At-sea Observer

JOB POSTING: At-Sea Fishery Observer
- J.O. Thomas and Associates Ltd. - Vancouver, BC_

J.O. Thomas and Associates Ltd. is a Vancouver based consulting firm providing professional and technical fisheries-related services.

**Job Title**:
At-Sea Fishery Observer

**Project**:
Commercial Prawn At-Sea Observer Program

Designated at-sea fishery observers are required for the 2023 commercial prawn season to conduct biological sampling of catch encounters aboard fishing vessels. At-sea observers provide accurate, timely, and independent third party verification of commercial catch encounters.

The at-sea observer will:

- Work aboard fishing vessels
- Communicate with fishermen and industry representatives
- Observe fishing sets and record catch encounters
- Collect biological samples
- Report catch results
- Report occurrences

**Terms of Employment**:

- Seasonal.
- Must be available through the duration of the fishery.
- Have your own transportation to get to and from points of embarkation.
- You must provide proof of full vaccination and obtain all eligible vaccines against COVID-19.

**Wage**:

- Starting at $250.00 per diem.

**Training and Examination**:

- Mandatory training and examination will be provided by J.O. Thomas and Associates.

**Work Period**:

- May through mid-June.

**Location**:
Based out of a liveaboard vessel in Lagoon Cove (Broughton Archipelago) for the duration of the season.

**Requirements**:

- MED A1, A2 or A3 (Marine Emergency Duties) certification.
- Be physically fit and able to meet the physical requirements of the job including but not limited to climbing ladders and boarding fishing vessels.

**Designation requirements for DFO RDG**:

- Be a Canadian citizen or have landed immigrant status.
- 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.

**Education**:
High school graduation or equivalent knowledge base. A degree, diploma, or technical training in areas of natural resource management, biology, zoology, environmental science, aquaculture, conservation management, etc. is preferred, but not limiting.

**Credentials**:

- DFO At-Sea Observer Designation is considered an asset.

**Required Duties and Skills**:

- Collect and report prawn biological data.
- Work aboard fishing vessels in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
- Communicate with fishery managers, fisheries officers, industry representatives, and vessel crew.
- Observe and report work procedures.
- Record data/results and occurrences.

**Additional Assets**:

- Not prone to seasickness.
- Flexible and responsive to change.
- Work and think independently in a fast paced environment.
- Report results efficiently and promptly.
- Respond positively to changing and late notice schedules.
- Comfortable working around docks and boats.
- An Android compatible phone is an asset.

**HOW TO APPLY**

**Job Types**: Fixed term contract, Seasonal
Contract length: 1.5 month

**Salary**: $250.00 per day

Schedule:

- 10 hour shift
- 12 hour shift
- 8 hour shift

Application question(s):

- For the duration of the contract you will be based on a live aboard vessel out of Lagoon Cove (Broughton Archipelago). Are you comfortable with this?

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2023-05-15
Expected start date: 2023-05-15