Senior Fish Farmer

Salary: Up to £34,000 depending on skills and experience

Exciting opportunity for a Full Time Senior Fish Farmer to join our Bristol Water Lakeside team.

The Senior Fish Farmer will head up our fish farming operations which serve to stock Chew Valley Lake, Blagdon Lake and The Barrow Tanks with Circa 70,000 rainbow trout combined, annually. This is achieved through our Blagdon and Ubley fish farms as well as 2 fish cages on Chew Valley Lake. The farming process runs through from eyed eggs to 2lb rainbows. Our farms do not encompass broodstock management.

The Senior Fish Farmer will directly report to the Head of Fisheries and Recreations. They will have assistance from our 2 senior rangers and full ranger team which is around 12 additional rangers depending on the time of year.

On a day-to-day basis the Senior Fish Farmer will be expected to operate independently, often lone working on and around deep water, as well as occasionally in small teams. The competency demands are very broad ranging; from fish stocking, grading and vaccinating to housekeeping and yard type tasks.  

As well as the practical elements of the job the Senior Fish Farmer will be responsible for requesting all tools/equipment needed as well as fish feed, vaccinations and general consumables. Office based tasks will also include emails, liaising with senior staff and documenting all fish movements, feeds, mortalities and water quality. Forward planning is a key part of the Senior Fish Farmer’s role. Production of 70,000 rainbow trout annually takes time and commitment. 

The Recreations and Fisheries operations are typically 7am to sunset (or after), 7 days a week. Our team work as part of a shift rota; including anti-social working hours such as evenings, weekends and bank holidays. There is also a 24-standby arrangement, again on a rota basis. This standby is to cover anything that could go wrong overnight on the farms and around our sites.

What we’re looking for…

A critical thinker who is able to adapt to change and be proactive in their approach to keeping up the quality of stocking in our fisheries.

We need someone who is practical, hands-on and prepared to do whatever is necessary to keep the sites clean, presentable, and safe for our employees and visitors.

As you can imagine, this work can be very physically demanding, so you will need to be physically fit and able to undertake various physical tasks.

Given the nature of the role, you’ll need to have a full driving licence.

Requirements:

• A qualification in fisheries/aquaculture and/or equivalent experience.
• Experience in rearing Rainbow trout from eyed eggs to 2lb stocking size and relevant fish husbandry.
• Knowledge of fish health including diseases, parasites and water quality.
• A team player who can quickly build rapport and work well with team-mates.
• We need someone who is always punctual, considerate, and confident working alone.
• You’ll be presentable, approachable, and friendly, yet firm when necessary.
• Responsible and accountable for safeguarding the public and our assets.
• Pro-active and confident in using your initiative to find jobs, and get them done safely and efficiently to improve our operations.

Desirables:

• Degree in Aquaculture and fisheries management.
• Experience in managing trout production systems for the recreational market.
• Share a passion for the range of fishing that we offer our customers.
• Happiest working outside in all weather conditions and you’ll enjoy rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck into anything.

Importantly, you will need to demonstrate our core values: Be Rock Solid, Be You, Be The Future.

What’s in it for you?

As well as a great opportunity to make your mark in a great local company, and work in stunning locations, the role also offers:

• 27 days holiday + bank holidays.
• 7.5% annual bonus.
• Entry into the company pension scheme.
• Supportive, friendly team and working environment. 
• Flexible benefits and access to discounts.
• Paid volunteering day (2).

The Company

Since 1846, we’ve been making people healthier and the economy stronger. We’ve served generations of families and will serve generations to come. 

We’re here to have a positive impact on people and the planet for generations. We don’t just give people water - we keep them healthy and help them grow. We work around the clock, testing our water hundreds of times every day. 

We take this same view with our 600 employees, we don’t just give them jobs in water, we keep them healthy and help them grow.