Fisheries Biologist

Overview

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

The Shuswap Nation Tribal Council (SNTC) was established in 1980 as a collective effort of Secwepemc Chiefs to advocate for Aboriginal rights and advance Nation-building initiatives. Today, SNTC continues to work towards the recognition, protection, and promotion of Secwepemc identity, language, culture, governance, and self-determination.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Fisheries Biologist assists the Director of Fisheries and works with Secwépemc Fisheries Commission (SFC) staff to support Secwépemc communities in stewarding their fisheries and asserting their traditional fisheries rights within a co-management framework. The role involves collaborating with communities to provide scientific support and advice, participating in fisheries engagement processes, planning and delivering projects, and offering technician training and orientation to Secwépemc communities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Scientific and Technical Advice:

• Participates in various fisheries engagement processes with external agencies on topics applicable to SFC’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Provides technical analysis, advice and recommendations relevant to Secwépemc salmon resource management and policy issues.
• Liaises with government, academia, industry, and other researchers to gather and share information, provide advice, and/or review technical matters related to SFC’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Provides scientific and/or technical support on the rationale, objectives, methodologies, and implementation of SFC and/or Secwépemc community fisheries projects.

Project Planning and Delivery:

• Assists with developing project concepts, budgets and funding proposals to expand SFC’s and/or Secwépemc community fisheries programs.
• Assists with establishing project partnership relationships on behalf of SFC and member communities as required with government, industry, academia, stewardship groups and the public.
• Assists with preparing project contracts and contribution agreements for internal administrative review.
• Coordinate and manage the delivery of fisheries projects, including work plans, schedules, technician training, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Supervises field operations and provides project quality control.
• Contract management by liaising with contractors to monitor timelines and progress towards completion of deliverables.
• Reviews contractor reports, financial claims, and other deliverables, as necessary.

Education and Outreach:

• Participates in stewardship initiatives and community events such as traditional/cultural fishing activities.
• Assists in the development and delivery of outreach and education programs.

Training and Professional Development:

• Participates in relevant professional development training courses, conferences, workshops or other educational opportunities as time and funding permits.

Reporting:

• Completes administrative reporting for SFC annual programming and grant funding.
• Prepares technical reports for funding agencies, committees, and/or external partners.
• Delivers presentations at various meetings, workshops, conferences, public forums or events, as necessary.
• Provides information to Secwépemc leadership, SFC Steering Committee and/or Band Councils, as necessary.

Other:

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by the Director of Fisheries.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education & Training:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in fisheries, aquatic, or biological sciences, environmental management, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in fisheries, aquatic, or biological sciences, environmental management, or related field.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the biology, life histories, identification, habitat requirements and current management issues of Pacific salmon.
• Knowledge of fisheries projects related to salmon stock assessment, harvest management, habitat assessment and restoration.
• Experience working with interested parties, government agencies, and groups with multiple and often conflicting interests.
• Advanced proficiency using various computer applications and software, including Microsoft 365, technical software, and basic troubleshooting.
• Experience preparing briefing notes, delivering presentations, leading working groups or technical planning committees, writing technical reports and developing funding proposals.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, thrive in a dynamic environment, multitask efficiently, work independently, and demonstrate excellent problem-solving abilities.

Preference May be Given to Applicants With:

• Experience with hydrological assessment and monitoring, water quality monitoring and analysis, and drought management.
• Registered with the British Columbia College of Applied Biology as a Professional Biologist (RPBio). Other professional designations may be considered, if relevant (e.g. RBTech, PAg).
• Possession of additional certifications or completed courses in fisheries-related subjects.
• Understanding of Secwépemc culture, history, and traditions.
• Experience working with First Nations and/or other interested parties in fisheries sciences/management, biological sciences, or related field.
• Proficiency with technical software including GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for mapping and spatial analysis, or statistical software like SPSS or R for data analysis.
• Experience with a variety of field techniques and equipment relating to aquatic sciences, as well as experience working from and/or operation of watercrafts.
• Experience with project management including planning, budgeting, supervising technicians, and reporting.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full-time, permanent position.
• Regular hours of work are 7 hours per day, 35 hours per week.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 driver’s license.
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Willingness to conduct field work in all weather conditions and environments. This may include working flexible hours including overtime and travel to remote areas by vehicle, boat, or foot.
• Ability to work from the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council office in Kamloops, BC.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references (as one document) to [email protected]

OR Drop off your application at:

Attention of Murray Ross Secwépemc Fisheries Commission c/o SNTC 680 Athabasca Street West, Kamloops, BC V2H 1C4

CLOSING DATE: Friday, April 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM (PST).

In accordance with BC Human Rights Code Section 41, preference may be given to applicants of Secwepemc ancestry. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.