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Dockside Fishery Observer & Field Technician

 

Job Title:

Dockside Observer and Fisheries Field Technician


Project:

Commercial Salmon Dockside Monitoring and Biological Sampling Program


Job Description:

Designated Dockside Fishery Observers and Field Technicians are required for the 2022 commercial salmon season to collect biological samples and to monitor and verify catch landings at designated landing ports. Dockside observers and field technicians provide accurate, timely, and independent third-party verification of commercial salmon catch landings, along with accurate and timely collection of biological data.


The Dockside Fishery Observers/Field Technicians will:

  • Identify all Pacific Salmon species
  • Collect biological samples for landed fish
  • Monitor the landing of fish and verify catch landings
  • Report catch results
  • Report occurrences

Terms of Employment:
  • Seasonal
  • Available for weekday, weekend, day and evening shifts
  • Must be available throughout the duration of the fishery

Wage:
  • Starting at $20.00/hour with opportunities for advancement


Training and Examination:
  • Mandatory training and examination will be provided by J.O. Thomas and Associates

Work Period:
  • July through September, possible extension into Fall

Location:
Metro Vancouver, Parksville, Quadra Island, Campbell River, Kelsey Bay, Port McNeill, Port Hardy, Port Renfrew. Masset and/or Prince Rupert.

Requirements:
  • You must have a cellphone.
  • You may be required to work out of town.
  • You may require your own transportation to get to and from docks and fish plants.
  • Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.

DFO Designation Requirements:
  • Legally eligible to work in Canada.
  • 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 is required.
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:
  • Valid DFO Dockside Observer Designation is an asset.

Required Duties and Skills:

  • Identify Pacific Salmon species.
  • Collect biological data effectively and efficiently.
  • Work at fish plants and custom offloading sites.
  • Demonstrate ability to communicate and build rapport with fishery managers, fisheries officers, industry representatives, vessel crew and fish plant workers.
  • Validate landed catch weights and pieces.
  • Observe and report work procedures.
  • Record data/results and occurrences.

Additional Assets:
  • Reliable and works well independently and within a team.
  • Reports data efficiently and promptly to coordinators.
  • Flexible and responsive to change.
  • Physically fit to work in a dynamic environment where extended periods of standing are required
  • Comfortable working on docks and around/on vessels.

Essential Skills: Reading text, numeracy, legible writing and good oral communication

Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities:

Workplace awareness is essential as dockside observations take place in industrial environments. Offload activities can be fast-paced, loud, wet, and highly active with industrial machinery such as water pumps, hydraulic cable lifts, and forklifts being used during offload activities. Long work hours can be expected. Transport of sampling equipment and/or biological samples to and from offload sites may be required. Physical work may also include but are not limited to ascending/descending ladders, boarding fishing vessels, and working with loads between 20lbs to 40lbs.


HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume via email to Sylvia Chow, Program Coordinator, chows@jothomas.com and Rachel Lee, Program Coordinator, leer@jothomas.com. Shortlisted candidates will be notified.