Scientific Technical Officer 11*

Durations may vary from 2-5 months, commencing in April 2023

$27.6884 – $33.1767 hourly**

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (FFSBC) is an independent, non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors with a mandate to provide hatchery and related fisheries management services to various clients and partners including the Province of BC, other jurisdictions, First Nations, Crown Corporations, Community Associations and the private sector.

We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated Junior Fish Culture Technicians to join our Operations Division in various locations which may include the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery in Abbotsford, the Clearwater Trout Hatchery in Clearwater, the Kootenay Trout Hatchery in Fort Steele, the Summerland Trout Hatchery in Summerland, the Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery in Duncan, and the Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre in Vanderhoof. Seasonal opportunities will vary in duration from 2 to 5 months commencing in April 2023.

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Hatchery Manager or a Senior Fish Culturist, the Junior Seasonal Fish Culturist is responsible for carrying out fish culture activities required for egg collection, propagation and distribution of fish. Specific responsibilities include the following:

1. Operate and maintain remote broodstock capture, holding and egg collection stations by:

a. measuring, weighing and identifying fish species captured by seine, gill net, trap net, angling, electroshocking or stationary trap

b. protecting brood capture facilities from predators and vandalism

c. maintaining records for the egg collection station

d. operating and maintaining electronic fish counting devices, pumps, generators

e. under supervision, collecting eggs using appropriate techniques, disinfecting eggs and transporting eggs to the hatchery

2. Carry out incubation and rearing activities within the hatchery operation using appropriate fish culture techniques by:

a. removing and recording dead eggs, and fish mortalities during incubation and rearing

b. feeding fish by operating and maintaining electronic, mechanical and hand feeding systems

c. cleaning and disinfecting facilities and equipment

d. conducting sample counts to determine fish size and inventory

e. grading fish by size or stage of development, and marking fish by fin clipping

f. monitoring water flows, temperatures and water quality

g. protecting reared fish from predators and vandals

3. Transfer and distribute fish into lakes and streams designated by Fisheries Biologists by:

a. disinfecting fish culture equipment, trucks and tanks using appropriate techniques

b. working with a senior fish culturist as part of a team in the transport and distribution of fish

4. Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications - The successful candidate must be enrolled in, or a graduate from, a fish culture or technical fisheries resource management program or other related field. Preference may be given to candidates with fisheries related programs and/or related experience. A current driver’s licence is required. Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card preferred for some locations. Equivalent combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Related knowledge, skills and abilities will include:

• Knowledge of basic fish culture and biology;
• Knowledge of salmonid and/or sturgeon culture techniques
• Knowledge of salmonid fish health risks and procedures to reduce or prevent pathogen outbreaks
• Knowledge of biology and scientific methods
• Knowledge of applicable Occupational Health and Safety regulations and safe work procedures
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a working team
• Ability to participate effectively in field projects including brood capture, egg collection and fish liberations.
• Ability to communicate effectively (i.e.: oral, written skills and inter-personal skills) and follow instructions accurately
• Ability to use computer and office equipment including Word, Excel and e-mail
• Ability to use various power tools, all equipment related to fish rearing/liberation, a variety of vehicles, trailers, and boats
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job including working in challenging outdoor environmental conditions.

Competencies:

• Adaptability: personal willingness and ability to effectively work in, and adapt to change.
• Client Focus: understanding and meeting or exceeding client needs.
• Communication: clearly conveying and receiving messages to meet the needs of all. This may involve listening, interpreting, formulating and delivering: verbal, non-verbal, written, and/or electronic messages.
• Problem Solving and Judgment: ability to assess options and implications, in order to identify a solution.
• Results Orientation: knowing what results are important, focusing resources to achieve them in alignment with the goals of the organization.
• Teamwork: working co-operatively and productively with others to achieve results.
• Innovation: using original and creative thinking to make improvements and/or develop and initiate new approaches.

Additional Conditions:

• Travel is a requirement of some positions and the incumbent must be willing to work away from home for periods of 2 weeks at a time.

• Must be willing to work extra hours and weekend shifts.
• Must be physically fit and able to work in all indoor and field conditions including

o outdoors in the field in all weather conditions and at field stations

o on lakes and rivers in various types of watercraft; and

o inside all areas of a hatchery (being familiar with all safety regulations and fish health protocols)

• 
  All external hires will be paid an intern rate at the grid 10 level ($27.6884 hourly) for the period equivalent to six month’s employment (913 hours). Upon reaching 913 hours, employees will move to Grid 12, Step 1 (29.2719).

**In addition to the hourly salary, this position qualifies for compensation of $0.72 per working hour up to a maximum of $50.40 per biweekly pay period in lieu of sick time and benefits, and vacation pay at the rate of six percent of regular earnings.

An eligibility list may be established for up to one year for opportunities that become available at our hatcheries throughout the province. Locations may include Abbotsford, Clearwater, Duncan, Fort Steele, Summerland and/or Vanderhoof.

Please note, we have an employee vaccination policy intended to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of our staff and the public and we require all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Further details are available in our Vaccination Policy.

To apply, please submit your resumé and respond to the application questions via this site or visit http://www.gofishbc.com/About-Us.aspx#careers. This opportunity is open to both internal and external applicants, and applications will be accepted until January 6, 2023. We thank all candidates for their interest. However, only those selected to continue to the next phase of the recruitment process will be contacted. For information on the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC please visit www.gofishbc.com.