Aquaculture Farm Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of sustainable solutions, the focus on aquaculture farm managers has never been sharper.

As the demand for environmentally friendly food production grows, so does the need for skilled professionals who can effectively manage, develop, and protect our aquaculture farms.

But what exactly is expected from an aquaculture farm manager?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional trying to understand the core of this role,
• A recruiter striving to design the perfect job profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of aquaculture management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable aquaculture farm manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Aquaculture Farm Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Aquaculture Farm Managers oversee the breeding and rearing of fish and shellfish, and manage the day-to-day operations of an aquaculture farm.

They are responsible for the overall productivity and efficiency of the farm, and ensure all operations adhere to local and national regulatory standards.

The duties and responsibilities of an Aquaculture Farm Manager include:

• Overseeing the breeding, feeding, and harvesting of fish and shellfish
• Managing and coordinating staff and their duties
• Maintaining and operating farm machinery and equipment
• Monitoring water quality and other environmental conditions
• Implementing disease control measures and maintaining biosecurity
• Developing and implementing strategies for the improvement of yield and quality of produce
• Managing budgets, controlling finances, and ensuring profitability
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, environmental regulations, and animal welfare standards
• Keeping accurate records of stock, financial transactions, and employee performance
• Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, customers, and relevant authorities

 

Aquaculture Farm Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a dedicated Aquaculture Farm Manager to oversee, manage and maintain our aquatic farm operations.

Responsibilities include planning and directing the daily operations of the farm, such as breeding and rearing of fish, monitoring health of the fish stock, and maintaining optimal farm conditions.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent managerial skills, a keen interest in sustainable aquaculture practices, and a strong understanding of aquatic animal health and nutrition.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and manage all farm activities, including feeding, and harvesting processes.
• Maintain optimal farm conditions and ensure compliance with government regulations.
• Monitor aquatic life, detect diseases or abnormal behaviour, and recommend solutions to mitigate health issues.
• Keep abreast with latest aquaculture practices and technology for improvement in farm operations.
• Prepare and manage budget and farm resources efficiently.
• Implement biosecurity measures and ensure a safe work environment.
• Train staff and supervise their work performance.
• Regularly report on farm status, challenges, and production.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, community, and regulatory bodies.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Aquaculture Farm Manager or similar role.
• Demonstrable knowledge of aquaculture techniques and water management.
• Familiarity with aquatic animal health and nutrition.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and quality standards in aquaculture industry.
• Proficient in MS Office and farm management software.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving and leadership skills.
• BSc degree in Aquaculture, Marine Biology or relevant field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Aquaculture Farm Manager
• Work Environment: Outdoor, aquatic setting. The role involves direct exposure to water bodies, live aquatic species, and outdoor climates.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Director or Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Aquaculture Farm Manager Do?

Aquaculture Farm Managers oversee the daily operations of fish or shellfish farms that aim at breeding, rearing, and harvesting fishes or shellfish.

They can work for large commercial operations or smaller, family-owned farms.

They are responsible for planning and coordinating the breeding and rearing processes.

They also maintain and monitor the aquatic environment to ensure optimal conditions for the species they are cultivating.

They may also be involved in diagnosing and treating diseases among the fish or shellfish.

An integral part of their role includes managing the farm staff, ensuring they are well trained and adhere to safety procedures.

They also oversee the maintenance and repair of farm equipment and facilities.

Aquaculture Farm Managers also engage in business management tasks such as budgeting, planning, marketing, and interacting with suppliers and customers.

They need to comply with local, regional, and national regulations concerning aquaculture and environmental protection.

In addition, they may be involved in researching new breeding or rearing techniques to improve farm productivity and sustainability.

Depending on the size and scope of the farm, they may also handle the sales and distribution of the harvested fish or shellfish.

 

Aquaculture Farm Manager Qualifications and Skills

An Aquaculture Farm Manager should possess a mix of technical knowledge, management skills, and a deep understanding of aquatic life to effectively manage and operate an aquaculture farm.

These skills include:

• Knowledge of aquaculture practices and species-specific requirements for breeding, rearing and harvesting aquatic animals or plants.
• Management skills to efficiently organize, direct, and coordinate workers and resources for the day-to-day running of the farm.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address potential challenges or issues that may arise on the farm, such as disease outbreaks or equipment malfunctions.
• Communication skills to effectively liaise with staff, suppliers, clients, and regulatory bodies.
• Financial acumen to manage the farm’s budget, assess the profitability of operations, and make necessary financial decisions.
• Physical stamina and resilience to handle the physical demands of the job which may include working in all kinds of weather conditions and handling heavy equipment.
• Understanding of environmental regulations and compliance requirements associated with aquaculture and a commitment to sustainable farming practices.
• Basic maintenance skills to perform minor repairs on equipment or facilities.
• Computer literacy to use farm management software, maintain records, and analyze data for decision-making purposes.

