Fish farm manager : Employers and vacancy sources

Typical employers are mainly commercial fish farms, largely specialising in salmon and trout rearing (e.g. Marine Harvest ). However, there are also commercial farms that rear turbot, halibut, a range of coarse fish and shellfish. Some of these farms produce fish for the retail trade, whereas others rear fish for restocking rivers, lakes, ponds and angling centres. A small number breed ornamental fish for sale to pet shops and aquatic sales centres.

Other possible sources of employment include:

• Environment Agency (EA)  
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)  
• The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)  
• area water authorities;
• salmon district fisheries boards (see The Association of Salmon Fishery Boards (ASFB) );
• government and research association fish farms;
• leisure facilities including aquariums and sea life centres.

Those universities and colleges that offer degrees in fish farming and related subjects (e.g. Plymouth, Stirling, Bangor and Kings) normally conduct research on behalf of the government or for associated industries, such as manufacturers of fish feed and treatments for disease. You will need a PhD to be employed as a lecturer or researcher in this setting.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• International recruitment agencies, e.g. AquaNIC  
• Fish Farmer  
• Angling News  and other angling magazines.
• New Scientist Jobs  
• The National Farmers Union (NFU)  keeps a register of people who are interested in a career in fish farming.
• Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)  often have placements abroad.
• National press, particularly Guardian Jobs , The Daily Telegraph Jobs  and The Times  
• Local and regional press.

Local recruitment agencies and job centres sometimes handle vacancies in relevant areas.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.