Fish Hatchery Technician

Working Schedule

• Fish Hatchery Technicians work full-time, with overtime possible during busy periods. They work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform a good amount of physical labor throughout the day.  

Typical Duties

• Feed fish populations in controlled, specialized ponds, tanks, or other artificial channels (aka raceways)
• Ensure the water quality and temperature are suitable for the type of fish being taken care of, to closely emulate their natural habitats
• Some hatcheries receive freshwater or saltwater from natural sources; others use groundwater, municipal water, recirculated water in a closed-loop system, or even rainwater)
• Maintain equipment such as pumps, fish feeders, screens, filters, etc.
• Trap and sample fish from hatchery populations; monitor eggs as they hatch into the “fry” stage and grow into “fingerlings” 
• Keep track of fish population numbers; maintain records of numbers and weights of fish released or sold
• Monitor for signs of microorganisms or disease 
• Treat or segregate diseased fish quickly, and remove dead fish
• Harvest, count, and weigh eggs, as needed
• Transport fish and fish eggs; release mature fish into natural bodies of water to restock them. Distribute some fish to customers
• Perform general groundskeeping, including cutting grass and maintaining roads and trails 
• Maintain facilities and vehicles; keep track of mileage driven; help order supplies and accept deliveries 

Additional Responsibilities

Limit or control access to certain off-limits facilities and production areas to reduce the risk of disease spread (note, some hatcheries are open to the public and even feature tours!)
Respond to questions from visitors or the general public
Create or follow emergency plans to address biosecurity incidents
Keep up-to-date on employer policies and rules, as well as state and federal guidelines and regulations
Assist with training new team members, volunteers, or community service workers

Soft Skills

• Accountability
• Detail-oriented
• Deductive reasoning
• Initiative
• Observant
• Organized
• Problem-solving
• Stamina
• Strong communication skills  
• Time management 

Technical Skills

• Basic computer skills
• Basic laboratory techniques
• Biology, wildlife, geography, and math
• Carry and load heavy objects
• Data entry, data collection, and recordkeeping
• Fish breeding (i.e., spawning, fertilization, egg collection, incubation, hatching)
• Fish health assessment, disease prevention, and treatment methods
• Hatchery policies, regulations, and laws
• Operate and maintain vehicles (i.e., small boats, ATVs, pickups, utility vehicles, snowmobiles, loaders, etc.)
• Operating/maintaining filtration systems and recirculation equipment, pumps, aerators, and feeding systems
• Small power tools (and firearms, for some jobs); calibration of specialized instruments
• Water quality management (i.e., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia levels) and water dynamics (flows, flow patterns)
• Water safety, first aid, CPR
• Wear of personal protective equipment

• Commercial hatcheries
• Federal, state, or local government agencies

Per Cal Poly Humboldt, the following are potential employers for fisheries biology majors: 

Federal agencies

• Army Corps of Engineers
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Reclamation
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Federal Power Administration
• Fish & Wildlife Services
• Forest Services
• Marine Advisory Extension Services
• National Marine Fisheries Services
• National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• National Park Services
• Natural Resources Conservation Services
• Peace Corps
• Smithsonian Institute
• U.S. Customs Services
• U.S. Geological Survey

State & County agencies

• Fish & Game Departments
• Parks & Recreation Departments
• Public Aquariums
• Water Resource Control Boards
• Water Resource Departments

Private organizations

• Aquaculture & Mariculture Companies
• Aquarium & Pet Supply Companies
• Environmental Consultants
• Manufacturing Companies

Public utility companies

• Timber Product Companies
• Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Fish Hatchery Technicians are responsible for monitoring fish and eggs, feeding fish, maintaining water quality in tanks and ponds, and cleaning equipment to ensure the fish and eggs under their care are healthy and able to thrive. 

Fish Hatchery Technicians need to cultivate a good understanding of fish biology and behavior, so they can watch out for problems. They must follow strict protocols to prevent or control disease outbreaks that can endanger the hatchery’s entire fish population. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work outdoors are all critical to do this job. Some technicians live at remote sites and may be required to carry a firearm. 

In the field of fish hatcheries, there’s an increased focus on sustainable practices and conservation efforts. Many hatcheries are prioritizing the production of native and endangered fish species to restore and maintain natural ecosystems. This shift aligns with concerns about biodiversity loss and habitat degradation, driving hatcheries to play a more active role in preserving aquatic environments.

The integration of technology and data-driven approaches is another trend. Advanced monitoring systems, sensors, and automated feeding mechanisms are being adopted to optimize fish growth and health while allowing technicians to better track water quality parameters, feeding schedules, and fish behavior. Data analytics and modeling also help hatcheries adapt to changing environmental conditions and optimize resource allocation! 

Fish Hatchery Technicians are typically physically active people who prefer working outdoors versus staying in an office all day. They may have always had a keen interest in fish, perhaps having aquariums—or just doing a lot of fishing in their younger days!