This role is an integral part of our freshwater team based in Torhouse, Newton Stewart in Scotland, helping to rear rainbow trout from eyed ova through to approximately 250g before they are transferred to our marine farms. This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same, developing practical skills across every aspect of juvenile trout production.

Kames Fish Farming Ltd is Scotland's independent family trout farming company. Established in 1972, we have over 50 years' experience producing premium Scottish rainbow trout from egg to harvest across our freshwater and marine farms. As a family business, we take pride in producing exceptional quality trout while maintaining the highest standards of fish welfare, environmental stewardship and husbandry. We are investing in the future of our freshwater operations and are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our experienced team at Torhouse Trout Farm. This is an opportunity to develop a rewarding career in aquaculture with a company that values its people, invests in their development and promotes from within.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily husbandry and welfare of juvenile rainbow trout

• Feeding fish and monitoring growth, behaviour and performance

• Monitoring fish health and welfare

• Assisting with fish vaccinations and health treatments

• Grading, counting and transferring fish

• Maintaining excellent water quality and environmental conditions

• Completing production, welfare and quality assurance records

• Maintaining high standards of biosecurity

• General maintenance of farm infrastructure and equipment

• Supporting continuous improvement across the site

• Working safely at all times and promoting a positive health and safety culture

• Participating in an on-call rota to respond to site alarms when required

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, dependent upon experience

• Company pension scheme

• Full training and structured development

• Opportunities for career progression

• Employee benefits programme

• Supportive, experienced team environment

• A varied outdoor role in one of Scotland's most beautiful rural locations

• The opportunity to work for one of Scotland's most respected aquaculture businesses

Why Kames?

Unlike many larger aquaculture businesses, we're proudly independent and family-owned.

Our people know each other, our managers are approachable, and everyone has the opportunity to make a genuine difference.

We're passionate about producing exceptional trout, continually improving how we farm, and creating an environment where our people can build long, rewarding careers.

If you're looking for a career where your work matters and where you'll be trusted, supported and encouraged to develop, we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements

We're looking for someone with a practical mindset who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in doing a job properly and wants to become an expert in freshwater fish husbandry.

The ideal candidate doesn't need to have a university degree—we're far more interested in attitude, reliability, curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Whether you already work in aquaculture or come from farming, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, gamekeeping, engineering, horticulture or another practical outdoor environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Essential

• Strong work ethic and positive attitude

• Practical problem-solving ability

• Good organisational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and within a close-knit team

• Basic computer literacy

• Flexible approach to work and seasonal demands

• Commitment to high standards of fish welfare, biosecurity and safety

Desirable

• Previous experience in aquaculture, agriculture, farming or another practical industry

• Experience working with livestock or animals

• Full UK driving licence

• Forklift or machinery experience (advantageous but not essential)

Full training will be provided for the right candidate.

Duties will include day to day husbandry to ensure excellent welfare and conditions for our trout to grow and develop in as natural way as possible. You will be involved in daily health checks, feeding, removal and analysis of mortalities, as well as and general site maintenance. Additional seasonal tasks will include vaccinating and grading the trout.

From time to time you will help at other hatchery sites, and our broodstock team, with fish movement, spawning such as assessing maturation, fertilising, triploidisation, and preparation of ova for transportation.

The ideal candidate will have experience in this area, but we will offer full training to the right person. They will have proven qualities in teamwork, self-motivation, have a high level of Health & Safety Awareness and a full driving license is essential. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and driven individual who has a passion for farming and a career in aquaculture.

Normal hours of work are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, with an on-call and 1-in-3 weekend duty rota.

In return, Kames offers a competitive package, dependent on experience, with occupational sick pay and a discretionary bonus scheme. The salary is £29,000 to £32,500 inclusive of rota duties.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send an up-to-date CV and covering letter to fish@kames.co.uk or call 01852 200286 for more details. 

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