Job Description

Competition # : 42297
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 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.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
Working Conditions

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

Additional Information
This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of July 15, 2025. The appointment status (\'term\', \'temporary\' or \'casual\') is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade: TE 21 - TE 24
Salary Range: $2,105.04 - $2,791.38 Bi-Weekly
Employment Equity Statement:
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:
Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.
External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
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. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.