Job Details

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 salmon migration (approximately first week of September). 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.

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 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%

Wages will begin at $24.92 CAD per hour, depending on experience, plus 4% in lieu of vacation.

Applications should be received by 11:59pm PDT Sunday, March 24, 2024, and be addressed to Ms. Xu at resumes@psc.org. Include a cover letter, which highlights specific experience towards the position, and a résumé with two references. Please reference the name of the position in the email subject line.

For additional seasonal positions available at the Pacific Salmon Commission for the 2024 season, please visit https://www.psc.org/about-us/history-purpose/employment-opportunities/ If interested or applying to multiple seasonal positions with the PSC, please note your preferred position in the email subject line and indicate your interest in other positions in the body of your email.

The PSC acknowledges that the Mission Hydroacoustics site is on the stó:lō téméxw (traditional territory) of the stó:lō xwélmexw (stó:lō peoples).

The PSC is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

• ≥ 3 years experience operating a motorized vessel
• 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
• Possession of a Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC)
• 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:

• > 5 years experience with boating in a riverine environment
• Experience with minor boat engine repairs
• Experience troubleshooting minor computer issues
• 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)