Fisheries Biologist

Under the supervision of the Kenpesq’t Territorial Operations department, the Fisheries Technician is responsible for providing technical aquatic and fisheries support to the Kenpesq’t team during the development and implementation of projects in the Shuswap Band’s traditional territory. The technician will collaborate with internal and external team members and partners to coordinate and implement fisheries field projects, which may include studies related to adult and juvenile life history, fish habitat assessments, fish passage, hydroelectric and mining impacts, linear and other development projects, and climate change vulnerability.

**If this opportunity interests you, please submit a resume and cover letter clearly demonstrating the qualifications below, as selection for further consideration will be based solely on the information you provide.**

**Essential Requirements**:

- Post secondary degree (B.Sc.) or technical diploma in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Fish & Wildlife Management, or a related program, and a minimum of 1 year of work experience in fisheries and/or aquatics, environmental monitoring, or related fields. A secondary school diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of 2 years of work experience in fisheries and/or aquatics, environmental monitoring, or related fields will also be considered.
- Experience working and traveling in remote areas, such as forests, lakes, rivers and creeks in mountainous environments, often requiring long field days and physically strenuous activity.
- Experience working safely in aquatic environments (creeks, rivers and lakes) with native fish species.
- Keen attention to detail in performing tasks, such as recording field data, and data entry into spreadsheets or databases.

**General Requirements**:

- Registered Professional (RPBio, BIT, or RBTech) in British Columbia with the College of Applied Biology (CAB), or eligible within one (1) year of hire, ability to transfer from an applicable jurisdiction to the CAB.
- Knowledge of statistical software and mapping programs (R and ArcGIS).
- Training certificates in related areas (e.g., First Aid Level 1, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Backpack Electrofishing, Small Vessel Operator Proficiency/Med A3).
- Ability and willingness to work long days safely outdoors in all weather conditions, including inclement weather for up to 10 days at time.
- Experience working with a First Nation organization.
- Experience in field project design, coordination, and implementation.
- Experience in the maintenance of fisheries field gear and calibration requirements.
- Experience with safe boat operation on rivers and/or large bodies of water, and all-terrain vehicles and 4x4 trucks on gravel roads to access remote sample.
- Working knowledge of electrical, electronic and mechanical systems.

**Personal Suitability**:

- Highly organized with a keen attention to detail and safety.
- Excellent oral and written communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Self-motivated and capable of taking ownership of their work to meet project deadlines.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently on projects and in the field, while also contributing effectively within a team to achieve shared, collaborative success.
- Strong personal commitment to workplace safety, including the safe operation of boats, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and 4x4 vehicles used to access remote sampling locations.

**Condition of Employment**
- Must have or be willing to obtain intermediate (level 2) first aid + travel endorsement.
- Must have a Class 5 driver’s license with reliable access to a vehicle.
- Must be physically able to carry equipment and supplies in challenging terrain.
- Obtain and maintain a pleasure craft operator card.
- Must have or willingness to obtain OHV training.
- Must have or willingness to obtain backpack electrofishing training.

**Conditions of Employment**:

- Must have a Class 5 Driver’s License.
- Must have or be willing to take Intermediate OFA and Transportation Endorsement.
- Willingness and ability to work in diverse terrain, weather conditions, and remote locations.
- Willingness to travel, work extended shifts, with occasional multi-day trips away from home.

**Kenpesq’t offers a wide variety of perks, including**:

- Two weeks paid holiday over Christmas, in addition to annual vacation.
- Employer-matched pension plan after three months.
- Extensive health and benefits package.
- Employee training opportunities.
- Bi-weekly subsidized food box program available.

**About Kenpesq’t**:
Kenpesq’t is the Shuswap Band’s economic development corporation. Headquartered in Invermere, BC, we primarily focus on civil and earthworks construction projects, forestry operations, archaeology, and other industrial and environmental services.

We conduct our operations safely and recognize that our people are our core asset. Growing economic opportunities through the expansion of our internal capacit