Fish farmer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course to give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for the job.

Courses are usually offered by agricultural colleges and include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Fisheries Management
• Level 2 Diploma in Fish Husbandry
• Level 2 Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management (Fish)

Entry requirements:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

Paid or voluntary work in related areas can be useful. Examples include taking part in environment and water monitoring with river trusts, ecological surveys or being a member of a fishing club.

DirectApplication

You could apply to fish farms for permanent or seasonal work. There are no set qualifications required but experience is useful.

Some jobs are in remote areas of the country, so you may need access to a vehicle.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of biology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with your hands
• business management skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of food production methods
• leadership skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• maths knowledge
• customer service skills
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Fish farmers breed and look after fish and shellfish in small teams.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• breed or buy fish in large amounts
• feed and monitor fish health
• grade and move fish as they grow
• maintain buildings, equipment and habitats
• treat used water
• harvest and sell stock

Location : You could work on a farm.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

44 - 46 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

You could move into areas like fisheries management, biological science or environmental research by taking a degree qualification.

On a larger farm, you could progress to supervisor or manager.

You could also start your own fish farm.