Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Working Life

Fish farm workers rear and sell fish, both for food and for sport. Trout and salmon are the most commonly reared species but the industry is diversifying and more farms are producing other types of fish and shellfish.  
 
Farms hatch or buy in eggs and rear the young fish. The young are kept in separate tanks as they develop. When they are fully grown, they are transferred to rivers, lakes or pools. Salmon are transferred from fresh water to pens or cages in the sea.  
 
Feeding is an important task. The fish may be fed by hand or by automatic hoppers that release food into the water.  
 
It is essential to inspect the fish and to maintain safe and healthy conditions. Staff check oxygen levels in the water, maintain the correct temperature in the tanks and make sure the water is kept free from contamination. The tanks are regularly cleaned. It is also important to discharge water correctly so that it does not cause pollution.  
 
Staff usually carry out maintenance work including simple carpentry, plumbing and repairs to equipment.  
 
Farms that produce fish for food may be involved in processing and packing.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Feed and water livestock and monitor food and water supplies.
• Herd livestock to pastures for grasing or to scales, trucks, or other enclosures.
• Examine animals to detect illness, injury, or disease, and to check physical characteristics, such as rate of weight gain.
• Provide medical treatment, such as administering medications and vaccinations, or arrange for veterinarians to provide more extensive treatment.
• Mark livestock to identify ownership and grade, using brands, tags, paint, or tattoos.
• Drive trucks, tractors, and other equipment to distribute feed to animals.
• Segregate animals according to weight, age, color, and physical condition.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair equipment, machinery, buildings, pens, yards, and fences.
• Move equipment, poultry, or livestock from one location to another, manually or using trucks or carts.
• Clean stalls, pens, and equipment, using disinfectant solutions, brushes, shovels, water hoses, or pumps.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Commitment is essential and prospective trainees should be capable of learning to deal with the basic biological, chemical and physical features associated with aquaculture and the sea.

BIM provides a selection of training courses for both new entrants to the sector and experienced staff looking to upskill.

Key Skill Certs:

Manual Handling

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point, and refers to procedures you must put in place to ensure the food you produce and serve is safe to consume Seafood HACCP/Food safety training.

Health & Safety or First Aid training

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder.

You can explore further options in food preparation, logistics & supply or aquaculture in our maritime, fishing & aquaculture sector page

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: food.

Search for FET Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €41k

Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Excel/ Salary explorer

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Horticultural trades; Gardeners and landscape gardeners; Groundsmen; greenkeepers; Skilled workers in horse racing and related industries; Agricultural; and fishing trades n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although the employment growth over the five-year period was negative for this occupation, employment levels have remained static since 2020. At 37%, the share aged 55 years or older was almost double the national average of 19%.

A relatively high share of persons employed in this occupation were employed part-time. The administrative and support services sector accounted for the largest share of employment for this occupation at almost two-fifths.

• Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)

  • Crofton House, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 214 4100
  • Click Here

• IMDO – Irish Maritime Development Office

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place D02 NT99, Dublin 2, Ireland
  • (01) 7753900
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here