Aquaculture Hatchery Manager
Hatchery managers oversee all aspects of an aquaculture hatchery, including the management of personnel, fish, infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, they meet with federal and state officials to establish priorities for fish production and coordinate research projects. A hatchery manager’s main roles include supervision and training of farm and grounds staff to ensure all maintenance, health, and safety and service standards are maintained and financial objectives are achieved.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Track fish life cycles to determine the proper time for harvesting or release
- Monitor all areas for disease and treat or report as needed
- Find ways to trap and breed in an environmentally friendly and economical way
- Oversee water quality assurance and quality control programs based on industry standards
- Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and information regarding hatchery equipment and operations
- Analyze budget requirements for fish culture operations and ensure program expenditures meet state and federal requirements
- Manage fish care, maintenance, packing and transfer activities
- Hire and train hatchery staff and supervise employees
- Maintain records and prepare reports on hatchery operations
- Ensure worker safety requirements are met and ensure quality standards and practices are followed on farm sites
- Work with nutritionists to develop feeding rations and schedules needed for specified growth rates for a variety of aquatic species
- Meet with federal and state officials to establish priorities for fish production and coordinate research projects
- Conduct hatchery tours, explain operations and answer questions on fish production
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education, especially animal science
- business
- mathematics
- English
- biology
- chemistry
- environmental sciences
Education/Training Required:
Hatchery managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, fisheries science, aquaculture, hatchery management, hatchery maintenance or a related field.
