Hatchery Technician

In addition to pursuing an associate degree at Feather River College, students can pursue certificates, which can be attained instead of or along with the major. These certificates are designed with seasonal employment in mind. The hatchery technician certificates were designed to ensure completers have the knowledge required to be eligible for employment at an aquaculture facility, such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife hatcheries. In these positions students will feed and care for fish or other aquacultured animals, maintain systems, and monitor water quality.

Student Learning Outcomes

·        Demonstrate knowledge of the biology of fish and other aquatic life

·        Demonstrate knowledge of aquaculture techniques

·        Demonstrate knowledge of aquaculture economics and environmental issues

·        Achieve preparation for employment as a technician at a hatchery or other aquaculture facility

The Hatchery Technician Certificate provides students with the education they need to work at a hatchery or aquaculture facility.  The required courses cover the care of aquacultured animals, constructing and maintaining agricultural equipment, and fish biology.  The courses include a mix of classroom learning and extensive use of our on-campus facilities for hands-on experience.  These include a fully functioning trout hatchery, an aquaponics system, fresh and saltwater aquariums, and a stream flowing through the property.  Students should be able to complete these courses in two years. The program currently exists as a local Certificate of Specialization at Feather River College, but we hope to transition the program to a state-recognized Certificate of Achievement, that will reward students for the work they put in by awarding them a transcribable certificate.  

This certificate is not new and currently exists as a local Certificate of Specialization at Feather River College. At this stage, we hope to reward students who have completed the program as well as encourage greater participation in the certificate program by transitioning the certificate to a state-recognized, transcribable Certificate of Achievement. Data about past completion can be seen below. 

This certificate can be gained along with or instead of associates degrees at Feather River College. Past students have gained this certificate as stand-alone certificate, along with an associate degree in Environmental Studies, and as they complete course-work necessary to pursue related environmental degrees at four-year programs, even if they do not plan to complete as associate degree at FRC.

Most of the required courses for this certificate are elective courses for the Environmental Studies A.S. degree, so students can use their original work towards a certificate to continue to work towards a degree, if they so choose. Many students arrive planning to gain only a certificate and decide to continue to pursue the associate degree once they enter the program.

This certificate is designed with hatchery/aquaculture technician employment in mind. This certificate is intended to ensure that those who complete it are capable of working at state salmonid hatcheries, private trout farms, aquaponics businesses, and other aquaculture facilities.