Marine Fishing Gear Technician

Job Description:Job Description Your Connection to WildlifeAs one of Canada’s largest not for profit leaders in wildlife conservation, research, and advocacy, we are seeking to fill the following position… Marine Fishing Gear Technician(Fixed-term)Fixed-term until October 31, 2024 with the possibility of extensionLocation: Halifax, NSWho we are The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada’s wildlife is conserved for generations to come. Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ, and women in non-traditional roles.Position DescriptionCWF is seeking a Marine Fishing Gear Technician to join our team to help facilitate the trial and adoption of experimental fishing gear for reducing the risk and severity of marine mammal entanglements. This individual will work closely with the existing CWF Marine Field Team to develop trial protocols, distribute gear, facilitate trials and gather data. Gear being trialed primarily includes acoustic on-demand (e.g. ropeless) releases, but may also involve weak breaking-strength gear modifications (e.g. ropes and links), and other gear contrivances (e.g. time-tension line cutters). This individual will also assist in facilitating the CanFISH Gear Lending Program, including gear delivery and training, ongoing support, gear cleaning and maintenance.The Marine Fishing Gear Technician will be a primary point of contact between CWF and our fish harvester partners and therefore must have exceptional interpersonal skills and strong communication skills. A working knowledge of Atlantic Canadian fixed-gear fisheries would be considered an asset, but not required. The individual will be expected to and should be comfortable with making regular phone calls and initiating conversations with the public. The ideal candidate will be extremely organized and able to juggle multiple priorities, be self-directed, and able to work in a team environment. They should be technologically inclined and willing to learn how to operate, maintain and repair innovative fishing technologies independently. A willingness to troubleshoot and problem-solve independently is essential to the role. Experience in detailed data collection and analysis, including basic knowledge of statistical software would be an asset, but not required.The individual must be comfortable working long days at-sea in all conditions on commercial fishing vessels and regularly lifting loads of up to 40lbs individually, and larger loads with assistance. This work will require travel across the Maritimes, therefore a valid driver’s license is required. Transportation, accommodations, and meals associated with fieldwork will be provided.Key Responsibilities:The following is a description of the basic tasks of this position:Learn about and become comfortable operating and troubleshooting on-demand technologies.Assist in the development of trial protocols.Coordinate with, deliver gear, and train harvesters how to operate successfully at sea to facilitate on-demand commercial fishing during traditional fisheries closures.Maintain gear including cleaning, assessing for damage/wear, and conducting small repairs.Coordinate trials with fish harvesters outside of the fishing season.Perform repeated deployments of experimental on-demand systems to trial suitability.Collect data from on-demand deployments.Enter data and perform quality assurance.Conduct preliminary data analyses as required (e.g. using Microsoft Excel, RStudio, ArcGIS, etc).Draft reports for on-demand gear developers outlining results of trials. Meet with developers to discuss results.Other tasks as required by the Fisheries Engagement Specialist, and/or Senior Conservation Biologist.Experience / Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:Successful candidates will have experience in or demonstrate the ability to learn the following:Work in marine environments, including experience on commercial fishing vessels or other vessels at sea (e.g. following scientific protocols, collecting detailed data, keeping accurate and organized records, collaborating with industry stakeholders).Working knowledge of Atlantic Canadian commercial fisheries.Working knowledge of acoustic release technology and/or how to troubleshoot field equipment.Strong communication skills, especially with those from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of education.Extremely self-directed, able to identify needs of the program and take the initiative to accomplish tasks.Capability and drive to carry out active field work though challenging physical conditions.Ability to carry up to 40lbs individually and 80lbs with assistance.Assets:A college diploma or university degree on a topic related to fisheries, conservation, or ocean technologyFrench language skillsMarine Emergency Duties (MED) trainingMarine First AidForklift TrainingWork ConditionsFull-time, fixed-term position until October 31, 2024 with the possibility of extensionLocation: Halifax, NS. Working at a combination of CWF’s Halifax Office (110 Chain Lake Dr, Unit 3J), remotely from home, and out in the field including on fishing vessels. Travel throughout Maritime provinces as required, including on fishing vesselsInteracts with fish harvesters, other third-party individuals, and the public.Overtime may be required, including occasional evening and weekend work. Must have valid NS driver’s license.Why work with us?We are a rapidly growing team of forward-thinking individuals who all share a common passion, the Canadian outdoors!Friendly and casual work environmentTransparency between various levels of managementWe are committed to building a more diverse workforceWork-life balanceOpportunity to expand your network of conservation experts APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 1, 2024HOW TO APPLY: Cover letter and resume should be submitted. Only the candidates who meet the qualifications and experience for the position will be contacted for an interview. We thank you for your interest in the Canadian Wildlife Federation. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace for all its candidates and employees by supporting their accessibility and accommodation needs throughout the employment lifecycle. We ask that job applications please identify any accommodation requirements by contacting the Human Resources department when selected for an interview. Powered by JazzHR qJtdFz2kOY

Job ID: 19020454

Canadian Wildlife Federation