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Fish Farm Manager Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Fish Farm Manager information

See Oregon salary details

$32.8K

$62.7K

$128.5K

How much do fish farm manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for fish farm manager in Oregon is $62,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,800.00 and $72,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fish Farm Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fish Farm Manager, you need expertise in aquaculture, biology, and farm operations, often supported by a degree in fisheries, aquaculture, or a related field. Familiarity with water quality monitoring systems, feeding automation tools, and basic fish health diagnostics is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help manage staff and coordinate production efficiently. These skills ensure healthy stock, optimized yields, and smooth daily operations critical to the success and sustainability of a fish farm.

What is the difference between Fish Farm Manager vs Fish Hatchery Technician?

AspectFish Farm ManagerFish Hatchery Technician
CredentialsRelevant degrees or certifications in aquaculture or fisheries managementCertifications in fish hatchery operations or aquaculture technology
Work EnvironmentOversees entire fish farm operations, including staff management and production planningHandles daily hatchery tasks like egg incubation, fry care, and maintaining hatchery equipment
Industry UsageUsed in commercial aquaculture farms, fish farms, and aquaculture facilitiesCommonly employed in hatchery facilities, research centers, and breeding programs

The main difference is that a Fish Farm Manager oversees the entire operation, including staff and production, while a Fish Hatchery Technician focuses on hatchery-specific tasks like egg incubation and fry care. Both roles require aquaculture knowledge, but the manager has broader responsibilities.

What does a Fish Farm Manager do?

A Fish Farm Manager oversees the daily operations of a fish farming facility, ensuring the health and growth of fish stock, managing staff, and maintaining equipment. Their responsibilities include monitoring water quality, feeding schedules, disease prevention, and harvesting fish. They also handle budgeting, record-keeping, and compliance with environmental regulations. The goal is to maximize fish production efficiently and sustainably while maintaining high standards for fish welfare and product quality.

What do fish farm managers do?

Fish farm managers oversee the daily operations of aquaculture facilities, including monitoring fish health, managing feeding schedules, maintaining equipment, and ensuring environmental compliance. They often use specialized tools and may need certifications in aquaculture or environmental management to perform their duties effectively.

How much do aquaculture managers make?

Aquaculture managers, including fish farm managers, typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and farm size. Salaries can increase with advanced certifications, specialized skills, and management responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Fish Farm Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Fish Farm Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal water quality, preventing disease outbreaks, and ensuring consistent stock growth. These challenges require strong monitoring skills, familiarity with biosecurity protocols, and the ability to respond quickly to environmental or operational changes. Collaborating with veterinarians, technicians, and suppliers is essential to address issues proactively and maintain a healthy, productive farm. Staying updated on best practices and investing in staff training can also help mitigate these challenges.

What is the highest paid fishing job?

The highest paid fishing jobs are typically offshore fishing captain or vessel owner positions, which can earn six-figure incomes due to the demanding environment, specialized skills, and responsibility involved. These roles often require extensive experience, certifications, and management of large crews and equipment.

What is the highest paid job in farming?

In farming, the highest paid roles are often farm owners or operators who manage large-scale operations, followed by specialized positions such as agribusiness executives or farm managers with extensive experience. Fish farm managers can earn competitive salaries, especially with advanced skills in aquaculture systems and certifications, but typically do not reach the highest pay levels in the broader farming industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fish Farm jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Fish Farm jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Fish Farm Manager jobs in Oregon? For Fish Farm Manager jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Fish Farm Manager jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Fish Farm Manager job openings:
Elkhorn Wildlife Area Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician)

Elkhorn Wildlife Area Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician)

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

North Powder, OR โ€ข On-site

$3.7K - $5.1K/wk

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Initial Posting Date:

06/26/2026

Application Deadline:

07/11/2026

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$3,798 - $5,193

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Elkhorn Wildlife Area Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician)

Job Description:

Help the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fulfill its mission: To protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

We are hiring for one full-time, permanent position located in North Powder, Oregon.

What you will do:

  • Wildlife Area Activities: Conduct wildlife management activities including providing supplemental feed for wintering deer and elk (loading, unloading, and hauling feed). Keep daily feed records. Operate trucks, pickups, tractor, cats, grader, backhoe, farm implements, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobiles etc.

  • Maintenance and Development: Conduct preventative and corrective maintenance on all equipment, farm implements and vehicles. Maintain and construct Area fences. Grade or plow Area roads and feed sites. Conduct maintenance and complete area irrigation of hay fields. Maintain Area buildings and public use facilities. Construct, install and repair informational and regulatory signs on the Area.

  • Information and Education: Provide information to the public, landowners, sportsman and other agencies in person and by phone. Conduct tours of Wildlife Area.

  • Wildlife Management: Conduct wildlife inventories on Area. Assist district in wildlife damage complaints. Assist district in fish and wildlife inventories. Use firearms to dispatch sick or injured wildlife. Monitor wildlife for injuries or disease.

Please note, this position will require the successful candidate to either have or be able to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Public Pesticide Applicator License (PPAL), and an All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Education Card within first 6 months of hire.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

For a full review of the position details, duties, and working conditions, please review the position description located here.

Clearly describe how you meet the desired attributes in your application materials. We cannot accept additional application materials after the application deadline. These materials determine whether you move forward in the selection process and help establish your starting salary. Be sure your work and education history is accurate, thorough, and fully reflects your skills and experience, even if they do not seem directly related to the position. Click here to learn more aboutEqual Pay Analysis and What You Need to Know to Get the Job

What we are looking for:

Minimum Qualifications:

To be considered for this position, all applicants must meet one of the following options:

  • Option 1: Eighteen months of experience in the care of livestock, agricultural research and experimentation, monitoring game or wildlife, or farming. (six months of fisheries, fish culture,fish screens, or related habitat work experience will count toward this experience)

  • Option 2: An Associate degree inWildlife Technology or Agriculture

NOTE: A higher level degree inWildlife Science, Agriculture,or a closely-related degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological coursework will substitute for the Associate's degree.

Desired Attributes:

  • Assessing and maintaining wildlife habitat

  • Implementing farming and irrigation practices

  • Using geographic information system (GIS) and ArcMap

  • Operating hand and power tools

  • Maintaining facilities

  • Operating and maintaining heavy equipment and electronic or mechanical equipment

  • Collecting and recording data

  • Writing technical or summary reports

  • Working with the public

  • Conducting wildlife inventories

  • Fencing, repair and maintenance

  • Winter driving during severe conditions

Application Details and Instructions

  • The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

  • The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%

  • This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified people to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other vacancies as they occur

  • State of Oregon Employees, must apply through their employee Workday account.

  • Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline

  • First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event! You can also view this video or this knowledge article for assistance.

  • Reasonable accommodation for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities

  • The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans' preference immediately following your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process

  • If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please call 503.947.6051 and ask to speak to a recruiter

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM

ODFW is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce as we strive to represent and better serve our neighboring communities. Our most important asset is our employees, and each person brings unique, different, and important contributions to the workplace and community we serve. With Oregon's changing demographics, a workforce that reflects this change will make us stronger and create an opportunity for better decision making.

To learn more about the agency and the work we do, view the following video at https://myodfw.com/about

If you enjoy the outdoors, Oregon is the place for you. We have glaciated mountain peaks to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the massive Columbia River Gorge to the north. You can fish 365 days a year, and there is hunting for big game, waterfowl, and game birds. The Oregon coast attracts thousands of people who clam, crab and fish in the ocean for halibut, salmon, and tuna. The outdoor opportunities are endless when it comes to fish and wildlife in Oregon! Oregon is known for their vineyards, breweries, and adventures for the whole family to enjoy. To learn more about the department, the work we do, and see our beautiful state, view the following video at https://youtu.be/8CjDPiPMGAk

Additional benefits include:

  • 11 paid holidays a year and a competitive benefits package

  • Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • The employee in this position will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and will be subject to allterms and conditionsof the collective bargaining agreement. Pay and benefits on all job listings may change without notice.

  • Finalistsare subject to both acriminal history and motor vehicles check. Driving is required for this position. Adverse background and/or driving information may disqualify you from further consideration.

  • Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the U.S. Department Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODFW participates in E-Verify. ODFW is not able to support VISA sponsorships

  • Veterans' and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation |Ready to Relocate to Oregon | Carpool Matching Tool: Get There Oregon

More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and at myodfw.comand http://www.dfw.state.or.us/

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer