Aquaculture Technician

Biological technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals working in fields such as agriculture, resource management, environmental protection, plant and animal biology, microbiology, cell and molecular biology and health sciences, or may work independently in these fields. They are employed in both laboratory and field settings by governments, manufacturers of food products, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, biotechnology companies, health, research and educational institutions, environmental consulting companies, and resource and utilities companies.

Typical Duties:

• Breeds and raises marine organisms such as fish, crustaceans, and  shellfish in an artificial environment;
• Identifies common diseases in fish and takes steps to prevent further breakouts;
• Participates in research on nutrition, on defences against predators or parasites;
• Monitors the aquatic environment for oxygen, salinity, and acidity;
• Employs water chemistry analysis kits in the performance of duties;
• Maintains live feed and algae cultures;
• Collects and records breeding and production data;
• Participates in harvesting of market-sized fish;
• Installs, operates and maintains pumps, filters and other equipment;
• Engages in profitable farm management;

Educational Requirements:

One or two-year college program focused on aquaculture.