Fisheries Technician 2 (Fraser's Mills)

About Us

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 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

Under the general direction of the Hatchery Supervisor,  the Fisheries Technician 2 performs a full range of technical support and activities related to the on-going day to day hatchery operations. 

Primary Accountabilities

You will be responsible for; operating and maintaining all hatchery equipment, associated physical structures, the hatchery grounds, and ensures safe transport, distribution and release of hatchery reared fish into public lakes and streams across the province.  The Fisheries Technician 2 carries out fish culture activities on several fish species, including fish collection, development of brood stock, fish spawning, egg incubation, and fish nutrition. S/he will assist with the implementation of feed schedules, monitor water quality for optimum growth and development, monitor and report on fish health, administering medication to food and water to treat fish disease and abnormalities. This position provides technical support to conservation organizations regarding streamside fish egg incubation and early rearing units and provides advice to Departmental staff on stocking sites.  Occasionally carries out fisheries field work and creel surveys.   The Fisheries Technician 2 provides substantive technical support for the implementation of a range of public participation events, conservation education and extension programs and research initiatives including biological data /and wildfish collection activities that promote and advance the management of Nova Scotia’s sportfishery.  
 

Working familiarity with the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves, electric and gasoline motors as well as techniques and equipment used in the collection of wild fish (i.e., small seine, gill nets, and electro-fishing sampling gear).

This work requires the ability to analyze and use evaluation skills to interpret information e.g. inventories, water quality data, fish mortalities and make recommendations to correct any problem conditions in station operation and to implement corrective action.   Organizational ability and attention to detail are critical in these positions.  Ability to work co-operatively and productively with others to achieve results is essential.   Ability to assist in training entry level employees. Ability to communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) with other fish culturists, senior staff,  outside agencies and partners, the media and interested public through reporting and demonstrating departmental programs and activities.

Qualifications and Experience

College diploma or relevant post-secondary training and 2 years related experience; or an acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in all phases of hatchery operation and fish production including capturing, spawning, incubating, rearing, marking, tagging, transporting and releasing fish. Familiarity with fish culture techniques and fish health protocols. 

Experience with various fish species and disease signs including knowledge of procedures for the identification of dietary disorders and parasitic infestations.  Knowledge and understanding of acceptable safety practices related to hatchery operation, fish production and field work.  Specific training in the following would be an asset: electrofishing, swift-water rescue, confined space entry, safe watercraft operation, firearms safety, air brakes endorsement, various computer applications including Microsoft word, Excel and Power Point. First aid/CPR, and WHMIS is required.

Equivalency

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

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Comfortable working outdoors in and around water environments under all weather conditions 

Working familiarity with the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves, electric and gasoline motors as well as techniques and equipment used in the collection of wild fish (i.e., small seine, gill nets, and electro-fishing sampling gear).

This work requires the ability to analyze and use evaluation skills to interpret information e.g. inventories, water quality data, fish mortalities and make recommendations to correct any problem conditions in station operation and to implement corrective action.   Organizational ability and attention to detail are critical in these positions.  Ability to work co-operatively and productively with others to achieve results is essential.   Ability to assist in training entry level employees. Ability to communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) with other fish culturists, senior staff,  outside agencies and partners, the media and interested public through reporting and demonstrating departmental programs and activities.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of November 30, 2027.  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.