Vessel Operator(S)

**Seasonal Vacancy Announcement**

**Vessel Operator(s)**

The Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC), an international organization responsible for transboundary salmon fisheries management in Canada and the United States, is seeking two **Vessel Operator(s)** for a seasonal contract position. This position would begin the **third week of June and continue until the end of upstream sockeye and pink salmon migration (approximately early October)**. Based at the
Mission Hydroacoustic field site in Matsqui Regional Park, Abbotsford, BC, vessel operators will collect hydroacoustic data while piloting a 7-metre (~22ft) vessel across the Fraser River. The field site is located on the traditional territory of Sumas (Semá:th) First Nation.

In addition to gaining hands-on experience driving a vessel in a riverine environment, successful applicants will become familiar with deploying hydroacoustic equipment and recording fishing information while contributing towards the assessment of sockeye and pink salmon populations for fisheries management as part of an international fisheries agency.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:
**Work Task Assignment % Allocation**

Operate a 7-metre (~22ft) vessel transecting across the Fraser River to collect hydroacoustic data **85%**

Deploy and monitor hydroacoustic equipment to ensure accurate data collection **5%**

Record fishing vessel activity at the hydroacoustic site **5%**

Assist with the set-up and take-down of the field site as required **2%**

General site maintenance when required during vessel downtime **1%**

Troubleshoot minor vessel problems **1%**

**Minimum Qualifications**:

- Experience operating a boat
- Ability to work long days and shift work, including night shifts
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time while driving the vessel
- Ability to communicate with team members
- Comfortable working independently
- Valid driver’s license and access to transportation to/from the field site in Matsqui Trail Regional Park, Abbotsford, BC (public transit to the field site is not available)
- Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccinations

**Advantages**:

- Experience with boating in a riverine environment
- Experience with minor boat engine repairs
- Familiarity with fisheries and/or environmental awareness
- Possession of the Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) certification
- Possession of a Marine Radio Operators Certificate (ROC-M) and/or Marine Emergency Duties (MED-A3/SDV-BS)

Wages will begin at $24.11 CAD per hour, depending on experience, plus 4% in lieu of vacation.

**Job Type**: Seasonal
Contract length: 3 months

**Salary**: From $24.11 per hour

**Benefits**:

- On-site parking

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- 12 hour shift
- Day shift
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Abbotsford, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2023-03-28
Expected start date: 2023-06-26