Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician
SOC 19-4011 · ESCO 3142 · OSCA 311133
Role snapshot
Overview
Maintains fish farms or hatcheries by monitoring water quality, feeding stock, and treating disease. Collects samples, records growth data, and helps manage breeding cycles for sustainable aquatic production. This role is crucial for ensuring the health and productivity of aquatic organisms in controlled environments.
Contributes directly to sustainable food production and conservation efforts by managing aquatic ecosystems, ensuring healthy stock, and maintaining environmental balance in aquaculture operations.
On the job
- Monitor and test water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity.
- Prepare and administer feed to various aquatic species according to established schedules and dietary requirements.
- Observe aquatic stock for signs of disease, injury, or stress, and assist with treatment protocols.
- Collect biological samples (e.g., tissue, scales, water) and maintain accurate records of growth, health, and environmental data.
- Clean and maintain tanks, filtration systems, nets, and other equipment to ensure optimal operating conditions.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
GrowingJob growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Education & training
Certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in aquaculture, fisheries management, marine biology, or a related scientific field.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
moderate
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
While data logging and some basic monitoring can be augmented by AI, the core tasks of direct animal observation, physical handling, cleaning, and equipment maintenance are less exposed.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
Full automation of complex animal care, emergency response, or maintenance tasks is highly improbable, as these require constant human intervention and judgment.
Adoption pressure
moderate
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
There is moderate adoption pressure for AI in areas like data analysis and optimized feeding, but high capital costs and the hands-on nature of the work limit broader AI implementation.
Human dependence
strong
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Success critically depends on human judgment for keen observation of animal health, manual dexterity in handling and treatment, and rapid response to unforeseen issues.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
moderate
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role can adapt by integrating new monitoring technologies and data analysis tools, but the fundamental physical and direct animal care components will remain central.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Analyze water quality data to detect anomalies and predict issues
- Optimize feeding schedules and amounts based on growth data and environmental factors
- Monitor automated systems for potential malfunctions
- Log and analyze growth and health data from aquatic stock
- Assist in identifying early signs of disease through image or sensor data
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Directly observing aquatic stock for subtle signs of stress or illness
- Administering physical treatments and handling aquatic species
- Cleaning and maintaining tanks, filtration systems, and other equipment
- Responding to emergencies such as equipment failure or disease outbreaks
- Collecting biological and water samples manually
- Operating and calibrating specialized tools and probes
How the role may evolve
Less routine monitoring. More hands-on animal health.
Technicians will spend less time on routine data logging and more time on direct animal observation, complex problem-solving, and hands-on maintenance, leveraging AI for predictive insights.
Strengthen your future fit
- Proficiency with digital monitoring and data platforms
- Enhanced diagnostic skills for animal health
- Mechanical aptitude for equipment maintenance
- Adaptability to new technologies in aquaculture
- Strong observational and problem-solving abilities
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician
Agriculture & Food
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RIS
People who enjoy hands-on work with living organisms, applying scientific principles, and maintaining structured environments tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Curious
Interested in understanding aquatic ecosystems and learning new methods for animal care and production.
Diligent
Highly responsible and thorough in monitoring stock health, maintaining equipment, and adhering to protocols.
Independent
Comfortable working alone or in small teams, focused on practical tasks rather hand than extensive social interaction.
Cooperative
Works well with colleagues and follows instructions to ensure smooth farm operations and animal welfare.
Calm under pressure
Manages unexpected issues with aquatic stock or equipment without becoming overly stressed, maintaining focus on solutions.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy working with animals and contributing to sustainable food systems.
- Those who appreciate a mix of routine tasks and problem-solving in a practical, scientific context.
- People who thrive in semi-structured environments and are comfortable with hands-on responsibilities.
Watch out for
- The work environment can be physically demanding and often involves working outdoors or in wet conditions.
- Living organisms require consistent care, which may lead to occasional weekend work or irregular hours.
A week in the life
A representative working week for an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician roles
What does an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician do?
An Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician maintains fish farms or hatcheries by monitoring water quality, feeding stock, and treating disease. Collects samples, records growth data, and helps manage breeding cycles for sustainable aquatic production. This role is crucial for ensuring the health and productivity of aquatic organisms in controlled environments. Contributes directly to sustainable food production and conservation efforts by managing aquatic ecosystems, ensuring healthy stock, and maintaining environmental balance in aquaculture operations.
How much does an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician earn?
An Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician earns a median of $48,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $35,000 to $65,000.
What qualifications do you need to become an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician?
To become an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician, certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in aquaculture, fisheries management, marine biology, or a related scientific field.
What personality suits an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician?
Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 78/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 72/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Curious, Diligent, Independent and Cooperative. Interested in understanding aquatic ecosystems and learning new methods for animal care and production. On interests, Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician maps to a RIS Holland Code profile — people who enjoy hands-on work with living organisms, applying scientific principles, and maintaining structured environments tend to thrive in this role.
Who does an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician role suit?
An Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Realistic and Investigative alignment: the role involves hands-on work with living organisms and scientific monitoring. A significant portion of the week is dedicated to practical tasks like animal care, equipment maintenance, and data collection. The role requires high conscientiousness and diligence, making it a good fit for those who value responsibility and precision.
What are the downsides of being an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician?
Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. The work environment can be physically demanding and often involves working outdoors or in wet conditions. Living organisms require consistent care, which may lead to occasional weekend work or irregular hours.
What is the work environment like for an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician?
Work as an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician is mostly mixed-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and low exposure to clients or stakeholders.
What skills do you need to be an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician?
Core skills for an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician include Aquatic animal husbandry, Water quality management, Disease identification and treatment, Data collection and record-keeping and Equipment maintenance and repair.
How do you become an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician?
Common entry routes into Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician roles include Farm Worker, Agricultural Technician and Conservation Aide.
What career progression is there for an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician?
From an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician role, common next steps include Aquaculture Manager and Fisheries Biologist; lateral moves include Environmental Technician.
What is the job outlook for Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician roles?
The outlook for Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician roles is currently rated growing. Job growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Will AI replace Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician roles at 37 out of 100, which is low. Observing animal health and performing physical care will remain human tasks; AI will increasingly manage data logging and optimize basic feeding schedules. AI is most likely to take on analyze water quality data to detect anomalies and predict issues, optimize feeding schedules and amounts based on growth data and environmental factors and monitor automated systems for potential malfunctions. Directly observing aquatic stock for subtle signs of stress or illness, administering physical treatments and handling aquatic species and cleaning and maintaining tanks, filtration systems, and other equipment stay with people. Less routine monitoring. More hands-on animal health. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.