Fisheries Inspector - Inspector Specialist 3

About Us

The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (the Department) has a legislated mandate to manage, promote, support, and develop the fishing, aquaculture, and seafood buying and processing industries that contribute to the economic, environmental and social prosperity of Nova Scotia’s coastal and rural communities. We work to promote Nova Scotia as Canada’s premier fish and seafood province.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Marine Division’s Manager of Licensing and Compliance through the Fisheries Compliance and Enforcement Supervisor, the Fisheries Inspector operates in a complex sector to ensure regulatory compliance. The Fisheries Inspector is responsible for the delivery of an inspection and enforcement program by ensuring compliance with the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act (FCRA) and Regulations, and the Fish Harvester Organizations Support Act (FHOSA) and Regulations. The focus of the position is on the buying, selling, possession and processing of fish and fish products; aquaculture operations; the commercial harvest of marine plants; and other responsibilities under the FCRA.

The Fisheries Inspector is responsible for a broad range of duties including responding to complaints, conducting inspections, investigating incidents of potential non-compliance with the FCRA, regulations, and licence conditions, auditing business and financial records, gathering intelligence and evidence, preparing legal documents, and taking appropriate action as required. The Fisheries Inspector undertakes enforcement action where necessary to deter illegal activity and repeat offenders, and to achieve the responsibilities of the Department. The Fisheries Inspector liaises with, provides information to, and collaborates with other agencies and departments with jurisdiction over the fisheries supply chain to promote the enforcement mandate and when conducting investigations. The incumbent provides input into the development of operational policies, procedures, and legislation. 

The Fisheries Inspector holds the necessary appointments(e.g., Inspector, Special Constable).

Primary Accountabilities

• Respond to complaints and referrals of potential non-compliance.
• Conduct background checks and determine compliance status for companies and individuals.
• Conduct inspections and investigate incidents of potential non-compliance and take appropriate compliance and enforcement actions.
• Conduct a broad variety of enforcement actions in situations of potential non-compliance including conducting interviews; taking statements; seizing property (business and financial records, fish and fish products); executing search warrants; maintaining security of evidence; analyzing information and evidence collected in order to recommend appropriate punitive action and penalty; initiating administrative and legal proceedings; consulting with Crown Counsel and providing them with written reports; preparing, issuing and serving warnings, summary offence tickets (SOTs), long-form informations, Ministerial Orders, appearance notices, subpoenas, and summons; and attending court to provide testimony.
• Complete legal documents, prepare Crown briefs, packages and occurrence reports, and prepare letters to licence holders in response to requests for information.
• Participate in the development of annual work plans.
• Schedule work activities in support of annual work plans.
• Recommend improvements to and participate in the development of legislation, operational policies and procedures.
• Write reports summarizing inspection and enforcement activities and enter information into electronic databases.
• Interpret and respond to inquiries about legislation, regulations and departmental policies made by departmental staff, client groups, and other provincial/federal law enforcement personnel.
• Liaise closely with other agencies with jurisdiction along the fisheries supply chain (e.g., Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canada Border Services Agency, Canada Revenue Agency and other Provincial enforcement groups) on topics such as information sharing, joint ops planning, and advice on FCRA and fish harvester management related legislation/regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Participate in joint inspections and enforcement operations with other agencies.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this role, you will have completed high school, completed a related trade or technical training in the specialty, and have 7 plus years of related experience (after completion of the related trade or technical training in specialty). An equivalent of training and experience may be acceptable.

You must be able to work both independently and as a member of a team, exhibiting collaborative behaviors. The ability to exercise professional discretion, manage competing interests, and maintain and build effective stakeholder relationships is critical. Previous experience in dealing with difficult clients is a must. You must be able to understand, interpret and explain legislation in plain language terms for clients. You must be comfortable, and able to communicate effectively, in a variety of settings including one-on-one and larger gatherings.

Demonstrated proficiency in various computer programs, (i.e. Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Outlook) as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills, is required. This position requires access to a reliable motor vehicle and a valid driver’s license. Offer of employment is contingent on an appropriate background and criminal records check.

Assets: experience in fisheries-related work and operating a boat; valid (recreational) boating licence.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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

Normal work is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day, Monday to Friday. However, you must be able to work irregular hours. May be required to work overtime. This position requires the wearing of identifiable clothing.  

This position will be required to travel regularly throughout the province and therefore, the incumbent must have access to a reliable vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license. Field work may include loading gear in boats, carrying boxes of files, moving totes/containers, and other activities that require moderate physical effort. May occasionally operate boats.

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