Overview

What’s involved

Farmhands support the running of the farm, fishery, hatchery or nursery, they perform various tasks in the breeding or growing of fish or other aquatic products. 

Sectors include: salmon, cod, trout, abalone, barramundi, oysters, prawns, crabs and lobsters

How do they spend their day?

Working on an aquatic farm, a Farmhand or Farm Attendant completes tasks such as:

  • Feeding, grading, and monitoring the growth of products
  • Testing water quality
  • Ensuring pumps and equipment are in good working order
  • Checking vessels and performing general vessel maintenance
  • Moving products using heavy equipment (forklifts, cranes, vessels)
  • Harvesting, sorting, and packing products
  • Restocking operations in cages, pools, tanks, ponds, rivers, or dams
  • Data collection and entry
  • Net mending, mooring works, and general vessel operations

Occupation Insights

Average salary
$55,000 - $90,000 per year
Skills you will use
Water testing
Data recording
Feeding routines
Maintain ships and vessels
Operate lifting equipment
Harvesting product
Testing equipment

There are no minimum qualifications required to work as a farmhand or attendant however a SFI10119 - Certificate I in Seafood Industry or SFI20119 - Certificate II in Aquaculture is considered entry level and would be highly recommended.

Training on the job is available, previous experience is valued by employers

Able to use testing equipment and use technology for data entry. A forklift licence or a coxswains ticket would be highly regarded.

Enjoys working outdoors on and around water, able to follow instructions and routines.