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Fish Breeding Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Fish Breeding information

What is fish breeding?

A Fish Breeding job involves the controlled reproduction, care, and management of fish species for commercial, conservation, or research purposes. Breeders monitor water quality, select healthy breeding stock, and ensure optimal conditions for spawning and fry development. They may work in hatcheries, fisheries, or research facilities to support sustainable fish populations and aquaculture production.

What does a fish breeding professional do?

Fish Breeding professionals typically manage breeding programs by monitoring water conditions, feeding schedules, and the health of broodstock and fry. Day-to-day tasks include preparing and maintaining tanks or ponds, observing fish behavior for disease or stress, recording data, and carrying out spawning procedures. They also collaborate with aquaculture technicians, veterinarians, and facility managers to optimize breeding success and stock survival rates. Maintaining detailed records, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards are also important parts of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for fish breeding?

To thrive as a Fish Breeding professional, you need a solid understanding of aquatic biology, fish husbandry, and water quality management, often supported by a degree in aquaculture, marine biology, or a related field. Experience with aquaculture systems, hatchery equipment, and knowledge of relevant certification standards (such as HACCP or Best Aquaculture Practices) is highly regarded. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong communication abilities help in managing stock health, coordinating with teams, and adapting to changing environments. These skills are essential for ensuring healthy fish populations, meeting production goals, and maintaining sustainable breeding programs.

How to become a fish breeder?

To become a fish breeder, gain knowledge of aquatic biology and fish species through courses or self-study, and acquire hands-on experience by working with established breeders or in aquaculture facilities. Developing skills in water quality management, breeding techniques, and maintaining suitable environments is essential, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects.
Infographic showing various Fish Breeding job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 20% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Environmental Quality Keeper

Z&A Management

Woodbridge, NJ • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Senior Environmental Quality Keeper at Woodbridge Aquarium plays a critical role in monitoring and maintaining optimal environmental conditions across terrestrial and aquatic habitats to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection. This position supports both daily operations and long-term habitat planning, ensuring that environmental parameters—including water and air quality, temperature, humidity, and substrate—are consistently maintained to meet species-specific standards. Working closely with curators, veterinarians, and other animal care professionals, this role also provides guidance and supervision to Animal Keepers to uphold best practices in environmental and habitat management. 

Key Responsibilities:
Environmental Monitoring & Maintenance:
  • Monitor water quality parameters (e.g., pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) for aquatic habitats. 
  • Ensure proper temperature, humidity, substrate, and air quality in terrestrial exhibits. 
  • Implement and audit adherence to protocols for maintaining species-appropriate environmental conditions. 
  • Identify and resolve environmental imbalances in collaboration with Lead Keepers, Technicians, and Managers. 

Leadership & Supervision:
  • Support the Curators in leading the Animal Keeper team to maintain habitat cleanliness, safety, and protocol compliance. 
  • Train and mentor staff in environmental monitoring and care techniques. 
  • Manage maintenance schedules to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal SOPs. 

Collaboration & Reporting:
 
  • Coordinate with Senior Keepers, Technicians, veterinary staff, curators, and the national husbandry team to optimize environmental quality and support breeding and wellness. 
  • Partner with Facilities and the Senior LSS Technician to manage HVAC, filtration, and life support systems. 
  • Prepare reports and communicate findings on environmental data and habitat status to upper management. 
  • Contribute to long-term planning for habitat renovations, upgrades, and new exhibit development. 

Animal Welfare & Conservation:
  • Ensure environmental conditions meet high standards of animal welfare and align with internal SOPs. 
  • Monitor how environmental factors affect animal behavior, health, and reproduction, and make adjustments as needed. 

Compliance & Safety:
  • Maintain compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., USDA, Fish & Wildlife, DNR). 
  • Keep accurate and organized records of habitat and environmental data to support inspections and audits. 

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or related field. 
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in animal care, with at least 2 years focused on terrestrial and aquatic habitat management. 
  • Proficient in water quality analysis, filtration systems, and life support equipment. 
  • In-depth understanding of environmental needs of diverse species. 
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, including team training and scheduling. 
  • Familiarity with AZA standards and other applicable regulations. 
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and comfort working in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certification in water quality or environmental monitoring. 
  • Experience in habitat design and life support system operation. 
  • Knowledge of conservation biology and sustainable practices within zoological settings. 

Working Conditions:
  • Requires physical activity including standing, walking, lifting, and handling equipment. 
  • Work may occur in outdoor environments and varied weather conditions. 
  • Availability for occasional weekends, holidays, or after-hours emergencies or special events.