Dockside/At Sea Fishery Observer & Field Technician

Dockside/At Sea Observer and Fisheries Field Technician. Designated Dockside/At Sea Observer Fishery Observers and Field Technicians are required for the 2026 commercial salmon season to collect biological samples and to monitor and verify catch landings at designated landing ports. Dockside observers and field technicians provide accurate, timely, and independent third-party verification of commercial salmon catch landings, along with accurate and timely collection of biological data. At Sea Observers will collect fishing data on commercial salmon fishing vessels. Work Period: July through September, possible extension into Fall. Location: Prince Rupert, and/or Masset.

Responsibilities

Identify all Pacific Salmon species; Collect biological samples for landed fish; Monitor the landing of fish and verify catch landings; Report catch results; Report occurrences; Work at fish plants and custom offloading sites; Demonstrate ability to communicate and build rapport with fishery managers, fisheries officers, industry representatives, vessel crew and fish plant workers; Validate landed catch weights and pieces; Observe and report work procedures; Record data/results and occurrences; Collect fishing data on commercial salmon fishing vessels

Requirements

Must have a cellphone; May be required to work out of town; May require own transportation to get to and from docks and fish plants; Be physically fit and able to meet physical requirements including but not limited to climbing ladders and boarding fishing vessels; Legally eligible to work in Canada; Evidence of a Criminal Record Check is required; Successfully complete a DFO-approved Dockside Observer training program with a pass mark of 75% in each module; Have no significant financial interest in a commercial fishing business that harvests, processes, or sells commercial fishery products; High school graduation or equivalent knowledge base; Available for weekday, weekend, day and evening shifts; Must be available throughout the duration of the fishery; Essential skills: reading text, numeracy, legible writing, good oral communication

Nice to have

A degree, diploma, or technical training in natural resource management, biology, zoology, environmental science, aquaculture, conservation management, etc. is preferred; Valid DFO Dockside Observer Designation is an asset; Reliable and works well independently and within a team; Reports data efficiently and promptly to coordinators; Flexible and responsive to change; Physically fit to work in a dynamic environment where extended periods of standing are required; Comfortable working on docks and around/on vessels

Benefits

Travel and living expenses provided for out-of-town field work; Mandatory training and examination provided by J.O. Thomas and Associates