Hatchery Worker

Hatchery Workers work in fish hatcheries, doing the necessary day-to-day tasks that keep the fish alive and breeding.

Fish hatcheries are like wildlife reserves for fish. These facilities have manmade pools and ponds to protect the fish from natural predators and overzealous Fishermen. The purpose is to help a species that for one reason or another isn’t able to grow and thrive in the wild.

Help might be needed if a species is endangered, unable to reproduce in the wild due to pollution, or a Fisherman favorite. As a Hatchery Worker, you can work with any type of fish. The only deciding factors are where you live and what the naturally occurring species in the area are.

You oversee the growth of the fish from egg to full maturation. You do things like adjusting temperatures in ponds, feeding fish, checking water pH, and cleaning out carrying tanks. Carrying tanks are large tubs used to transport fully grown fish to ponds, streams, and lakes in the wild.

You also collect data on the types and numbers of fish, as well as taking note of any illnesses or problems in the hatchery. You plan for future fish needs, doing things like hatching more babies in the months before fishing season.

When not in waders walking through ponds, Hatchery Workers spend time out with the public. You answer questions, give presentations, and teach people about the dangers of overfishing.