Fishery Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainable seafood production, the focus on fishery workers has become more prominent than ever.

As the demand for seafood continues to grow, so does the need for skilled hands who can harvest, process, and ensure the sustainability of our marine resources.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a fishery worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of fisheries,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable fishery worker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Fishery Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Fishery Workers perform a variety of tasks related to the cultivation and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic life.

Depending on the specific role within the fishery, they may also engage in research, equipment maintenance, and other supporting roles.

Fishery Workers are primarily responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the fishery, with duties and responsibilities including:

• Feed and care for fish and shellfish
• Harvest fish and shellfish as per set schedules
• Monitor and maintain the health of fish stocks
• Operate and maintain fishing nets, traps, and other equipment
• Record data on fish and shellfish growth, health, and harvest
• Sort, pack, and store harvested fish and shellfish
• Assist in the breeding and rearing of fish and shellfish
• Implement pest and disease control measures
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations
• Participate in research and development activities related to aquaculture
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on fishery facilities and equipment

 

Fishery Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Fishery Worker to support our daily operations.

As a Fishery Worker, you will be responsible for tasks such as catching and sorting fish, maintaining the fishing equipment and vessels, and adhering to all safety regulations and protocols.

Our ideal candidate is comfortable working in various weather conditions, has physical stamina, and possesses knowledge of different types of fish and their habitats.

 

Responsibilities

• Catching and sorting fish and shellfish
• Maintaining and repairing fishing gear and equipment
• Operating and navigating fishing vessels
• Ensuring compliance with fishing laws and regulations
• Keeping accurate records of catch, fishing locations, and other pertinent information
• Adhering to safety protocols and procedures
• Assisting with fish breeding and rearing activities
• Contributing to the upkeep and cleaning of the fishing environment

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role preferred
• Familiarity with different types of fish and their habitats
• Physical strength and endurance
• Ability to work in various weather conditions
• Understanding of safety protocols and regulations in fishing
• Good navigational skills
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Fishery Worker
• Work Environment: Mostly outdoors, aboard fishing vessels and in fishing environments. The work often takes place in various weather conditions and may involve long periods at sea.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Fishery Manager or Boat Captain.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Based on experience and skill level
• 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 a Fishery Worker Do?

Fishery Workers are professionals who primarily work in commercial fishing industries or private fishing organizations.

They are also employed by research institutes for the study and conservation of marine life.

Their main responsibility is to catch, sort, and store fish in a safe and efficient manner.

This involves setting up and operating fishing equipment, monitoring catches to ensure no overfishing, and maintaining the equipment to ensure it is in good working order.

Fishery Workers also prepare and pack the fish for transport to markets or processing plants.

They ensure that the fish are handled in accordance with food safety regulations, and that they are stored at appropriate temperatures.

Some Fishery Workers may be involved in fish farming or aquaculture, where they feed and care for fish in hatcheries, monitor their health, and aid in their breeding process.

Others may work in research roles, collecting data on fish populations, migration patterns, and health for use in scientific studies and conservation efforts.

In any role, a Fishery Worker must have a solid understanding of marine life and ecosystems, as well as the ability to work in potentially challenging weather and sea conditions.

 

Fishery Worker Qualifications and Skills

A competent fishery worker should possess a range of technical skills, physical stamina, and industry knowledge, including:

• Physical strength and stamina to perform tasks like casting nets, hauling catches and maneuvering equipment
• Basic knowledge of marine biology to understand the behavior and habitat of different fish species
• Familiarity with fishing equipment and gear, with the ability to handle, maintain, and repair them as necessary
• Observation skills to monitor changes in weather and sea conditions, as well as identify potential fishing areas
• Ability to work in a team, as fishing activities often require coordination and cooperation among crew members
• Problem-solving skills to manage unexpected situations like equipment malfunction or sudden changes in weather
• Persistence and patience, as fishing requires long hours and sometimes yields unpredictable results
• Understanding of safety measures and protocols to prevent accidents and injuries
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, as fishing activities are often governed by laws and regulations to protect marine life and ensure sustainability

 

Fishery Worker Experience Requirements

Fishery workers often start their careers with no prior experience, receiving on-the-job training upon hiring.

