Farm Manager (Aquaculture)

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A career as a Farm Manager (Aquaculture)

Farm Managers are responsible for the breeding and rearing of fish in a marine environment. Their role is to product the highest quality fish to the highest welfare and ethical standards to fulfil customer requirements. They are responsible for stock management, team management and development, and the promotion of health and safety in the workplace.

The fish farm may be producing fish to enter the food chain, breeding fish to stock angling or ornamental ponds or specialise in developing brood stock, selling eggs to another aquaculture company. Whilst most farms concentrate on salmon and trout, some may specialise in shellfish such as mussels, oysters, and scallops.

Also known as: Fish Farm Manager, Marine Site Manager

Skills/Knowledge

You’ll need:

  • an enthusiasm for fish, their environment and welfare

  • leadership and management skills

  • strong planning, organisational and communication skills

  • to be flexible to meet the demands of the job

  • to be able to use computer and associated software systems competently

  • to understand and interpret data, and make decisions to get results

  • to ensure safe working practices

A driver’s licence is needed for this role – some companies will support employees to pass their driving test if they don’t have their licence already. You’ll need to take short courses to learn how to operate equipment, powerboats or forklifts.

Salary

NB These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and the skills/qualifications and experience of the employee.

Higher salaries can be achieved if you become a senior manager in a large firm. You may also be provided with accommodation near the farm.

£35,000
Typical salaries
range from
£44,000
Typical Hours

Around 40 hours per week to a site rota, working flexible hours around the jobs that need done at different times of the year. This will include early morning, evenings and weekends as fish farms operate 24 hours a day.

Day to Day
  • Calculate the feeding regime to be delivered by automatic computerised systems

  • Supervise and train the staff to feed fish and clean holding tanks and nets

  • Ensure hygiene standards are high, to prevent disease

  • Check the water quality and oxygen levels are right for the fish

  • Maintain the fish holding cages and equipment

  • Monitor the health of the fish and treat them when appropriate

  • Plan breeding programmes and grow schedules to obtain maximum productivity

  • Ensuring that the farm maintains high environmental standards

  • Pay close attention to detail to avoid expensive fish losses

  • Keeping detailed and accurate records of stocks and be able to calculate expected harvesting dates

Working Environment

Much of your time will be spent outdoors on water in all weathers, but you will also have office-based duties to carry out which usually take place on the site workboats.  Farming work is active and may involve a lot of heavy lifting, standing, bending and carrying. Protective clothing (PPE) and floatation aids will be provided by the company.

Training Available

Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.

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