The Pacific Salmon Commission - Fisheries Biologist

Vacancy Announcement

Fisheries Biologist

 

The Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC), an international organization responsible for transboundary salmon fisheries management in Canada and the United States, is seeking a Fisheries Biologist (BI02) for a full-time permanent/indeterminate position. The Fisheries Biologist will be part of the Fisheries Management Division within the PSC Secretariat office in Vancouver, B.C. In-season, the incumbent will work with the Hydroacoustics team to estimate daily salmon escapement of sockeye and pink salmon in the Fraser River. Post-season and pre-season, the incumbent will support the Stock Assessment group and other Fisheries Management staff in the

storage, processing, and analysis of current and historical fisheries data.

 

Major duties and responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Stock Monitoring (in-season) and the Stock Assessment

Biologist (pre- and post-season):

 

1) Support Fisheries Management Division staff with the design, development, population, and maintenance of Excel spreadsheet solutions for efficient processing and dissemination of historical and current biological data.

2) Maintain current PSC Access databases, including: data entry, query development and application, and documentation. Also, assist the Database Manager and Quantitative Biologist with future database development, and support staff in the use of these databases.

3) Use R to make data available and to develop more efficient quantitative tools.

4) Analyze data and present results using a variety of statistical methods (e.g., summary statistics, linear regression, maximum likelihood estimation).

5) Examine and evaluate sampling approaches across different PSC data collection systems in collaboration with other Fisheries Management Division staff.

6) Use specialized acoustic equipment and software programs to collect and analyze data on daily salmon migration.

7) Produce estimates of daily salmon escapement into the Fraser River and review these with the Hydroacoustic Scientist to verify the quality of data and ensure the accuracy and precision of daily estimates of abundance.

8) At the Mission site, assist the Hydroacoustics team and the Hydroacoustic Scientist to ensure reliable in-season operation of the hydroacoustic monitoring systems.

9) Communicate analyses and present results to the Fraser River Panel and its Technical Committee.

10) Prepare reports, presentations, and publications on analyses.

11) Liaise with other agency staff as required.

12) Assist supervisors with other tasks as necessary.

 

Salary and benefits

• Salary range: $61,000 - $83,000, which is equivalent to the Canadian Public Service classification for a BI-02.

• Full benefits package including defined benefit pension plan, extended health and dental care, and health savings account.

 

Interested applicants should have a flexible attitude and enjoy being part of a dynamic and

progressive team in a unique international organization. If interested, please forward a cover letter,

résumé, and the contact details of three references in one PDF file; please name the file beginning

with your last name. Applications should be received by midnight February 26, 2020, and be

addressed to Ms. Jenkins at . The successful candidate is ideally expected to start

mid-April 2020. Applicants for this position may be added to a pool of candidates for upcoming

positions with the PSC. Please note, the interview process will include a skills test.

 

Minimum Qualifications

1. Degree in biology, biostatistics, resource management, or related field.

2. Demonstrated proficiencies in scientific inquiry, sampling design, and in a range of statistical methods.

3. Excellent programming skills in R.

4. Proficiency in the use of Access databases, including developing queries and modifying database functions and design.

5. Proficiency in other Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

6. Strong interpersonal and communication skills (English, verbal and written).

7. Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, problem-solve, prioritize, delegate, and make sound decisions quickly while under time constraints on multiple projects.

8. Ability to work at the Mission Hydroacoustics field site in-season (July to Sept/Oct), which will include long days and overtime hours, work aboard boats and around water, as well as occasional moderately physically demanding tasks (lifting, carrying on uneven ground, etc.).

9. Demonstrated experience working safely in a field site environment.

10. High degree of adaptability, tact, and ability to cooperate in diverse groups.

11. Willingness to advance current skills.

12. Valid passport and ability to cross the U.S./Canadian border.

13. A valid driver’s license.

 

Advantages

1. Experience working with Hydroacoustics equipment and data collection and analysis.

2. Experience with VBA coding for Microsoft Access and Excel.

3. Experience and knowledge regarding fisheries and fisheries management activities.

4. Swiftwater Rescue certification and/or experience operating a boat.

 

 

 

Applications should be received by midnight February 26, 2020, and be addressed to Ms. Jenkins at

 

 

***DO NOT APPLY THROUGH THIS WEBSITE***