At-Sea Fishery Observer Job Posting
At-Sea Fishery Observer & Field Technician
Job Title:
At-Sea Fishery Observer
Project:
Commercial Prawn At-Sea Observer Program
Job Description:
Designated at-sea fishery observers are required for the 2023 commercial prawn season to conduct biological sampling of catch encounters aboard fishing vessels. At-sea observers provide accurate, timely, and independent third party verification of commercial catch encounters.
The at-sea observer will:
- Work aboard fishing vessels
- Communicate with fishermen and industry representatives
- Observe fishing sets and record catch encounters
- Collect biological samples
- Report catch results
- Report occurrences
Terms of Employment:
- Seasonal.
- Must be available through the duration of the fishery.
- Have your own transportation to get to and from points of embarkation.
- You must provide proof of full vaccination and obtain all eligible vaccines against COVID-19.
Wage:
- Starting at $250.00 per diem.
Training and Examination:
- Mandatory training and examination will be provided by J.O. Thomas and Associates.
Work Period:
- May through mid-June.
Location:
Based out of a liveaboard vessel in Lagoon Cove (Broughton Archipelago) for the duration of the season.
Requirements:
- MED A1, A2 or A3 (Marine Emergency Duties) certification.
- Be physically fit and able to meet the physical requirements of the job including but not limited to climbing ladders and boarding fishing vessels.
Designation requirements for DFO RDG:
- Be a Canadian citizen or have landed immigrant status.
- Evidence of a Criminal Record Check is required.
- Successfully complete a DFO-approved Dockside Observer training program with a pass mark of 75% in each module.
- Have no significant financial interest in a commercial fishing business that harvests, processes, or sells commercial fishery products.
Education:
High school graduation or equivalent knowledge base. A degree, diploma, or technical training in areas of natural resource management, biology, zoology, environmental science, aquaculture, conservation management, etc. is preferred, but not limiting.
Credentials:
- DFO At-Sea Observer Designation is considered an asset.
Required Duties and Skills:
- Collect and report prawn biological data.
- Work aboard fishing vessels in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
- Communicate with fishery managers, fisheries officers, industry representatives, and vessel crew.
- Observe and report work procedures.
- Record data/results and occurrences.
Additional Assets:
- Not prone to seasickness.
- Flexible and responsive to change.
- Work and think independently in a fast paced environment.
- Report results efficiently and promptly.
- Respond positively to changing and late notice schedules.
- Comfortable working around docks and boats.
- An Android compatible phone is an asset.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume via email to Sylvia Chow, Program Coordinator, chows [at] jothomas.com. Shortlisted candidates will be notified.