Victoria’s seafood industry produces approximately 18,179 tonnes annually, with Melbourne handling over 55,000 tonnes of post-harvest operations.

Careers in this sector span from life on a fishing vessel to processing plants and aquaculture farms. Opportunities are available in harvesting, processing, food safety, and sustainable aquaculture.

🌯 Seafood Harvesting

Deckhand
Supports fishing operations through harvesting, equipment cleaning, and vessel maintenance.

Skipper
Navigates and operates fishing vessels, ensuring safe and efficient trips.

Diver
Performs underwater harvesting (e.g., abalone, scallops), inspects nets, and maintains aquaculture equipment.

Oyster Shucker
Prepares oysters for market by cleaning and opening them with precision.

🌮 Post-Harvesting

Seafood Processor
Handles filleting, freezing, smoking, canning, and general preparation of seafood products.

Sorter/Packer
Sorts, weighs, grades, and packages seafood for sale.

Processing Attendant/Hand
Operates machinery, maintains hygiene standards, and assists with general production tasks.

Processing Facility Manager/Supervisor
Manages staff, production, and compliance in seafood processing facilities.

 🏦 Onshore Roles

Food Safety Officer
Monitors and enforces food safety compliance and health standards.

Fisheries Officer
Manages marine resources, ensures legal compliance, and educates the community.

Nursery Manager/Technician
Breeds and raises aquatic animals such as fish and shellfish in controlled environments.

Warehouse Manager
Supervises seafood warehouse logistics and distribution operations.

🌊 Aquaculture

Aquaculture Worker
Feeds, monitors, and maintains aquatic stock, records data, and harvests fish.

Aquaculture Technician
Ensures optimal water quality, monitors health of aquatic stock, assists breeding, and supports research.

Farm Manager
Manages operations for fish, shellfish, and seaweed farms, including compliance and staff.

Hatchery Manager
Oversees spawning, larval rearing, and water quality in aquatic hatcheries.

Research Scientist
Develops sustainable aquaculture practices, investigates breeding and rearing techniques, and enhances production systems.