationist
  • Fishery Scientist
  • Fish Hatchery Manager
  • Fish Health Inspector
  • Habitat Restoration Specialist
  • Marine Biologist
  • Research Biologist
  • Reservoir Manager 

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