 

Aquaculture Farm Manager Experience Requirements

Entry-level aquaculture farm managers often have at least 2 to 3 years of experience in aquaculture or a related field, like marine biology or fisheries science.

This experience can be gained through internships or part-time roles at fish farms, hatcheries, or research institutions.

Aquaculture farm managers may also gain practical experience by working in roles such as Aquaculture Technician, Hatchery Assistant, or Fish Farm Hand.

These positions typically involve hands-on work with fish and shellfish, as well as maintenance of aquaculture systems and equipment.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in the field generally have a deep understanding of aquaculture practices and are well-versed in the management of an aquaculture farm.

They may have experience with tasks such as feed management, disease control, water quality monitoring, and farm operations planning.

Those with more than 7 years of experience often have leadership experience and are able to manage a team of workers.

They may also have experience in strategic planning, budget management, and compliance with environmental and animal welfare regulations.

These seasoned professionals are typically well-suited for senior management positions in large-scale aquaculture operations.

 

Aquaculture Farm Manager Education and Training Requirements

Aquaculture Farm Managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in aquaculture, marine biology, fishery biology, or a related field.

Their education includes courses in aquatic plant and animal species, water quality, fish health and nutrition, and aquaculture systems.

Practical experience gained through internships or fieldwork is also highly valuable.

Depending on the size and complexity of the farm, a master’s degree in aquaculture or a related field may be beneficial.

This advanced degree often includes courses in business management, fishery economics, and environmental regulations, providing a more comprehensive understanding of managing an aquaculture farm.

Aquaculture Farm Managers should also have a solid understanding of water chemistry and aquatic diseases, as well as skills in problem-solving and decision-making.

In addition, certification programs offered by institutions such as the Global Aquaculture Alliance or the Aquaculture Certification Council can provide proof of professional competency in the field.

These certifications generally require both coursework and hands-on experience.

Continuing education is also important in this role as it helps managers stay updated with the latest advances in breeding techniques, disease control, feeding regimes, and environmental impact mitigation.

 

Aquaculture Farm Manager Salary Expectations

An Aquaculture Farm Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $50,315 (USD) per year.

However, the exact salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience in the field, the size and profitability of the farm being managed, and the geographical location of the farm.

 

Aquaculture Farm Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Aquaculture Farm Manager need?

Aquaculture Farm Managers should have solid knowledge of fish biology and water chemistry.

They should possess excellent organizational and management skills, as well as problem-solving abilities to handle unexpected issues such as disease outbreaks or changes in water conditions.

Communication skills are also crucial for coordinating with staff and interacting with clients or suppliers.

 

Do Aquaculture Farm Managers need a degree?

While not always necessary, a degree in a related field such as Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, or Environmental Science can be beneficial.

Practical experience in aquaculture or marine farming is often more important.

Additionally, certain positions may require certifications or licenses.

 

What should you look for in an Aquaculture Farm Manager’s resume?

Look for experience in managing aquatic farms or similar environments, evidence of problem-solving skills, and a basic understanding of fish biology and water chemistry.

Knowledge of safety regulations and quality control procedures is also important.

Check for any relevant certifications or licenses, and be sure they have the ability to lead and motivate a team.

 

What qualities make a good Aquaculture Farm Manager?

A good Aquaculture Farm Manager is organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.

They must be prepared to deal with unexpected issues, such as changes in water conditions or disease outbreaks.

Good managers also have strong leadership skills, are good at decision-making, and are able to communicate effectively with their team.

Knowledge of fish biology and water chemistry, as well as an understanding of environmental regulations, are key.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Aquaculture Farm Manager?

The challenge in hiring an Aquaculture Farm Manager lies in finding someone with the right mix of practical experience, theoretical knowledge, and management skills.

Additionally, since aquaculture can be a specialized field, the pool of qualified candidates may be smaller than for other industries.

Offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment can help attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

There we have it.

Today, we’ve unlocked the secrets of what it really means to be an Aquaculture Farm Manager.

Surprised?

It’s not just about rearing fish.

It’s about cultivating the future of sustainable seafood, one fish at a time.

Armed with our essential Aquaculture Farm Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-prepared to take the plunge.

But why limit yourself?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next wave to precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Keep in mind:

Every fish reared is part of a larger ecosystem.

Let’s harvest that future. Together.

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