Fisheries Technician

POTENTIAL START DATE: June 3, 2024 or as soon after.

Title: Fisheries Technician
Office(s): Lands and Resources Office
Wage Scale: $23.00/hr. to $27.00/hr. dependent on education & experiences
Location: Eligible to work from Spences Bridge or Merritt Offices, must be able to travel to other locations in Nlaka'pamux Territory as needed
Benefits: As per Band Policy
Reports To: Lands Director

POSITION TYPE: CONTRACT - FULL TERM

CLOSING DATE: WEDNESDAY MAY 24, 2024

POSITION SUMMARY:
Individual to support in the following areas:

1. Monitoring and reporting about salmon fishing for food, social and ceremonial purposes during salmon migratory periods within Nlaka'pamux territory.
2. Acting as a liaison with government and the community about fisheries management and fish habitat restoration and protection matters, and acting as a representative of the Band on these issues.
   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
   Catch Monitoring Duties and Responsibilities:
3. Monitor food, social, and ceremonial fisheries and this will involve conducting catch monitoring activities such as creel surveys, roving patrols, telephone interviews, and others.
4. It is expected that catch-monitoring activities will be done in partnership with Fisheries and Ocean Canada.
5. Work closely with Chief and Council, community members, and local fishers to collect, record, and report accurate data on the species, size, and quantity of fish caught, as well as the fishing gear used and fishing location.
6. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of fishing activity and catch data, including knowledge and practices of fishers
7. Prepare seasonal catch monitoring reports.
8. Participate in catch monitoring training programs including those offered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
   Fisheries Management Liaison Duties and Responsibilities:
9. Serve as a liaison with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and other Indigenous Nations to facilitate sharing of information and build relationships.
10. Support and provide input to the development and implementation of Cook's Ferry Indian Band-led fisheries management plans, policies, and regulations.
11. Attend and participate in meetings, workshops, annual forums, and other events related to fisheries management and planning as a representative of Cook's Ferry Indian Band, alongside members of the Lands Office. This is anticipated to include the following priority items:
12. Nicola Watershed Restoration Committee and Technical Steering Committee meetings and workshops
13. Fraser and Approach Salmon Forums hosted by the Fraser Salmon Management Council
14. Fraser Salmon Management Council's Nicola Basin Collaborative
15. Nicola Restoration Table hosted by the Fraser Salmon Management Council
16. Steelhead recovery planning
17. From time to time, conduct outreach and education activities to promote understanding and awareness of fisheries management approaches to Cook's Ferry Indian Band members.
    QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
18. Knowledge of fisheries management practices and regulations including food, social, and ceremonial fishing practices.
19. Direct experience or familiarity with the migratory salmon and/or steelhead life history and fisheries of the Fraser River and Thompson River watersheds.
20. Good communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with community members, government agencies, and other rights holders or stakeholders.
21. Experience with data collection, recording, and reporting.
22. Experience or familiarity with working around water, specifically medium and large rivers in interior British Columbia.
23. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong commitment to Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty. Good judgement to perform duties as assigned and work with minimal supervision.
24. Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, and travel to remote locations.
25. Sufficient physical strength, stamina, and coordination to perform manual outdoor work in all weather conditions.
26. Valid driver's license and boating license with proven ability to operate small boats and other field equipment.
27. Enthusiastic, positive attitude.
28. Knowledge of the Nlaka'pamux history and culture is an asset.
29. Have a Swiftwater Rescue Level 1 Certification or willingness to be trained in same.
    APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
    Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume to:
    
    Scott Mackay, Lands Director
    Cooks Ferry Indian Band
    PO Box 130, 3691 Deer Lane
    Spences Bridge, BC V0K 2L0
    E-Mail:
    
    We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
    
    This posting may remain open until the position is filled.
    
    Preference will be given to persons of Nlaka'pamux or Aboriginal ancestry as per Section of the Canadian Human Rights Act.