Job Details

The Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC), an international organization responsible for transboundary salmon fisheries management in Canada and the United States, is seeking multiple Assistant Fisheries Technician(s) for seasonal contract positions. The positions will begin the third week of June and continue until the end of upstream sockeye salmon migration (approximately first week of September). Based at the Mission Hydroacoustic field site in Matsqui Regional Park, Abbotsford, BC, the Assistant Fisheries Technician(s) will assist in deploying, monitoring, and processing hydroacoustic data to monitor the upstream passage of Fraser River sockeye salmon.

In addition to gaining experience in fisheries hydroacoustics, small vessel operation, and hands-on salmon mortality sampling, successful applicants will be contributing towards the assessment of sockeye salmon populations for fisheries management as part of an international fisheries agency. This position is an excellent opportunity for applicants looking to gain more experience in the Pacific Salmon management process.

Duties and Responsibilities - Work task assignment (approx.): 70% computer; 30% field work

Work Task Assignment % Allocation

Processing hydroacoustic data to count fish passage through the lower Fraser River -- 65%

Assisting with the deployment and monitoring of hydroacoustic equipment -- 15%

Setting-up and maintaining the field site at Mission --10%

Monitoring data collection and performing backups using Microsoft Windows software -- 5%

Operating a boat on the Fraser River (approximate length: 18ft) -- 5%

Wages will begin at $ 24.92 CAD per hour, depending on experience, plus 4% in lieu of vacation.

Applications should be received by 11:59pm PDT Sunday, March 24, 2024, and be addressed to Ms. Xu at resumes@psc.org. Include a cover letter, which highlights specific experience towards the position, and a résumé with two references. Please reference the name of the position in the email subject line.

For additional seasonal positions available at the Pacific Salmon Commission for the 2024 season, please visit https://www.psc.org/about-us/history-purpose/employment-opportunities/ If interested or applying to multiple seasonal positions with the PSC, please note your preferred position in the email subject line and indicate your interest in other positions in the body of your email.

The PSC acknowledges that the Mission Hydroacoustics site is on the stó:lō téméxw (traditional territory) of the stó:lō xwélmexw (stó:lō peoples).

The PSC is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and Windows operating systems
• Experience and/or willingness to learn proper boat operation of a motorized boat in a riverine environment
• Ability to work shift work, including night shifts (shifts may include weekends and/or overtime)
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time enumerating data and working on computers
• Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with team members
• Comfortable working independently at a field site
• Possession of a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) (Can be acquired in 1-day at https://www.boaterexam.com/canada/)
• Valid driver’s license and access to transportation to/from the field site in Matsqui Trail Regional Park, Abbotsford, BC (public transit to the field site is not available)
• Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccinations

Advantages:
• Experience with setting up and operating a field site
• ≥ 3 years' experience operating a vessel and working in a riverine environment
• Swiftwater Rescue, ROC-M, or SVOP certifications
• Knowledge of fisheries and/or salmon biology
• Interest in fisheries management