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ESCO occupation

aquaculture biologist

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Aquaculture biologists apply knowledge gained from research about aquatic animals and plant life and their interactions with each other and the environment, in order to improve aquaculture production, prevent animal health and environmental problems and to provide solutions if necessary.

2131.4.1 ISCO 2131 ESCO source
Competences
119
Groups
4
Essential
65
Optional
54

Competences and skills

119 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 16 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

6 competences
applied zoology

The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.

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botany

The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.

green
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ecosystem management

The set of approaches that takes into account the effect of a management decision on other elements of an ecosystem. It also addresses the optimization of diverse management strategies and the challenges that arise from fragmented landscapes.

green
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fish anatomy

The study of the form or morphology of fish species.

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fish biology

The study of fish, shellfish or crustacean organisms, categorized into many specialised fields that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, origins and distribution.

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microbiology-bacteriology

Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

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Cross-sector

10 competences
aquatic species

The care and maintenance of aquatic biological species.

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biology

Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

green
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biosecurity

Be aware of the general principles of the concept of bio-security and in particular, the disease prevention rules to be implemented in case of epidemics endangering public health.

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biotechnology in aquaculture

Biotechnology and polymerase chain reactions for studies in sustainable aquaculture production methods.

green
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ecology

The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.

green
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laboratory techniques

Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

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molecular biology

The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.

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pollution prevention

The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.

green
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scientific research methodology

The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

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virology

The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.

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Essential skills and competences 49 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

10 competences
conduct fish mortality studies

Collect fish mortality data. Identify causes of mortality and provide solutions .

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conduct research on fauna

Collect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.

green
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conduct research on flora

Collect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.

green
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conserve natural resources

Protect waters and natural resources and coordinate actions. Work with environmental agencies and resource management personnel.

green
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follow safety precautions in fishery operations

Comply with policies and institutional regulations to guarantee a safe workplace for employees in fishery and aquaculture operations. Deal with potential risks and dangers by taking appropriate safety measures.

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inspect fish stock

Collect and examine fish to evaluate the health of fish stock.

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manage intellectual property rights

Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.

research
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operate open source software

Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.

digitalresearch
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perform field research

Participate in field research and evaluation of state and private lands and waters.

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use specialised equipment

Use specialised equipment such as electron microscope, telemetry, digital imaging analysis, global positioning systems, and computer modelling in studies and analyses of production methodology.

digital
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Cross-sector

39 competences
analyse work-related written reports

Read and comprehend job-related reports, analyse the content of reports and apply findings to daily work operations.

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apply for research funding

Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.

research
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities

Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

research
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apply scientific methods

Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

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carry out fish disease prevention measures

Carry out disease prevention measures for fish, molluscs, and crustaceans for land-based and water-based aquaculture facilities.

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collect biological data

Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.

green
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communicate with a non-scientific audience

Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of methods for different target groups, including visual presentations.

research
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conduct fish populations studies

Study captive fish populations to determine survival, growth, and migration.

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conduct research across disciplines

Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.

research
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control aquatic production environment

Assess the impact of biological conditions such as algae and fouling organisms by managing water intakes, catchments and oxygen use.

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demonstrate disciplinary expertise

Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.

research
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develop aquaculture strategies

Cultivate strategies for aquaculture plans based on reports and research in order to deal with specific fish farm issues. Plan and organise work activities in order to improve aquaculture production and tackle further problems.

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develop professional network with researchers and scientists

Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.

research
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disseminate results to the scientific community

Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.

research
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation

Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.

research
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evaluate research activities

Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.

research
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gather experimental data

Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

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implement scientific decision making in healthcare

Implement scientific findings for evidence-based practice, integrating research evidence into decision making by forming a focused clinical question in response to a recognised information need, searching for the most appropriate evidence to meet that need, critically appraising the retrieved evidence, incorporating the evidence into a strategy for action, and evaluating the effects of any decisions and actions taken.

