Fisheries Technician

British Columbia Conservation Foundation; Cranbrook; Hybrid; CAD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The British Columbia Conservation Foundation is seeking a Fisheries Technician to support the WLRS ministry team in Cranbrook. The role involves fieldwork, gillnet assessments, data collection, and data entry across ~10 stocked lakes in the Kootenay region.

This field-based position requires long days, physical effort, and the ability to relocate to Cranbrook if needed. PPE and safety gear are provided; prior boating and field data experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Experience operating small boats with electric or gas motors.
• Interest in fisheries biology and resource management.
• Ability to identify local fish species (rainbow trout, kokanee, brook trout, bass, perch, redside shiners).
• Physically able to perform demanding fieldwork and lift heavy equipment.
• Experience using field tech (iPads) for data entry and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize field equipment and gear.
• Operate and transport a cartop boat with an electric motor.
• Conduct gillnet assessments following provincial standards.
• Collect biological data (length, weight, sex, maturity, otoliths).
• Collect water quality and location data.
• Enter field data into provincial Excel templates.
• Assist with data management, analysis, and reporting as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Outdoor work

Boat operation

Fisheries biology

Fish identification

Physical fitness

Data entry (iPad)

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Education

Pleasure Craft Operators Card

BC Class 5 Driver's license

WorkSafeBC Level 1 First Aid Certificate

Job description

Hours: Variable due to fieldwork. Approximately 200 total hours over the work term.

Term: September 14, 2026, to October 16, 2026

Closing Date: August 26, 2026

Job Description

Are you looking to gain valuable field experience?

Do you want to jumpstart your career in fisheries management?

The BC Conservation Foundation (BCCF) is seeking an organized and reliable Fisheries Technician to support the Ministry fisheries team in Cranbrook. The successful candidate will work alongside the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) to conduct standard gillnet assessments on approximately 10 stocked lakes throughout the Kootenay region.

This is a field-based position that involves long workdays, physically demanding activities, and repetitive tasks. The successful candidate will be responsible for relocating to Cranbrook (if necessary) and providing appropriate personal field gear. All specialized field equipment and safety gear will be provided by BCCF and WLRS.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize field equipment and gear
• Operate and transport a cartop boat equipped with an electric motor
• Conduct gillnet assessments in accordance with provincial standards and protocols
• Collect biological data from captured fish, including length, weight, sex, maturity, and otolith samples
• Collect water quality and location data
• Enter field data into standardized provincial Excel data templates
• Assist with data management, analysis, and report preparation as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Pleasure Craft Operators Card
• Valid BC Class 5 Drivers' license and experience operating vehicles on gravel roads
• Valid WorksafeBC Level 1 (Basic) Occupational First Aid Certificate (with Transportation Endorsement preferred). Please submit copies of these certificates and any other pertinent and current certificates with your application

Skills:

• Willingness to work outdoors inallweather conditions
• Experience operating small boats with electric or gas-powered outboard motors
• Strong interest in fisheries biology, aquatic ecology, and fisheries management
• Ability to identify local fish species including but not limited to rainbow trout, kokanee, brook trout, bass, perch, redside shiners
• Physically fit and capable of performing demanding fieldwork, including lifting and carrying heavy equipment
• Experience using field technology including iPads and apps for data entry
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to collect accurate, reliable data with a high degree of attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet software

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Candidates mustbe legally entitled to work in Canada for the specified period.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We recognize the importance of a diversified workforce, and we encourage Indigenous People(s), First Nations, and Métis candidates, women, members of visible minority groups and diverse ability persons to apply.

British Columbia Conservation Foundation recognizes, acknowledges and appreciates that we are able to live, work and learn on the traditional territories of the First Nations and Indigenous Peoples of BC. Acknowledging the principles of truth and reconciliation, we recognize and respect the history, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all Indigenous Peoples of Canada whose presence continues to enrich our lives and country.

• I confirm that I am legally authorized to work in Canada for the entire duration of this contract.