Sustainable commercial fishing is part of Ontario's Great Lakes heritage and culture. A key part of ensuring sustainability is effective harvest monitoring and compliance. The role of a Port Observer is to monitor and audit commercial fishing vessels for adherence to license conditions consistency across the lake. Consider this opportunity to gain compliance experience with our Lake Erie assessment team as a Port Observer!

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• a defined benefit pension plan
• comprehensive health plan
• life and disability insurance
• collegial and professional work culture
• career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• on-the-job training to support your success in the role

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this seasonal role, you will:

• monitor commercial fishing activities at specific ports on Lake Erie
• ensure fishing activities are in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations
• conduct inspections of commercial fishing vessels
• audit and weigh samples of landed fish
• inspect fishing gear for compliance with licence conditions
• ensure local licence conditions are adhered to by the Lake Erie Commercial Food Fishery

How do I qualify?

Mandatory requirements:

• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.

Technical expertise:

• You possess proven knowledge in resources management theories and principles with specialized knowledge and understanding of fish culture including identification of fish species and sampling and collection procedures.
• You are knowledgeable of fish and fisheries procedures and processes.
• You possess knowledge on collecting fish samples, assessment procedures and assistance with sampling.
• You possess in-depth knowledge of sampling protocols, inspection protocols and regulations and measuring gear for compliance.
• You have the ability to operate small portable scales to conduct weight verifications.
• You are proficient with a variety of computer software programs (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, email, etc.).

Technical knowledge and enforcement skills:

• You possess the ability to interpret, apply and monitor compliance with relevant legislation (e.g. Canada Fisheries Act, Ontario Fishery Regulations, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, etc.).
• You are knowledgeable of relevant law enforcement procedures in order to perform day-to-day duties, conduct inspections, interview captains and designates.
• You have knowledge of worker responsibilities as outlined under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• You possess excellent negotiation and mediation skills to obtain cooperation of commercial fishermen and the fishing industry.
• You possess refined communication skills with tact and good judgment to work with the commercial fishing industry, the public and other ministry staff and to testify in court on violations/enforcement issues.
• You have well developed interpersonal skills to foster and maintain relationships with internal and external partners.
• You possess written communication skills to gather evidence, take detailed notes, produce reports, input data, issue warnings on minor violations and collecting and passing information to conservation officers.

Analytical and interpretation skills:

• You possess analytical and interpretation skills to assess information from databases and reports in order to guide inspection actions, provide information on standards and enforcement issues.
• You can monitor and analyze GPS reports and databases to ensure compliance.

Additional Information: