Fish Farm Worker

Job description

Position involves relatively skilled, hands-on farm work required throughout all assigned job tasks for the production of live catfish for sale to other farms or producers. Job tasks such as, but not limited to, operating farm equipment on or near fishponds to corral fish into various seine and sock nets; operating loader attachment to move fish from nets to live tanks on board independent live-haul trucks; guiding, positioning, and releasing fish from attachment into live tanks. Count and weigh fish.

While performing other farm duties, monitor and observe fish characteristics such as, but not limited to, behavior, rate of weight gain, survival, and or signs of diseases. Monitor and maintain pond water oxygen levels and pond water quality levels to include the performance of standard water quality tests. Support aquaculture fish rearing activities such as feeding fish using farm vehicles and tractors and making determinations about the amount and type of feed.

Engage in aquaculture fish hatchery activities such as, but not limited to, sorting and collecting breeding age sexually mature fish from ponds; milking eggs from fish; collecting sperm; monitoring and adjusting incubation tubes and fish tank, depth, flow rate and water temperature. Clean fish tanks using pressure washer, chemicals, and brushes. Remove fish from hatchery. Use farm equipment/vehicles to move live fish from pond to pond on the farm and very occasionally to a local customer after harvest.

Record field data relating to hatchery / harvesting / and feeding activities. Monitor status of facility systems and equipment. Prepare flavor and size sampling lists or obtain lists from management. Collect and transport fish samples to processors. Assist with unloading fish at market (customers and/or processors).

Maintain drains, levees, and wells. Monitor status of ponds and inform management of ponds needing to be emptied, drained, restocked and/or fish needing to be transferred from pond to pond to prevent overcrowding. Protect fish from birds and other predators. Maintain work logs, repairs, and maintenance records. Monitor and perform routine maintenance and repair on farm equipment and trucks.

Any worker may be temporarily assigned to serve as a Group Leader for a specific work area in the absence of a Manager to lead work of one to six other workers. Work areas may include working with a helper in support roles such as, but not limited to: harvesting fish; hatchery operations; maintaining grounds. Follow directions and instructions from employer, manager, and group leader. Complete other similar and related tasks and duties as assigned.

Special Requirements

Previous work experience (3 months) in an agriculture or farm environment required. Valid drivers license at hire or ability to obtain license within 30 days post-hire required. Previous equipment maintenance work experience required. continued in addendum C