Mixed Production and Aquaculture Farm Workers

A mixed production and aquaculture farm worker performs routine manual and operational tasks across diversified farming enterprises that combine terrestrial livestock or crop production with aquaculture operations. Working under supervision on Australian farms, these workers maintain water systems, feed and monitor aquaculture stock, assist with harvest activities, and support general farm maintenance across multiple production systems.

Monitor water quality parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity in aquaculture ponds or tanks using handheld testing equipment and automated sensors. Feed farmed fish, crustaceans, or molluscs according to feeding schedules and ration specifications, adjusting quantities based on stock behaviour and water conditions. Clean and maintain aquaculture infrastructure including nets, cages, filters, aerators, and water circulation systems to prevent disease and maintain production standards. Harvest aquaculture stock using nets, pumps, or collection traps, then grade and sort by size or quality for processing or sale. Assist with animal husbandry tasks on terrestrial operations such as feeding livestock, mucking out pens, and basic animal welfare checks. Operate small-scale farm machinery and equipment including pumps, aerators, and water treatment devices to maintain production systems. Document daily farm records including stock numbers, feeding rates, water test results, and unusual observations for farm management review. Undertake routine biosecurity tasks such as cleaning equipment between ponds, disinfecting work areas, and restricting unauthorised access to production zones.

The standard entry pathway requires a Certificate I or compulsory secondary education (ABS skill level 5). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll be doing physically demanding work in wet, cold, or hot conditions year-round with long hours during harvest season. The pay ceiling is low because it's entry-level manual work, and there's limited progression unless you move into farm management or specialist aquaculture roles. You also carry biosecurity responsibility: one mistake spreading disease between ponds costs the farm thousands.

A few mixed farms operate near capital cities, but most positions are regional or remote from major towns. Remote work isn't an option for farm work.

• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Incident Reportingcore
• Inventory Trackingcore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Workload Self-Managementcore
• Active Listening
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracy
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Data Entry and Accuracy
• Quality Assurance and Checking
• Stock Counting and Stocktake
• Supplier Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026