Fisheries Coordinator

POSITION:                           FISHERIES COORDINATOR

HOUR OF WORK:              FULL-TIME, PERMANENT (35 HRS/WEEK)

REPORTS TO:                     FISHERIES MANAGER

PROGRAM SUMMARY: The SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation (TFN) Fisheries Department plays a central role in the stewardship of the Nation’s water resources and habitats. The Department is committed to supporting a productive and sustainable fishery, ensuring safe seafood resources, conserving and restoring fish populations, and promoting healthy aquatic ecosystems. Through scientific monitoring and management of TFN’s marine and freshwater territories, the Department enhances knowledge and protection of the Nation’s waters and ensures the continuation of traditional fisheries for present and future generations.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Fisheries coordinator oversees essential technical and operational activities of the Fisheries department under the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy. This role focuses on the development, implementation of domestic fisheries activities, habitat restoration projects, ecological monitoring, and fisheries rebuilding initiatives. A key part of the coordinator's role is to enhance community involvement in fisheries activities and support a sustainable, culturally respectful approach to fish and aquatic resource management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational & Technical Duties

• Collaborate with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) staff to implement culturally and ecologically appropriate catch monitoring programs.
• Coordinate fish habitat restoration and enhancement initiatives within SȾÁUTW̱ traditional territories.
• Support salmon rebuilding activities and contribute to scientific assessments and reporting.
• Conduct fieldwork including fish population surveys, electrofishing, spawning, trapping, fish transfers, and sample processing.
• Perform seasonal monitoring including crab, rockfish, salmon, PSP (paralytic shellfish poisoning), and stream surveys.
• Operate and maintain boats, motors, gear, and aquatic navigation systems (e.g., sonar, radar, GPS, GIS).
• Maintain and utilize sampling and safety equipment; ensure compliance with WorkSafe BC standards and Transport Canada marine regulations.
• Record and report catch data, field observations, and vessel activity in logs and digital formats.
• Provide guidance to Fisheries Field Technicians and seasonal staff to ensure workflow continuity.

Community Engagement & Administrative Support

• Promote and facilitate participation in fisheries-related community activities.
• Attend TFN, intergovernmental, and stakeholder meetings as directed.
• Draft and support reporting for domestic fishing assessments and restoration efforts.
• Represent the Department in a professional and culturally appropriate manner.
• Ensure equipment and data systems are up to date and maintained to departmental standards.
• Carries out other duties essential to the position as directed by the Manager.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum Grade 12 diploma (Dogwood or BC Adult Graduation Diploma preferred).
• 5 years of experience in the fishing or fisheries sector (or a combination of equivalent training and experience).
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license, clean driver’s abstract, and reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance.
• Criminal Record Check is a condition of employment.
• Post-secondary education in Aquaculture, Fisheries Management, Fish & Wildlife, or related disciplines is preferred.
• Previous experience working with First Nations communities or organizations.
• Certification in: Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), Restricted Operator Certificate – Marine (ROC-M), Marine Emergency Duties (MED), Marine First Aid.
• Familiarity with data entry, digital record-keeping, and standard office software (Word, Excel, email, etc.).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• In-depth understanding of marine safety, boat operation, and navigation regulations (CCG/TC and WorkSafe BC).
• Working knowledge of SȾÁUTW̱ marine and freshwater ecosystems, fish species, and regional fisheries.
• Technical competence in fisheries assessment methods and data collection.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, including technical writing and community engagement.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative, dependability, and sound judgment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines under variable field conditions.
• Capable of performing physically demanding fieldwork in all weather conditions and during irregular hours (e.g., early mornings, late nights, weekends).

OTHER FACTORS

Culture/Language

Respect for and working knowledge of the SȾÁUTW̱ culture is required.

Personal Attributes

The Fisheries Coordinator maintains strict confidentiality in performing their duties and demonstrates the following personal attributes: Respect, Empathy, Strength, Pride and Equality

Our Benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance

Preference may be given to qualified individuals of First Nation Ancestry.

Apply now and join our team!