This training typically covers safety protocols, use of equipment, and fish species identification.

However, prior experience in a marine environment can be advantageous, such as working on boats or participating in outdoor activities like fishing or diving.

For those aiming at more specialized roles such as Aquaculture Farmer or Fishery Manager, experience in biology, environmental science or even business management can be highly beneficial.

These roles may require a few years of experience in the industry, often gained through entry-level positions within fisheries or aquaculture farms.

Roles requiring the handling and maintenance of sophisticated equipment or machinery, such as marine engineers or technicians, will need experience and training in their specific fields, often through vocational or technical schools.

In higher-level roles, such as Fishery Biologist or Conservation Officer, a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field is often required.

Such positions generally require multiple years of field experience as well as strong knowledge of fishery science and marine ecology.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the industry may be ready to take on management roles within the fisheries, overseeing the operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing workers and resources.

 

Fishery Worker Education and Training Requirements

Fishery Workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent education as the entry-level requirement.

However, those who wish to advance in the field may benefit from an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, or Environmental Science.

Alongside the academic qualifications, Fishery Workers should possess good physical strength and stamina, as the job often requires long hours and strenuous activity.

They must also know how to swim and be comfortable working in various weather conditions.

For some specialized roles within the fisheries sector, vocational training or certification might be necessary.

This could include areas such as seafood processing, fish hatchery operations, or marine equipment maintenance.

On-the-job training is often provided for Fishery Workers, especially those new to the field.

This training can cover a wide range of topics, from safety protocols and emergency procedures to specific fishing techniques and equipment use.

Although not compulsory, some Fishery Workers may choose to pursue further education or certification in areas like marine conservation or aquatic resource management, to deepen their understanding of the field and increase their opportunities for advancement.

 

Fishery Worker Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Fishery Worker is approximately $14.33 (USD) per hour.

However, actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, the location of the job, and the organization that employs the worker.

 

Fishery Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Fishery Worker need?

Fishery Workers need a variety of skills depending on the specific role.

However, common skills include physical stamina and strength, boat operation skills, ability to use fishing and navigational equipment, ability to work in a team, and a good understanding of safety procedures.

Skills in fish sorting, processing, and packing can also be beneficial.

 

Do Fishery Workers need any specific qualifications?

While a high school diploma or equivalent may be required, most Fishery Workers learn their skills on the job.

Any safety or first aid certifications would be an advantage.

Some specific roles may require a commercial fishing license.

 

What should you look for in a Fishery Worker resume?

Experience in a similar role is crucial, as it indicates that the candidate is familiar with the demands and conditions of the job.

Certifications related to boat operation or safety procedures can also be beneficial.

It’s also important to look for evidence of physical stamina and strength, as well as the ability to work well in a team.

 

What qualities make a good Fishery Worker?

A good Fishery Worker is physically fit, as the job often involves heavy lifting and working in challenging weather conditions.

They should be reliable and possess good communication skills for efficient teamwork.

An understanding and respect for safety procedures is also critical in this role.

 

How can I attract skilled Fishery Workers to my job posting?

To attract skilled Fishery Workers, ensure that your job posting highlights the key aspects of the role, including the type of fishing you’re engaged in, the equipment used, and the working conditions.

Offering competitive wages, benefits, and potential for growth can also attract skilled candidates.

If your operation is located in a desirable area or offers unique experiences, highlight this in the job posting as well.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve untangled the nets of what it truly means to be a fishery worker.

And guess what?

It’s not just about catching fish.

It’s about preserving the marine ecosystem, one catch at a time.

With our go-to fishery worker job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make a splash.

But why stop there?

Submerge deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating accurate job postings or polishing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every catch is a part of the bigger marine life cycle.

Let’s preserve that cycle. Together.

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