Aquaculture Assistant, Animal Husbandry (WDA)

Job Description

The Aquaculture Assistant supports the daily operation of aquaculture and wet laboratory facilities by performing routine fish husbandry, facility maintenance, water quality monitoring, and research support activities. This role is primarily operational and involves regular hands-on work in a wet lab environment to ensure the welfare of aquatic animals and the smooth functioning of research facilities.

The position is suitable for individuals who are reliable, disciplined, and comfortable performing routine and physically demanding tasks while supporting research and laboratory operations.

• Perform daily fish husbandry and animal care activities in accordance with established protocols.
• Conduct feeding activities according to designated schedules.
• Carry out routine tank cleaning, water changes, and general facility maintenance.
• Handling of fish is required.
• Monitor fish health, behavior, and welfare and report abnormalities to supervisors.
• Support the routine operation and upkeep of aquaculture systems and equipment.

• Conduct routine water quality testing and maintain accurate records.
• Assist in maintaining suitable environmental conditions for fish stocks.
• Report water quality concerns and equipment issues promptly.

• Prepare live fish for research and experimental activities.
• Support biological sample collection, including fish weighing and morphometric measurements.
• Assist with routine laboratory procedures, including:
  • Fish dissection
  • DNA extraction
  • RNA extraction
  • PCR and qPCR preparation
  • Bacterial plating

• Maintain accurate records of fish stocks, husbandry activities, and facility operations.
• Perform routine data entry and record keeping.
• Assist with inventory monitoring and stock control of:
  • Fish feed
  • Chemicals and reagents
  • Laboratory consumables
  • Equipment and supplies
• Support restocking, housekeeping, and general operational activities.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of aquaculture and wet laboratory facilities.
• Follow all laboratory safety, biosafety, animal welfare, and biosecurity procedures.
• Work independently during assigned shifts and operational coverage periods.

• Physically fit and able to perform manual and repetitive tasks daily.
• Able to lift and carry loads.
• Comfortable working in wet, humid, and occasionally outdoor environments.
• Able to stand, walk, and perform physical activities for extended periods.
• Comfortable handling live fish and performing routine husbandry activities.
• Comfortable working at height when required for facility operations.
• Must be able to work One weekly weekend (Sat or Sun) duty.

• Reliable and responsible with a strong work ethic.
• Able to follow established procedures and work instructions accurately.
• Comfortable performing routine and operational tasks consistently.
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping practices.
• Good teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently when required.
• Willingness to learn and support research activities.
• Commitment to safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity standards.

This role is operational in nature and involves a significant amount of routine, hands-on, and physically demanding work. Candidates seeking primarily research-focused, office-based, or analytical positions may find this role less suitable. The primary focus of the position is to support aquaculture operations, animal care, facility maintenance, and research support activities to ensure the effective running of the wet laboratory environment.

Reports to: Associate Specialist, Research (as assigned)

• Higher Nitec graduate and above

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE