Aquaculture

Although students may not have had any field experience in aquaculture, there are still plenty of skills that employers often value even more highly. These skills are often learned gradually over time, rather than being taught, and can be applied to a wide variety of jobs. 

• Communication - Being able to communicate clearly and efficiently with team members, other specialists, and suppliers -- both verbally and in writing -- are skills students have likely learned throughout their education before and during college. These skills can be shown through proficiency in emailing and in interpersonal communication.  

• Teamwork and collaboration - Whether it's a research position or a manager position, working well with other people allows for more efficient work. This skill can be shown through group collaboration and the ability to navigate conflict.  

• Time management and organization- In aquaculture, this skill allows for critical timing and precision needed to ensure organism and stock health. Although students may not have experience in the timing of organism breeding, for example, many have had to balance classes, work, and extracurricular activities.  This balance will prepare them for future endeavors where time management is critical. 

• Leadership and Management- Taking initiative and being able to make decisions independently will also be needed as problems inevitably arise. While people must work together and communicate, being able to work together is what most employers look for. 

• Dedication- The last 'skill' which can be applied when searching for jobs. The passion, willingness to learn, and motivation you bring to a job are qualities that cannot always be taught and make you stand out to employers. 

• and many more. Think about what skills you bring to the table to showcase who you are as a worker. Check out the Career Development Center's website for more. 

While all skills are teachable, having previous experience in these fields (and explaining that experience!) can set you apart from other applicants.

• Data Analysis
• Experimental Design
• Field Work Experience
• Small Boat Operation & Certifications
• Aquaculture Systems Knowledge
• Aquatic Organism Health Assessment
• Water Quality Monitoring and Analysis
• Business and Financial Management
• Natural Resource Management Knowledge 
• Aquatic Organism Biology and Physiology
• etc.

Public Agencies

• Northwest Fisheries Science Center
• Corvallis Research Laboratory
• ODFW Oregon Hatchery Center
• Oregon Sea Grant
• Oregon Kelp Alliance

Oregon State University Facilities

• OSU Seafood Lab
• Aquatic Animal Health Lab (AAHL)
• Aquaculture at Hatfield Marine Science Center
• Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station
• State Fisheries Genomics Lab

These facilities/programs are not run by MACO. Visit their websites for the most up-to-date information.

• Cooperative Institute for Climate Ocean and Ecosystem Services
• Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery Internship
• The Florida Aquarium Coral Husbandry Internship
• MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium: Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture Internship 
• Aquaculture Internships for Massachusetts (AIM)
• NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center

These programs are not run by MACO. Visit their websites for the most up-to-date information.

The OSU Small Boat Program provides students and faculty with the resources and training they need to safely operate small boats, both motorized and paddle boats. In addition, they have a small fleet of boats available for current boaters to use on research excursions. 

Check out the two-year Fisheries Technology degree at Mt. Hood Community College! This degree will prepare you for a career as a fish culturist or fishery technician. Jobs within these fields can be found at private, state, and federal agencies. You will learn about fish biology and fisheries management. A large portion of this program will provide hands-on experience through field study projects, such as working in the campus fish hatchery.

OCCC's AQS Program is widely recognized and respected throughout the industry as one of the best programs in the country to learn the science of aquatic animal husbandry. Students learn the technical aspects of working with many different species of fish, along with corals and other invertebrates, and learn marketable skills to earn positions working in public aquaria, fish hatcheries, research institutions, aquaculture facilities, and other facets of the industry. The program offers a one-year certificate, two-year Associate’s degree, or a four-year Bachelor’s degree.

The Marine Resource Management (MRM) graduate program at Oregon State University starts with coursework within the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, but can go almost anywhere! It offers six flexible areas of study, including sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, to prepare students for future careers at the interface of science and society — within government, nonprofits, academia, industry, or consulting.

• Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program
• Oregon Sea Grant Summer Scholars | Oregon State University
• IAA Scholarship — Innovate Animal Ag
• AquEOUS-REEU

These programs are not run by MACO, visit the program websites for more information