Fisheries Technician 4(a)

**Department**:Fisheries and Aquaculture

**Location**:PICTOU

**Type of Employment**: Term

**Union Status**: NSGEU - NSPG

**Closing Date**:01-Apr-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

**About Us**:
The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has a legislated mandate to manage, promote, support, and develop the fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing industries that contribute to the economic, environmental, and social prosperity of Nova Scotia’s coastal and rural communities. As a department, we work to promote Nova Scotia as Canada’s premier fish and seafood province.

**About Our Opportunity**:
The Fisheries Technician 4, under the supervision of the Fisheries Biologist, Inland Fisheries Division, assists in the formulation, coordination and implementation of policies and programs directed towards the management of the province’s freshwater sport fishery. As part of the Resource Management Unit, you will provide technical support for activities outlined in the strategic plan. You will also provide advice to managers and participate in consultations with regional and provincial advisory committees to ensure conservation requirements are met while providing maximum quality, access, equitable allocation, and maximum economic benefits.

In addition to assisting in developing work plans for sport fish research and management programs, the Technician will serve as resource staff to the six Recreational Fishery Management Areas. The Technician coordinates and directs casual staff and volunteers to complete research and management programs, communicates with other technical staff within and outside government on sport fishing issues, and oversees the effective use of equipment and fiscal resources to meet divisional goals.

Additional duties may include assisting with outreach, and sportfish promotion programs and aiding sportfish enhancement programs.

**Primary Accountabilities**:
The Fisheries Technician is responsible for field and laboratory including but not limited to the following activities:

- Assisting in research initiatives and assessments of fish populations using a variety of sampling methodologies that include trapping, netting, electrofishing, and snorkelling.
- Laboratory analysis such as fish scale aging, fecundity, stomach content analysis, and condition factor.
- Assist in the collection of wild broodstock.

The Fisheries Technician is responsible for data management and report writing including but not limited to the following activities:

- Update and maintenance of scientific databases such as Fisheries Information of Nova Scotia (FINS) and Open Data Portal.
- Input, analyses and collates data from various sources such as the lake survey program, population estimates, temperature monitoring, electrofishing surveys, and angler creels for use in reports and presentations.
- Preparation of reports on field work for publication in scientific journals, internal publications, and presentations at public meetings.

The Fisheries Technician is responsible for equipment and maintenance including but not limited to the following activities:

- The procurement of all equipment used for field and laboratory operations.
- The preventative maintenance programs in conjunction with written safety protocols on all field equipment.

The Fisheries Technician will aid in supporting other Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture programs.

**Qualifications and Experience**:
To be successful in this role you will have a college or vocational diploma in related discipline plus 6 years related experience, or plus 8 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience maybe acceptable.

You should have experience in and be able to demonstrate your knowledge of fishery management techniques, including trapping, netting, electrofishing, fish aging, and snorkeling. You should possess strong written and oral communication and organizational skills and be able to work with minimum supervision. You should be skilled in the operation of vehicles, small boats and fisheries management equipment and have a valid Standard Level First Aid/CPR and WHMIS. You must be proficient in the operation of computers for data analysis, word processing and research. Knowledge of GIS and issues associated with aquatic invasive species would be considered assets. You must be self-motivated, career-oriented and be an effective communicator.

An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer.

**Equivalency**:
Including, but not limited to:

- Additional relevant post secondary education my be substituted in leu of employment experience.

**Working Conditions**:

- Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
- May be required to work overtime on occasion

**Additional Information**:
**What We Offer**:

- Career Development where you have access