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increase the impact of science on policy and society

Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.

research
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integrate gender dimension in research

Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).

research
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interact professionally in research and professional environments

Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.

research
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data

Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.

digitalresearch
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manage open publications

Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.

digitalresearch
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manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

research
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manage research data

Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.

digitalresearch
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mentor individuals

Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.

research
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monitor water quality

Measure water quality: temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH, N2, NO2,NH4, CO2, turbidity, chlorophyll. Monitor microbiological water quality.

green
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perform laboratory tests

Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

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perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

research
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perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

research
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promote open innovation in research

Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.

research
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promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities

Engage citizens in scientific and research activities and promote their contribution in terms of knowledge, time or resources invested.

research
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promote the transfer of knowledge

Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.

research
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publish academic research

Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.

research
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send samples to laboratory

Forward collected samples to the concerned laboratory, following strict procedures related to the labeling and tracking of the information on the samples.

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speak different languages

Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

research
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synthesise information

Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.

research
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think abstractly

Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.

research
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write scientific publications

Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

research
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Optional knowledge 10 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

5 competences
aquaponics

The principles and techniques combining hydroponics and aquaculture to produce human food in a sustainable manner, based on the recirculation of water between fish-farming and plant-cultivation compartments.

green
ESCO source
cryopreservation

Cryopreservation deals with procedures, risks and conditions applied to cells or tissues in order to prevent contamination and damage. It refers to the preservation of embryos, eggs, semen and testicle tissue by cooling to very low temperatures (typically -80 or -196°C).

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habitat restoration

The process of repairing and rehabilitating areas that suffered habitat destruction, alteration of seafloor or the threat of extinction of some animal and plant species. Habitat restoration also involves the mitigation of pollution, erosion, and deforestation. The restoration procedure to recreate biodiversity and an operating ecosystem requires knowledge on protection, management and re-establishment of species by returning biotic and abiotic factors to historical levels.

green
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marine biology

The study of marine living organisms and ecosystems and their interaction underwater.

green
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pollution legislation

Be familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.

green
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Cross-sector

5 competences
animal welfare legislation

The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.

Scope note
National and EU legislation relevant to occupation, regulatory body and codes of conduct. This may include . , health and safety, risk assessment requirements and codes of conduct, especially in the areas of animal welfare, health and public health, food and environmental safety in relation with clients.
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assessment of risks and threats

The security documentation and any security-related communications and information.

digital
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fish identification and classification

The processes which allow the identification and classification of fish.

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fish welfare regulations

The set of rules that apply in fish harvesting methods which ensure fish well-being.

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life sciences

The study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms.

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Optional skills and competences 44 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

25 competences
advise on animal welfare

Prepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommendations for corrective actions.

green
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analyse fish samples for diagnosis

Analyse samples or lesions from farmed aquatic species for professional diagnosis and treatments.

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assess environmental impact in aquaculture operations

Measure the environmental impact of a company's aquaculture operations. Take into account factors such as quality of the sea and surface water, fish and sea plant habitats and risks regarding the quality of air, odour and noise.

green
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collect fish samples for diagnosis

Collect fish and shellfish samples for diagnosis by fish diseases specialists.

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communicate specialised veterinary information

Communicate the relevance of and the advances in the area of specialisation to general practice veterinarians and to non-veterinarians.

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develop aquaculture breeding strategies

Create and develop an aquaculture breeding strategy using a variety of techniques; naturally spawned fish eggs, induced spawning of fish eggs, environmental controlled spawning, hormonally regulated fish spawning, broodstock recruitment by genetic selection.

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develop fish health and welfare management plans

Develop a plan which lists risks from outdoor factors, such as predators, and pests.

green
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develop management plans to reduce risks in aquaculture

Develop a management plan to reduce the risks from pests, predators and diseases. Supervise implementation of plan, especially disease prevention measures, throughout the aquaculture facility.

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dispose of chemicals

Dispose of chemicals and treatments safely according to site waste management procedures.

green
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ensure animal welfare in slaughtering practices

Respect the needs of livestock and apply the regulations regarding animal welfare in the meat and meat products manufacturing sector. Respond correctly to animal issues from unloading until stunning of the animals.

