Position: Fisheries Technician
Location: Cranbrook, BC
Wage: $27-29/hr based on experience
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 in all weather 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
- Previous outdoor field experience
- 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.