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Project:

Roe Herring Dockside Monitoring Program (DMP)

Title:

Dockside Fishery Observer

Job Description:

The 2025 commercial roe herring fishery requires Dockside Observers to monitor and verify catch landings at designated landing ports in the B.C. Lower Mainland and mid-East Coast Vancouver Island. Dockside Observers are designated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to carry out their duties. They provide accurate, timely, and independent third-party verification of commercial roe herring catch landings.

The Dockside Observer will:

-          Record data and observations

-          Take samples

-          Monitor the landing of fish

-          Report catch results and incidents contrary to the Fisheries Regulations or Conditions of Licence

Potential for additional work with the following:

-          Data input

-          Data QA/QC

Terms of Employment:

-          Seasonal

-          Work period is between February 19, 2025, and March 17, 2025

-          Weekday, weekend, day, night, and evening shifts

-          Must be available through the duration of the fishery

Remuneration:

-          Starting at $20.00/hour with opportunities for advancement

-          Stipend available to assist with mobile device usage

-          Compensation for travel and living if/when required

Training and Examination:

There will be mandatory training and an examination administered by J.O. Thomas and Associates Ltd. in February 2025.

Location:

Metro Vancouver/Vancouver Island designated landing ports (Delta, Richmond, Vancouver, French Creek)

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to:

Rachel Lee, Program Coordinator at leer@jothomas.com. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Dockside Observer Designation Requirements:

-          Current DFO Dockside Observer Designation considered an asset

-          High school diploma or equivalent knowledge. Candidates with experience in the fishing industry will be considered.

-          Eligibility to work in Canada.

-          Consent to a Criminal Record Check.

-          No serious convictions under the Fisheries Act or Regulations.

-          Ability to meet the physical requirements of the job including, but not limited to, climbing ladders and boarding fishing vessels.

-          Completion of a DFO-approved DMP training program with a pass mark of 75% in each module.

Education:

High school graduation required. Preference will be given to candidates with a degree, a diploma, or technical training in natural resource management, biology, zoology, environmental science, aquaculture, conservation management, etc. Candidates with experience in fisheries conservation, natural resource conservation or fields with a similar skill set will be considered.

Required Duties and Skills:

-          Work at fish plants and custom offloading sites

-          Communicate with fishery managers, fishery officers, industry representatives, vessel crew and fish plant workers

-          Embark/disembark vessels to fulfill Dockside Observer tasks

-          Validate landed catch weights

-          Observe and report work procedures

-          Record data

-          Report results and incidences

Additional Skills/Character:

-          Works well independently

-          Reports results efficiently and promptly

-          Is flexible and responsive to change

-          Is punctual

-          Can stand for long periods

-          Has experience working on and around docks and/or fishing vessels

-          Certified for vessel operations (MED-A1, SVOP etc.)

Requirements:

-          Availability throughout the fishery opening

-          Reliable transportation to and from docks and fish plants

-          Access to a cellphone

-          You may be required to work out of town

-          Obtaining all eligible flu and COVID-19 vaccines is highly recommended. JO Thomas COVID-19 procedures will be reviewed with successful candidates during training and candidates are asked to adhere to outlined procedures. 

Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities:

Workplace awareness is essential as observations take place in an industrial environment. Offload activities can be fast-paced, loud, wet and in constant motion with industrial machinery running (i.e. pumps, hydraulic lifts, etc.). Long work hours can be expected. On occasion, it will be necessary to lift buckets of herring samples weighing up to 20 kilograms.

Essential Skills:

Reading text, numeracy, clear record-keeping and writing, and oral communication.