Shellfish Hatchery Technician

Career Guide

A Shellfish Hatchery Technician helps produce healthy shellfish larvae and juveniles for aquaculture farms and coastal restoration. The role focuses on daily animal care, water quality control, cleaning and sanitation, record keeping, and supporting spawning and larval rearing under guidance from hatchery leads and biologists.

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Key Responsibilities

Maintain clean and safe hatchery work areas
Prepare and disinfect tanks, hoses, screens, and tools
Monitor water quality and adjust systems as directed
Feed broodstock and developing larvae using set schedules
Culture and harvest algae used as shellfish feed
Assist with spawning and fertilization activities
Grade, count, and move larvae and juvenile shellfish between systems
Track growth and survival using daily logs
Identify signs of stress, disease, or poor water conditions and report quickly
Support equipment checks for pumps, filters, aeration, and backups
Follow biosecurity and animal health procedures
Package and prepare seed for delivery or field planting

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Reliability

Time Management

Teamwork

Basic Math

Record Keeping

Animal Care

Water Quality Testing

Sanitation Practices

Biosecurity Procedures

Algae Culture

Larval Rearing

Microscope Use

Pumping System Monitoring

Safe Chemical Handling

Seafood Safety Awareness

Cold Weather Work Readiness

Outdoor Work Readiness

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Hatchery Lead

Hatchery Supervisor

Aquaculture Farm Technician

Aquaculture Operations Coordinator

Shellfish Nursery Manager

Aquaculture Health Technician

Water Quality Technician

Transition Opportunities

Aquaculture Biologist

Hatchery Manager

Aquaculture Production Manager

Environmental Technician

Field Restoration Technician

Quality Assurance Technician

Aquaculture Research Technician

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Consistent Water Quality TestingAlgae Culture ManagementBiosecurity DisciplinePreventive Equipment MaintenanceData Entry AccuracySpecies Specific Rearing KnowledgeBasic Troubleshooting of Pumps and Filters

Development SuggestionsBuild competence through a structured checklist for daily water testing and logging, shadow algae room tasks until you can run a full cycle independently, learn hatchery cleaning standards and follow them consistently, and practice basic equipment troubleshooting with a supervisor. Short courses in aquaculture, water quality, and workplace safety can accelerate readiness.

Market Intelligence Report

Shellfish Hatchery Technician is part of the Fishing & Aquaculture category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level30000 to 40000 USD per year

Mid Level40000 to 55000 USD per year

Senior Level55000 to 70000 USD per year

Growth Trend

Stable to growing demand in coastal regions, driven by expansion in aquaculture production, interest in sustainable seafood, and increased funding for shellfish reef restoration and water quality projects.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Shellfish hatcheriesOyster and clam farmsAquaculture companiesSeafood producers with in house hatchery operationsCoastal restoration organizationsUniversities with marine labsState and local marine resource agenciesTribal fisheries programsEnvironmental consulting firms supporting restoration

Industry Sectors

AquacultureSeafood ProductionMarine Science ResearchCoastal RestorationEnvironmental MonitoringGovernment and Public Sector

Recommended Next Steps

Take an entry level aquaculture or shellfish hatchery course through a community college, extension program, or marine institute

Earn workplace safety training focused on chemical handling and personal protective equipment

Practice water quality testing and learn how to record results clearly

Volunteer or apply for seasonal work at a shellfish hatchery to get hands on experience

Build a simple skills based resume that highlights animal care, sanitation, and reliable shift work

Ask to cross train in algae culture, spawning support, and seed handling to increase responsibility

Track measurable outcomes such as survival rates, clean down completion, and error free logs to support promotions