Fish Farmer

Typical Salary

£13,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

44 to 46 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How To Become a Fish Farmer

You can get into this job through:

a college course
applying directly

College / University

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

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

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

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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

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

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of biology
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
maths knowledge
the ability to work well with others
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to use your initiative
leadership skills
business management skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

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

Working Environment

You could work on a farm.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

Career Path & Progression

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 start your own fish farm.

Volunteering Opportunities

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 an angling club.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in the fisheries industry through the Institute of Fisheries Management.

Restrictions & Requirements

You may need a full driving licence to travel to work, collect feed and equipment, and make deliveries to local buyers.