Careers in Fishkeeping

FrostyFins

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Hello everyone,

Im looking for advice on how best to transition into a fish based career field. The last few years of fish keeping have brought me an incredible amount of satisfaction and I would like to commit myself fully to a fish based life. I know its a diverse field with an endless variety of opportunities but I am most interested in conservation, aquaponics, coral & fish breeding, AZA facilities, and product development but will consider almost everything.

I have a bachelors degree in biology and currently work as an Environmental Manager so I feel I'm very well qualified to make this transition. I have extensive experience with finance and contract management, quality assurance, inventory management, coordination with government agencies, personnel management, environmental sampling, plan reading, sustainability initiatives, report writing and can be trusted to keep all of my appendages while operating power tools and other equipment. Beyond my environmental background I've also worked in the pharmaceutical industry, managed logistics operations, and oversaw concentrate manufacturing labs and retail facilities. I am more than willing to get my hands dirty(or wet) but I excel at logistics and management and have a reputation for reliability, accountability and unmatched proactivity.

I am more than willing to relocate for the position, especially as aquatic opportunities are limited in my state, and after 12 years here I am ready for a change. I will say that as excited as I am at the idea changing industries, being in my mid 30's I am looking for a career level opportunity as I do have a 10 year plan to be able to support myself via my own breeding set ups, tank maintenance contracts, and custom work, I would just love to speed that timeline up.

I would really appreciate recommendations for job boards, open positions, useful licensing/training and resume improvements. Thank you all for reading and I hope to be working with some of you soon! Have a great Memorial Day!

-FrostyFins
 
Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D
welcome-home-logo-greeting-png.1484246
 
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Hello everyone,

Im looking for advice on how best to transition into a fish based career field. The last few years of fish keeping have brought me an incredible amount of satisfaction and I would like to commit myself fully to a fish based life. I know its a diverse field with an endless variety of opportunities but I am most interested in conservation, aquaponics, coral & fish breeding, AZA facilities, and product development but will consider almost everything.

I have a bachelors degree in biology and currently work as an Environmental Manager so I feel I'm very well qualified to make this transition. I have extensive experience with finance and contract management, quality assurance, inventory management, coordination with government agencies, personnel management, environmental sampling, plan reading, sustainability initiatives, report writing and can be trusted to keep all of my appendages while operating power tools and other equipment. Beyond my environmental background I've also worked in the pharmaceutical industry, managed logistics operations, and oversaw concentrate manufacturing labs and retail facilities. I am more than willing to get my hands dirty(or wet) but I excel at logistics and management and have a reputation for reliability, accountability and unmatched proactivity.

I am more than willing to relocate for the position, especially as aquatic opportunities are limited in my state, and after 12 years here I am ready for a change. I will say that as excited as I am at the idea changing industries, being in my mid 30's I am looking for a career level opportunity as I do have a 10 year plan to be able to support myself via my own breeding set ups, tank maintenance contracts, and custom work, I would just love to speed that timeline up.

I would really appreciate recommendations for job boards, open positions, useful licensing/training and resume improvements. Thank you all for reading and I hope to be working with some of you soon! Have a great Memorial Day!

-FrostyFins
A lot of manufacturers in California but best would be large shows such as RAP in which many manufacturer giants in the industry are present
 
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Hello everyone,

Im looking for advice on how best to transition into a fish based career field. The last few years of fish keeping have brought me an incredible amount of satisfaction and I would like to commit myself fully to a fish based life. I know its a diverse field with an endless variety of opportunities but I am most interested in conservation, aquaponics, coral & fish breeding, AZA facilities, and product development but will consider almost everything.

I have a bachelors degree in biology and currently work as an Environmental Manager so I feel I'm very well qualified to make this transition. I have extensive experience with finance and contract management, quality assurance, inventory management, coordination with government agencies, personnel management, environmental sampling, plan reading, sustainability initiatives, report writing and can be trusted to keep all of my appendages while operating power tools and other equipment. Beyond my environmental background I've also worked in the pharmaceutical industry, managed logistics operations, and oversaw concentrate manufacturing labs and retail facilities. I am more than willing to get my hands dirty(or wet) but I excel at logistics and management and have a reputation for reliability, accountability and unmatched proactivity.

I am more than willing to relocate for the position, especially as aquatic opportunities are limited in my state, and after 12 years here I am ready for a change. I will say that as excited as I am at the idea changing industries, being in my mid 30's I am looking for a career level opportunity as I do have a 10 year plan to be able to support myself via my own breeding set ups, tank maintenance contracts, and custom work, I would just love to speed that timeline up.

I would really appreciate recommendations for job boards, open positions, useful licensing/training and resume improvements. Thank you all for reading and I hope to be working with some of you soon! Have a great Memorial Day!

-FrostyFins

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I see that a moderator sent you a link to my Aquarium Careers book. I haven't updated that since 2015, so it doesn't take into consideration how AI and animal welfare have changed the field, but it should give you a basic idea as to various positions available working with aquariums.

If you want to see what jobs are currently available in public aquariums, you can check this link: https://www.aza.org/jobs


Jay
 
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Check out volunteering at local aquariums or fish stores to gain experience. Connecting with professionals in the field on LinkedIn can also help you find job opportunities and advice.
I've found that sometimes having diverse skills can be a plus. While it might seem unrelated, electrical training options can be valuable in tank maintenance setups and creating custom systems. They might expand your job prospects in aquariums or breeding facilities where this expertise can give you an edge. Additionally, checking the AZA job board for relevant openings can be great.
 
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Hello everyone,

Im looking for advice on how best to transition into a fish based career field. The last few years of fish keeping have brought me an incredible amount of satisfaction and I would like to commit myself fully to a fish based life. I know its a diverse field with an endless variety of opportunities but I am most interested in conservation, aquaponics, coral & fish breeding, AZA facilities, and product development but will consider almost everything.

I have a bachelors degree in biology and currently work as an Environmental Manager so I feel I'm very well qualified to make this transition. I have extensive experience with finance and contract management, quality assurance, inventory management, coordination with government agencies, personnel management, environmental sampling, plan reading, sustainability initiatives, report writing and can be trusted to keep all of my appendages while operating power tools and other equipment. Beyond my environmental background I've also worked in the pharmaceutical industry, managed logistics operations, and oversaw concentrate manufacturing labs and retail facilities. I am more than willing to get my hands dirty(or wet) but I excel at logistics and management and have a reputation for reliability, accountability and unmatched proactivity.

I am more than willing to relocate for the position, especially as aquatic opportunities are limited in my state, and after 12 years here I am ready for a change. I will say that as excited as I am at the idea changing industries, being in my mid 30's I am looking for a career level opportunity as I do have a 10 year plan to be able to support myself via my own breeding set ups, tank maintenance contracts, and custom work, I would just love to speed that timeline up.

I would really appreciate recommendations for job boards, open positions, useful licensing/training and resume improvements. Thank you all for reading and I hope to be working with some of you soon! Have a great Memorial Day!

-FrostyFins
I admit, I may have glossed over your initial post in this sub-forum, but the man to ask is @Jay Hemdal. You can learn more about Jay's background by clicking this article and scrolling down to where it says "About the author":
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/underwater-photography-in-aquariums.1202/
Jay also wrote a book called, "Aquarium Careers" that you may find helpful:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aquarium-careers-jay-hemdal/1005005710
Best of luck!
 
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