Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Fish Technician
💰 $35,000 - $55,000
ScienceEnvironmentalAgricultureAquacultureField Work
🎯 Role Definition
As a Fish Technician, you are a crucial member of our scientific and resource management team, providing the essential hands-on support for fisheries research, monitoring, and management projects. You will work directly with fish populations and their aquatic habitats, both in the field and in hatchery or laboratory settings. This role involves the rigorous collection of biological data, maintenance of complex equipment, and adherence to strict scientific protocols. You are the engine that powers our understanding and conservation of aquatic resources, working in diverse and often challenging environments to ensure the health and sustainability of fish populations for future generations.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Recent Graduate (Biology, Fisheries Science, Environmental Science)
- Seasonal Field Assistant or Intern
- Aquaculture or Hatchery Worker
Advancement To:
- Fisheries Biologist / Aquatic Ecologist
- Lead Research Technician or Senior Fish Technician
- Hatchery Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Water Quality Technician
- Environmental Compliance Specialist
- Natural Resource Specialist
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Conduct extensive fish population surveys in rivers, lakes, and streams using a variety of standardized sampling gear, including backpack and boat electrofishers, gill nets, trap nets, and seines.
- Skillfully handle live fish, including the accurate identification of species, precise measurement of length and weight, and collection of biological samples like scales, otoliths, and fin clips for aging and genetic analysis.
- Perform fish tagging and marking procedures, such as PIT tagging, coded-wire tagging, or fin clipping, to support long-term mark-recapture studies and movement tracking.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of scientific and field equipment, including research vessels, outboard motors, boat trailers, electrofishing units, and sampling nets.
- Monitor and document water quality parameters (e.g., temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity) using multi-parameter sondes and other electronic or chemical testing kits.
- Execute daily fish husbandry and aquaculture tasks in a hatchery environment, including feedin, tank cleaning, mortality monitoring, and implementing biosecurity protocols to prevent disease.
- Assist senior biologists with the implementation of experimental research designs, ensuring protocols are followed meticulously to maintain data integrity.
- Precisely enter, verify, and manage large datasets collected from the field and lab into databases such as Microsoft Excel, Access, or custom software, ensuring a high degree of accuracy.
- Navigate to and from remote field sites using maps, GPS units, and 4x4 vehicles, often over rough and unimproved roads.
- Participate in aquatic habitat assessment and restoration projects, which may involve stream-bank stabilization, woody debris placement, or invasive species removal.
- Sort, process, and prepare biological samples in a laboratory setting, including mounting scales for age analysis or preserving tissue for genetic or contaminant analysis.
- Maintain detailed and organized records of all field and laboratory activities, including data sheets, logbooks, and equipment maintenance histories.
prepares and administers chemical treatments and disease-therapeutics to fish stocks as prescribed by a fish pathologist. - Perform routine construction and maintenance on hatchery infrastructure, including plumbing systems, filtration units, raceways, and ponds.
- Assist in the spawning of broodstock, egg collection, and the care and incubation of fish eggs and fry, carefully tracking developmental stages.
- Safely load and transport fish for stocking events, monitoring water quality and fish condition throughout the transit process.
- Follow all established safety procedures and protocols, especially when working on or near water, operating heavy equipment, and handling chemicals.
- Conduct creel surveys and angler interviews to collect data on fishing effort, catch rates, and public opinion on fisheries management.
- Assist with the writing of technical reports, data summaries, and annual progress updates by compiling and proofreading data.
- Read and interpret scientific literature and technical manuals to stay current on methodologies and equipment operation.
- Communicate effectively with team members during field operations to ensure safety and efficient execution of tasks.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
- Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
- Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
- Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
- Assist with public outreach and education events, demonstrating sampling techniques and answering questions about local fisheries.
- Maintain and organize an inventory of field supplies, sampling gear, and lab chemicals.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Fish Identification: Demonstrated ability to identify common and rare regional freshwater or saltwater fish species.
- Water Quality Analysis: Experience using and calibrating multi-parameter meters (e.g., YSI sondes) and chemical test kits.
- Motorboat Operation: Proficiency in operating, trailering, launching, and retrieving small to medium-sized watercraft.
- Sampling Techniques: Hands-on experience with fisheries sampling gear, particularly electrofishing, netting, and seining.
⚫ Data Entry & Management: High proficiency with Microsoft Excel and/or Access for accurate data input and organization. - GPS/GIS Technology: Competency in using handheld GPS units for navigation and data collection; familiarity with GIS software (like ArcGIS) is a plus.
- Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on small engines, pumps, and field equipment.
- Fish Husbandry: Knowledge of aquaculture principles, including feeding, water quality management, and disease recognition.
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data collection and recording to ensure the highest data quality.
- Physical Stamina & Resilience: Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks in challenging weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain, and carry heavy loads (50+ lbs).
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively and safely as part of a small team in remote and sometimes high-pressure situations.
- Adaptability: Flexible and positive attitude when faced with changing priorities, inclement weather, and unexpected equipment issues.
- Problem-Solving: Resourcefulness to troubleshoot and resolve logistical and equipment-related problems in the field.
- Safety-Conscious Mindset: A strong commitment to personal and team safety in all work environments.
- Independent Work Ethic: The discipline to complete assigned tasks thoroughly with minimal supervision.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
An Associate's Degree in a relevant field or a high school diploma combined with at least two years of directly applicable experience.
Preferred Education:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Fisheries and Wildlife Science
- Aquatic Biology / Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Aquaculture
- Natural Resource Management
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
0-3 years of experience in a related field. Seasonal, internship, and volunteer experience are highly valued and can be counted towards this range.
Preferred:
1+ years of paid, professional experience directly performing fisheries field data collection or working in a production fish hatchery. Experience operating a variety of sampling gears and working in adverse conditions is highly desirable.