Aquaculture Farmer
SOC 11-9013.00 · ESCO 1312 · OSCA 151331
Role snapshot
Overview
Raises fish, shellfish, or aquatic plants in controlled environments, such as ponds, tanks, or ocean pens. Responsibilities include monitoring water quality, managing feeding regimes, and optimizing stocking densities to produce healthy stock for market. This role involves hands-on animal husbandry, equipment maintenance, and adherence to environmental regulations.
Contributes to sustainable food production and food security by efficiently cultivating aquatic species, reducing pressure on wild fish stocks, and providing high-quality seafood to consumers.
On the job
- Monitor water quality parameters (pH, oxygen, temperature, salinity) and adjust systems as needed
- Manage feeding schedules and ensure proper nutrition for aquatic stock
- Inspect and maintain aquaculture equipment, including pumps, filters, and aeration systems
- Implement disease prevention protocols and administer treatments when necessary
- Harvest and process aquatic products for market, ensuring quality and compliance
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
GrowingJob growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Education & training
A certificate, diploma, or bachelor's degree in aquaculture, marine biology, or a related field is often preferred, alongside practical experience.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Aquaculture Farmer
Agriculture & Food
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
enterprising · REC
People who enjoy hands-on work with living organisms, managing practical operations, and applying systematic methods to achieve production goals tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Conscientious
Highly diligent and responsible in maintaining precise conditions for aquatic life and farm equipment.
Practical
Enjoys hands-on work, operating machinery, and directly managing physical farm operations.
Investigative
Curious about biological processes and diligent in diagnosing issues related to animal health or water quality.
Calm under pressure
Maintains a steady demeanor and effective problem-solving skills when facing unexpected operational challenges.
Organized
Systematically manages daily tasks, record-keeping, and inventory to ensure smooth farm operations.
Moderately social
Collaborates effectively with team members and interacts professionally with suppliers and inspectors.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy working independently in a structured outdoor environment with living organisms.
- Those who are meticulous, problem-solvers, and committed to animal welfare and sustainable practices.
- People who thrive on daily routines combined with occasional urgent problem-solving.
Watch out for
- Regular weekend work and urgent issues can disrupt personal schedules.
- The work is primarily outdoors and physically demanding, regardless of weather conditions.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Aquaculture Farmer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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