Fisheries Biologist

• Company Name: Government of Alberta
• Company Website: https://jobpostings.alberta.ca/job/Slave-Lake%2C-Grande-Prairie%2C-Pe-Fisheries-Biologist-%283-positions%29/567355017/
• Opening Date: 2023-01-31
• Closing Date: 2023-03-31
• Location: Grande Prairie, Peace River, Slave Lake

Role
Are you passionate about ensuring the long-term sustainability of fisheries populations and fisheries habitats in Alberta? This may be the position for you!!

Reporting to the Senior Fisheries Biologist, the successful candidate will function with a high degree of independence and participate as a key member of an integrated team of professional and technical staff responsible for the management of fisheries resources.

You will:

Participate in public consultation processes, participate on assigned committees, contribute to identification of district enforcement priorities, process research permits, maintain databases and participate in development proposal reviews in the Region, including development of recommendations and negotiation of solutions.
Provide input to, and implement, species population inventory and monitoring programs, develop recommendations for harvest allocation of fisheries resources, provide information and assist in the development of species management and recovery plans and their implementation, and provide input to provincial standards and procedures.
Ensure that fisheries population and habitat objectives for the district and region are incorporated into integrated resource management processes to help reduce the impact of agricultural, industrial and recreational activities on fisheries resources, and/or to enhance area habitat needs to ensure long term viability of fisheries resources.
Participate in land management decision-making processes.
Provide input to the development of fisheries management objectives and programs, participates in various landscape management planning and development exercises, and provides professional advice to others on designing effective mitigation and conservation strategies.
Provide supervision (where necessary) to technical staff, wage staff, and contract staff.
Implement monitoring programs in some of the most remote and beautiful lakes and rivers within northern Alberta.
Participate in a dynamic team setting with other professional staff throughout the Northwest Region offering a variety of experience and development opportunities.

About your Work Environment:
This position will involve some travel, of which during the data collection season (spring to fall) most travel will be related to field work. This may include remote overnight camp stays for multiple days (2-10 evenings). Other times of the year, travel is expected to be minimal. The position requires eligibility and ability to operate specialized equipment including multiple types of watercrafts, off highway vehicles, 4 X 4 fleet vehicles, electrofishing equipment, firearms, and other equipment as required. The position at times will be required to travel via multiple types of aircraft (fixed wing and helicopter) in order to complete program delivery. The position will at times be physically demanding and involves heavy lifting (up to 23 kg) associated with field work preparation and delivery.

Qualifications
Requirements:

Degree in Biology, Fisheries Management, or a related Natural Sciences field.
Four years of directly related practical experience in fisheries and land-use management from which to apply scientific knowledge and establish a sound working level knowledge base.
Valid Class 5 (or higher) driver’s license or equivalent.

Equivalencies:

A related two-year diploma plus 6 years related experience.
Additional related education considered in lieu of experience on a one-for-one basis.

Assets:

Extensive and detailed knowledge of data collection techniques, population, habitat, and inventory monitoring, species life histories, population analysis, disease identification and control.
Detailed knowledge of all regional (NW Alberta) fish species.
Extensive and detailed specific knowledge on aspects of resource development, extraction, and management techniques/constraints/activities, as they effect fisheries status, populations, and habitats.

Candidates must be able to:

Operate specialized equipment (e.g., 4x4, quads, ski-doo, small boats and motors, fish capture equipment, etc).
Conduct fisheries survey inventories from aerial-based platforms (i.e., Rotary-wing and fixed-wing).
Be comfortable working outdoors in adverse environmental conditions (cold, rain, etc.)

Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary.