Abbotsford BC

Seasonal Vacancy Announcement

Positions: Vessel Operator(s)
Organization: Pacific Salmon Commission
Location: Abbotsford, BC

The Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC), an international organization responsible for transboundary salmon fisheries management in Canada and the United States, is seeking two Vessel Operator(s) for a seasonal contract position. This position would begin the third week of June and continue until the end of upstream sockeye and pink salmon migration (approximately end of September/early October). Based at the Mission Hydroacoustic field site in Matsqui Regional Park, Abbotsford, BC, vessel operators will collect hydroacoustic data while piloting a 7-metre (~22ft) vessel across the Fraser River.

In addition to gaining hands-on experience driving a vessel in a riverine environment, successful applicants will become familiar with deploying hydroacoustic equipment and recording fishing information while contributing towards the assessment of sockeye salmon populations for fisheries management as part of an international fisheries agency.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Work Task Assignment - % Allocation
- Operate a 7-metre (~22ft) vessel transecting across the Fraser River to collect hydroacoustic data - 85%
- Deploy and monitor hydroacoustic equipment to ensure accurate data collection - 5%
- Record fishing vessel activity at the hydroacoustic site - 5%
- Assist with the set-up and take-down of the field site as required - 2%
- General site maintenance when required during vessel downtime - 1%
- Troubleshoot minor vessel problems - 1%

Minimum Qualifications:
• ≥ 1 year experience operating a motorized vessel
• Ability to work long days (e.g., 12-hr shifts) and shift work, including night shifts
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while driving the vessel
• Ability to communicate with team members
• Comfortable working independently
• Possession of a Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC)
• Valid driver’s license and access to transportation to/from the field site in Matsqui Trail Regional Park, Abbotsford, BC (public transit to the field site is not available)

Advantages:
• > 3 years’ experience with boating in a riverine environment or commercial vessel experience
• Experience with minor boat engine repairs
• Experience troubleshooting minor computer issues
• Familiarity with fisheries and/or environmental awareness
• Possession of the Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) certification
• Possession of a Marine Radio Operators Certificate (ROC-M) and/or Marine Emergency Duties (MED-A3/SDV-BS)
• Completion of a two-day first aid course and/or transportation endorsement

Wages will begin at $ 25.42 CAD per hour, depending on experience, plus 4% in lieu of vacation.

Applications should be received by 11:59pm PDT Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and be addressed to Ms. Xu at resumes@psc.org . Include a cover letter, which highlights specific experience towards the position, including years of experience operating a vessel (personal or commercial experience), and a résumé with two references. Please reference the name of the position in the email subject line.

Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted after the closing date.

For additional seasonal positions available at the Pacific Salmon Commission for the 2025 season, please visit https://www.psc.org/about-us/history-purpose/employment-opportunities/ If interested or applying to multiple seasonal positions with the PSC, please note your preferred position in the email subject line and indicate your interest in other positions in the body of your email.

The PSC acknowledges that the Mission Hydroacoustics site is on the stó:lō téméxw (traditional territory) of the stó:lō xwélmexw (stó:lō peoples).

The PSC is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.

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