Aquatic Science Technician / Fisheries Technician

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

EG-03 and EG-04
• Assist with and deliver salmon (adult, juvenile and smolt) stock assessment activities throughout Yukon, northwestern British Columbia and at U.S. / Canada joint project sites in Alaska to ensure data collection, compilation and primary analysis is accurate and complete
• Work with Senior Technicians and Biologists to collect, compile and report field project data.
• Assist with and deliver commercial, recreational or subsistence fishery monitoring activities including: data collection, data validation, bio-sampling collection, and Coded Wire Tagged salmon head recovery
• Use and maintain databases for stock assessment and catch information
• Ensure the custody, maintenance, tracking, and repair of vessels and assessment equipment
• Train and work with partner survey crews to carry out biological sampling of salmon stocks for both escapement and fishery monitoring programs
• Assess and collect environmental data consistent with established protocols
• Take all reasonable and necessary precautions to ensure the safety and health of oneself and co- workers within the work environment
• Enter and review assessment, fishery monitoring, environmental and biological data

EG-04
• Coordinate enumeration and assessment activities and ensure data collection, compilation and primary analysis is complete
• Work with Biologists to analyze data and report on project outcomes (e.g., salmon abundance, passage, escapement
• Serve as camp or project lead at various field sites in northwestern British Columbia or Yukon
• Develop and implement contracts related to stock assessment
• Provide functional supervision to other field staff and contractors

Intent of the process

This process is anticipatory in nature and the intent of the resulting pool will be to staff various EG-03 and EG-04 Indeterminate, Term or Casual positions at full or part-time hours within the Yukon Transboundary Rivers Area.

Please note this selection process is for 2 different Salmon Stock Assessment Technician position types: EG-03 and EG-04. Prospective applicants are advised to pay close attention to the Essential Qualifications identified for each position type as there are differences identified. If you would like to apply for both position types you will need to indicate in detail in your application how you meet the Essential criteria for each.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "A covering letter in 5,000 words (maximum) to express interest and include any other relevant information not submitted elsewhere within the application."

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education:
(EG-03 and EG-04)
• A secondary school diploma OR an employer-approved alternative (such as a satisfactory score on the Public Service Commission test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma) OR an acceptable combination of education, training and experience.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
(EG-03 and EG-04)
• Experience conducting biological sampling
• Experience collecting, entering, and managing scientific data
• Experience operating and maintaining field equipment
• Experience using initiative to complete work related projects or tasks

(EG-04)
• Experience planning, organizing, and administering the logistical and technical components of scientific projects
• Experience completing analysis of aquatic science or biological data and preparing technical reports
• Experience working with teams and leading others to deliver field programs or projects
• Experience providing technical advice to program or project managers
• Experience effectively managing time in a professional or work setting to meet deadlines

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Education:
(EG-03 and EG-04)
• A Degree or Diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization relevant to the position (for example: Fisheries, Aquaculture, Biology, Aquatic Science, Natural Resource Management or Environmental Science).

Degree equivalency

Experience:
(EG-03 and EG-04)
• Experience conducting assessment of Pacific salmon stocks
• Experience conducting assessment of fish stocks or populations
• Experience working in northern or remote environments
• Experience working for Fisheries and Oceans Canada in a technical capacity
• Experience assuring data quality and integrity
• Experience working under pressure
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of power driven (jet boat and propeller) vessels
• Experience working in areas inhabited by bears and handling or operating bear deterrents. (Note: Bear deterrents include one or more of the following: capsaicin (pepper) spray, electric bear fencing, firearms (either non-lethal or lethal munitions), or acoustic munitions / scare cartridges (bear bangers or screamers).)
• Completion of Canadian Boating Safety Training Course
• Experience using GIS software
• Experience using sonar or mark-recapture assessment methods

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
(EG-03 and EG-04)
• Knowledge of the life history and biology of Pacific salmon
• Knowledge of the methods and equipment used to assess fish populations
• Knowledge of Canadian workplace safety requirements

Competencies:
(EG-03 and EG-04)
• Dependability
• Integrity
• Respect

(EG-04)
• Judgement

Abilities:
(EG-03 and EG-04)
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to solve problems

(EG-04)
• Ability to provide recommendations and give advice
• Ability to organize
• Ability to communicate effectively orally

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Knowledge:
(EG-03 and EG-04)
• Knowledge of salmon fisheries in northwestern British Columbia or Yukon.
• Knowledge of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s mandate, goals and objectives related to the conservation and management of Pacific salmon
• Knowledge of the stakeholders, processes, or First Nations interests regarding northwestern British Columbia or Yukon River salmon

(EG-04)
• Knowledge of assessment techniques used to assess salmon populations or stocks in northwestern British Columbia or Yukon
• Knowledge of techniques and methods used to collect biological information from salmon fisheries in northwestern British Columbia or Yukon

Competencies:
(EG-04)
• Leadership
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing

Abilities:
(EG-04)
• Ability to use computers and software applications, particularly spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel)

Operational Requirements
Candidates who are recruited through this process must be willing and able to:
• Travel by boat, small fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopter
• Operate small boats and all-terrain vehicles
• Operate 4x4 trucks in a variety of on and off road conditions, including towing trailers of a variety of sizes and configurations
• Work weekends/overtime and variable hours for continuous durations up to 10 weeks, including “shift” schedules, as required to meet operational needs
• Work and live in remote and isolated field camps, often under challenging conditions such as inclement weather, with limited amenities for significant periods of time
• Participate in periods of strenuous physical work**, associated with field activities and equipment maintenance
• Maintain camp facilities and enable camp operations, including preparation of crew meals
• Attain and maintain certifications as required to meet Fisheries and Oceans Canada health and safety standards
• Complete SwiftWater Rescue Training and work in lake and swiftwater environments
• Complete Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Vessel Training
• Complete Wilderness First Aid Certification
• Complete Small Engine / Boat Motor Maintenance Training
• Complete Bear Safety Training
• Complete Aviation Egress Training
• Fulfil duties at joint U.S. / Canada project sites located in Alaska*
• Complete the Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s non-enforcement firearms evaluation to demonstrate proficiency to carry a firearm (shotgun) for protection against wildlife*

*Required for certain positions.

**Strenuous physical work is considered occasionally pushing or pulling objects up to 75kg and regularly carrying, lifting, pushing, or pulling weights up to 25kg.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Conditions of Employment
• Valid Class 5 driver's licence (or equivalent)
• Valid first aid certification (minimum level 1 with CPR)
• Valid CCG Pleasure Craft Operator Card or equivalent
• Valid Firearms Possession and Acquisition License (PAL)*
• Candidate must hold a valid passport with no restrictions on travel and be willing and able to travel to the United States*
• Security Clearance: Reliability Status**
• Health Canada Medical Clearance**

Condition(s) of Employment must be met and maintained throughout the duration of appointment.

*Required for certain positions.

**For candidates who do not currently possess the required clearance, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will initiate the clearance screening process in advance of appointment. Appointment is conditional on successfully meeting all identified clearance requirements.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

On October 6, 2021, the Government of Canada announced details of its plans to require vaccination across the federal public service.

As per the new Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, federal public servants in the Core Public Administration and members of the RCMP must attest to their vaccination status. The requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated applies whether they are teleworking, working remotely or working on-site. This is a condition of employment and it applies to indeterminate (permanent), determinate (term), casual, and student hiring. Should you reach the point in the selection process where it is necessary to verify terms and conditions of employment then the hiring manager or a human resources representative will contact you in order to complete an attestation.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.