Fisheries Technician

Requirements: Shuswap Band's Fisheries Technician will be responsible for supporting the Shuswap Fisheries team with the development and implementation of projects related to the Upper Columbia River Native Fish Population and Telemetry Project, Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative (CRSRI), Shuswap Fisheries Program, Shuswap Guardian Programs, and other related projects. They will collaborate with internal and external partners to coordinate and implement fisheries field projects which may include studies related to adult and juvenile life history, fish habitat assessment, fish passage, Hydro-electric, mining linear and other development impacts and climate change vulnerability.

We are seeking an individual who:

1. is highly organized with a keen attention to detail and safety.
2. is an outdoor and backcountry enthusiast who enjoys the challenge of working extended hours sometimes at odd hours and often in adverse weather conditions and challenging outdoor environments.
3. has excellent oral and written communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
4. is knowledgeable and passionate about fisheries management and aquatic conservation, and eager to further develop their skillset through on the job and technical course-based training opportunities.
5. is self-motivated and capable of taking ownership of their work to meet project deadlines.
6. has previous experience implementing fisheries and aquatics field programs.
7. follows standard operating procedures to safely and efficiently accomplish project objectives.

Responsibilities:

1. Assist with implementing Shuswap Band’s fisheries field programs. Programs may include water temperature monitoring and habitat assessment in the Columbia River watershed; fish population assessments and sampling fish by backpack electrofishing, netting and/or angling; tracking fish movement using PIT and acoustic/radio telemetry tagging methods; collecting genetics samples; documenting fish health; and measuring water quality in lakes, rivers and creeks.
2. Collaborate on field studies and monitoring programs with Shuswap Band’s Fisheries Biologists, Guardians and external project partners.
3. Collect and record accurate, clear and concise field data under varied conditions including inclement weather.
4. Organize, maintain, and calibrate field equipment. This may include repairing fish nets and other sampling gear, coordinating boat and vehicle maintenance, ensuring provincial decontamination procedures are followed (i.e., Whirling Disease), calibration of water quality meters and other electronic devices used in the field.
5. Strong personal commitment to workplace safety, including the safe operation of boats, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and 4x4 vehicles used to access remote sampling locations.
6. Participate in productive knowledge-sharing and relationship building sessions on Shuswap Fisheries projects and initiatives.

Education and Experience:

1. Post secondary degree (B.Sc.) or technical diploma in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Fish & Wildlife Management, or a related program, a secondary school diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of 2 years of working experience in fisheries sciences/management, biological sciences, or related field.
2. Experience working and traveling in remote areas, such as forests, lakes, rivers and streams in mountainous environments.
3. Experience working in aquatic environments, with native fish species, in the Columbia River watershed.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Proficient in using a variety of computer applications and software, including MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and SharePoint).
2. Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail when recording accurate field measurements, computer data entry, recording field notes, and/or technical reporting.
3. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
4. Ability to think critically and be a problem solver.
5. Ability to work independently to complete assigned tasks efficiently and to a high standard of quality.
6. Ability to work extended hours sometimes at odd hours and often in adverse weather conditions, when necessary.

Personal Suitability:

1. Self-motivated
2. Attention to detail
3. Exercises sound judgment
4. Willingness to learn

Preference may be given to applicants with the following:

1. Post-secondary degree (B.Sc.) or diploma in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Fish & Wildlife Management, or a related program, and a minimum of two (2) years work experience in fisheries.
2. Registered Professional (RPBio or RBTech) in British Columbia with the College of Applied Biology (CAB), or eligible within one (1) year of hire, ability to transfer from an applicable jurisdiction to the CAB.
3. Training certificates in related areas (e.g., First Aid Level 1, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Backpack Electrofishing Supervisor, Small Vessel Operator Proficiency/Med A3).
4. Experience working with a First Nation organization.
5. Experience in field project design, coordination, and implementation.
6. Experience in the maintenance of fisheries field gear and calibration requirements.
7. Experience troubleshooting and repairing fisheries gear in the field.
8. Experience with safe boat operation on rivers and/or large bodies of water, and all-terrain vehicles and 4x4 trucks on gravel roads to access remote sample.
9. Working knowledge of electrical, electronic and mechanical systems.
10. Knowledge of statistical software and mapping programs (R and ArcGIS).

Conditions of Employment:

1. Must complete and pass a criminal record check.
2. Must have a Class 5 Driver’s License with reliable access to a vehicle.
3. Must be physically able to carry equipment and supplies in challenging terrain.
4. Willingness to conduct fieldwork in remote areas without cell service, in inclement weather conditions for up to 10 days at a time.
5. Obtain and maintain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

Information related to the application process:

1. Please submit a resume and cover letter, ensuring the cover letter clearly outlines how you meet the education and experience criteria.
2. Application deadline: December 15, 2024
3. Submit via email to barbfackelmayer@shuswapband.ca
4. Or in person at: Shuswap Band Administration, 3A – 492 Arrow Road Invermere, BC V0A 1K2

This posting may remain open until a qualified candidate has been hired. Shuswap Band hires based on merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply, however, the first priority may be to hire qualified persons of Secwepemc ancestry.