Biology

Describe a normal day in your job

My time is shared between office work and field work. From my desk in Tarbert I monitor data from our salmon farms across the West coast and share this vital information across the Company. I also have to see the fish in their growing environment so I regularly attend broodstock selection, animal health checks, sea transfers and processing.

What skills/qualifications are relevant to your role?

I graduated from the University of Glasgow with Joint Hons MA (SocSci) in Geography and Public Policy. I enjoy the outdoors and believe we should all play a role in managing and looking after the environment, particularly the isolated islands.

What has been your career path to your current role and what experience do you have?

I joined the Company as a Biology Administrative Assistant two and a half years ago and have recently been promoted to Biology and Cleanerfish Coordinator.

What further training/ courses have you completed or are completing? 

I have attended departmental training on gill health, plankton, cleaner fish and auditing. I am also first aid and defibrillator trained.

What is the best thing about your job?

I speak to my colleagues up and down the West coast of Scotland every day. They are all looking at a different patch of water, but all work hard to look after and grow healthy salmon.

What interested you in a career in Aquaculture?

Aquaculture is a vital industry in the islands. It not only produces and promotes a top quality Scottish product but supports the people and communities of the West coast too. I was excited to get an opportunity to be part of that.

Why would you encourage others to think about a career in Aquaculture?

Aquaculture enables fish, marine life, the environment and its people to thrive in a challenging, yet beautiful part of the world.