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identify risks in aquaculture facilities

Identify the hazards and evaluate the risks to health and safety in aquaculture facilities.

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inspect animal welfare management

Monitor animal health and welfare management and husbandry, and analyse risk factors in relation to animal health, disease and welfare status.

Scope note
Including risk factors in relationship to animal health nutrition.
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interview parties in relation to animal welfare investigations

Conduct interviews of suspects and witnesses in relation to cases of alleged breach of animal related legislation.

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maintain aquaculture treatment records

Provide accurate information to maintain records of aquaculture treatments applied.

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maintain relationships with animal welfare establishments

Ensure good relations with other animal welfare establishments and agencies.

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monitor fish health status

Monitor the health of fish, based on feeding and general behaviour. Interpret environmental parameters and analyse mortalities.

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monitor fish mortality rates

Monitor fish mortalities and assess possible causes.

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monitor treated fish

Monitor treated fish to evaluate the effect of treatments.

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prepare fish treatment facilities

Prepare fish treatment facilities to effectively isolate contaminated fish during treatment. Control the application of treatments to avoid contaminating other stock, containers and the wider environment.

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prepare fish treatment plan

Prepare health treatment plans to meet specific fish disease requirements.

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preserve fish samples for diagnosis

Collect and preserve larval, fish and mollusc samples or lesions for diagnosis by fish disease specialists.

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provide advice to hatcheries

Provide recommendations for the installation and well functioning of hatcheries.

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provide on-site training in aquaculture facilities

Provide on-site training in aquaculture facilities, through instruction and demonstration of skills. Provide, implement and supervise a training development plan.

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report pollution incidents

When an incident causes pollution, examine the extent of the damage and what the consequences could be and report it relevant institution following pollution reporting procedures.

green
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screen live fish deformities

Examine live fish, including larvae, to detect deformities related to body shape, jaw deformity, vertebral deformity and skeletal deformity. If not detected, these could lead to risks for fish, such as swimming performance, feed efficiency, limit of the feed, infectious disease and lethality.

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Cross-sector

19 competences
administer treatments to fish

Administer treatments to fish, including vaccination of fish by immersion and injection, continually monitoring fish for signs of stress.

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apply blended learning

Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.

digitalresearch
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apply risk management processes

Identify risks and apply a risk management process, e.g. hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP).

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communicate technicalities with clients

Communicate with and support clients and veterinarians in case of problems. Provide feedback to production and management.

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conduct ecological research

Conduct ecological and biological research in a field, under controlled conditions and using scientific methods and equipment.

green
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coordinate operational activities

Synchronise activities and responsibilities of the operational staff to ensure that the resources of an organisation are used most efficiently in pursuit of the specified objectives.

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create training materials

Develop and compile training items and resources according to didactical methods and training needs and using specific types of media.

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deliver online training

Provide training by using online technologies, adapting the learning materials, using e-learning methods, supporting the trainees and communicating online. Instruct virtual classrooms.

digital
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diagnose aquatic animals disease symptoms

Observe and describe symptoms and lesions of fish, molluscs, and crustaceans. Monitor abnormal fish behaviour in feeding, swimming, and surfacing.

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discuss research proposals

Discuss proposals and projects with researchers, decide on resources to allocate and whether to move forward with the study.

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prepare visual data

Prepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.

digital
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report analysis results

Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well as potential interpretations of the results.

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seek innovation in current practices

Search for improvements and present innovative solutions, creativity and alternative thinking to develop new technologies, methods or ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

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teach in academic or vocational contexts

Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.

research
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treat fish diseases

Identify the symptoms of fish diseases. Apply appropriate measures to treat or eliminate diagnosed conditions.

Scope note
Control of diseases will not be effective unless these measures are carried out in full.
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use different communication channels

Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.

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write research proposals

Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.

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write routine reports

Compose regular reports by writing clear observations on the monitored processes in a respective field.

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write work-related reports

Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.

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