Fisheries Technician

Ontario is home to thousands of lakes and rivers that provide essential habitats for a variety of fish species. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, as the manager of Ontario's fisheries, works to maintain healthy fish communities so present and future generations will enjoy high quality fishing and viewing opportunities.

The Wheatley and Port Dover Fisheries Stations are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated Fisheries Technicians to assist with delivery of programs.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:

• complete a variety of technical duties required to monitor and assess fish and aquatic communities and their habitat
• operate and maintain equipment related to field data collection including boats, motors, nets, weigh scales, and safety equipment
• act as a member of a team of staff and students ensuring high quality data collection
• compile data and prepare summary reports as requested

How do I qualify?

Mandatory Requirements:

• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
• You possess or have the ability to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator's Card

Technical skills:

• demonstrated ability to provide technical support for programs involving gillnetting, trapnetting, trawling, electrofishing, creel surveys
• demonstrated ability and attention to detail in processing fish samples for biological data
• demonstrated ability to operate/maintain various types of fishing gear, boats, motors, navigation aids and limnological equipment

Interpersonal and communication skills:

• ability to work in a team environment with students, seasonal staff and others
• communication skills to interact tactfully with members of the public and other staff, and write technical reports and communication materials
• ability to lead students and technicians in the field and lab in a safe and responsible manner

Knowledge of fisheries assessment:

• working knowledge of fisheries assessment techniques and principles
• knowledge of fish identification, diversity and the various fisheries of Lake Erie and surrounding tributaries
• knowledge of worker responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health and safety act and associated safety regulations
• knowledge of Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)/Transport Canada (TC) regulations as they relate to on water safety and boat handling on the Great Lakes

Computer proficiency:

• computer proficiency with office hardware, such as laptops and tablets, and software, such as Teams and paperless data collection
• ability to use technology such as GIS, GPS and navigation software

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Tuesday, February 14, 2023 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.