Seasonal Aquaculture Employment and Internships

The aquaculture industry has a significant need for seasonal or volunteer positions, as well as for internships that have the possibility of becoming full-time jobs. Aquaculture research facilities and nonprofit organizations often require interns to complete necessary tasks that don’t allow for a full-time employee. Intern activities usually consist of assisting with fisheries projects, such as fish husbandry and aquatic species research.

While specific academic degrees are not usually required to attain an internship, an interest in aquaculture or a desire to apply the knowledge gained form the internship towards an academic degree are usually preferred by the hiring company.

Wages for intern positions fluctuate between US$10 and US$20 per hour, with some organizations capping the number of allowable workable hours, while others focus on a per project basis. Internships typically last between three months and one year. Depending on the location and length of the internship, room and board may be included as well.

The ability to take work direction is essential to an internship, along with the ability to finish assigned tasks in a timely manner.

There are often seasonal positions available for fisheries technicians in various locations. Most of these opportunities either correspond to a wild fishery calendar or a hatchery schedule. The technician will be responsible for assisting personnel such as fish biologists or fish farm managers with tasks such as field research, field sampling and analysis or basic data entry.

As with internships, a specific academic degree is not necessary but this type of work generally benefits college students or those wishing to enter aquaculture in the future.

Hiring entities generally prefer seasonal workers with previous experience, but an energetic and enthusiastic individual expressing an interest in aquaculture will generally be accepted as well. Seasonal positions often fit well for individuals wishing to branch into aquaculture in the future or working towards a relevant college degree

The seasonal work usually pays an hourly wage between US$15 and US$20. The seasonal worker generally needs to be someone who can complete tasks independently, yet coexist within a team to achieve common goals. The possibility of working odd hours, for weeks at a time, is high.

Volunteer aquaculture positions usually exist within research facilities or international aquaculture organizations and are ideal for the college student or recent graduate prior to seeking a full-time position. Sampling, monitoring and data analysis of various aquatic species and settings are general volunteer positions. By definition, these positions don’t usually involve any form of payment, but room, board and transportation are sometimes provided depending on the scenario.