Aquatic Biologist

**Job Summary**
The Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds (SAW) is a non-profit environmental organization whose mandate is to deliver projects to protect, improve, and sustain ground and surface water quality for urban and rural communities across Saskatchewan. We are seeking to hire an Aquatic Field Technician based out of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to join our team.

**Key responsibilities**:

- Working with the Manager of Aquatic Programs to support the implementation of a multi-faceted aquatic species at risk assessment and habitat enhancement program in Saskatchewan, including:

- Conducting Bigmouth Buffalo abundance surveys along the Qu’Appelle River system from Crooked Lake to the Manitoba Border using beach seines.
- Conducting riparian health assessments along the Qu’Appelle River.
- Partnering with landowners to implement riparian area enhancement projects including the planting of native trees and shrubs and installation of off-site watering or exclusion fencing projects.
- Assisting the Manager of Aquatic Programs in planning, designing, preparing, and implementing 1 spawning riffle in southwest Saskatchewan to improve fish habitat.

**Other tasks include**:

- Assisting with aquatic invasive species detection monitoring for veliger Zebra and Quagga Mussels in lakes across Saskatchewan.
- Engaging with stakeholders including landowners and Indigenous communities to build and maintain relationships for the purpose of aquatic species at risk education, site access, and enhancement project implementation.
- Increasing the public’s knowledge and awareness about Bigmouth Buffalo, including risks to sustainability, stewardship, and resiliency.
- Collaborating with provincial (Ministry of Environment, Water Security Agency) and Federal (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) government agencies where required to complete project tasks.
- Ensuring proper fish sampling, fish handling, and habitat assessment protocols are adhered to.
- Ensuring decontamination protocols are adhered to when moving equipment across watersheds.
- Assisting with other ongoing SAW programming activities where required.

**Minimum Qualifications**:

- Degree in Biology, Ecology, or related professional discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in fish sampling and habitat assessment protocols.
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Ability to work occasional longer hours outside and around water.
- Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders including farmers, ranchers, and Indigenous communities.

**Location**:
**Salary**:

- The salary range for this position is $20-$30/hour depending on education and experience.
- This is a 5-month contract position, from June 1, 2025, until October 31, 2025, working up to 40 hours per week.

**How to Apply**:

- Applicants are asked to clearly describe in their resume and cover letter how they have gained the required knowledge and abilities. Selections for interviews will be made based on this information.
- We thank all that apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Seasonal
Contract length: 5 months

Pay: $20.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-02-21
Expected start date: 2025-06-01