Fishery Observer jobs

Job Postings - 2026 Fishery Dockside Observer Salmon MRP DMP

Project:

Commercial Salmon Dockside Monitoring and Biological Sampling Program

Job Description:

Designated Dockside Fishery Observers and Field Technicians are required for the 2026 commercial salmon season to collect biological samples and to monitor and verify catch landings at designated landing ports. Dockside observers and field technicians provide accurate, timely, and independent third-party verification of commercial salmon catch landings, along with accurate and timely collection of biological data.

Terms of Employment:

• Seasonal contract term

• Available for weekday, weekend, day and evening shifts

• Must be available throughout the duration of the fishery

• Must be eligible to work in Canada and be able to provide documentation.

Wage:

• $21.00 to $23.00/hour

• Opportunities for advancement will be reviewed throughout the season

• Mobile, Travel and Living expenses provided for out-of-town field work

Training and Examination:

Mandatory training and examination will be provided by J.O. Thomas and Associates

Work Period:

July through September, possible extension into Fall/Winter/early Spring

Location:

Metro Vancouver, French Creek, Quadra Island, Ucluelet, Tofino, Port Alberni, Campbell River, Port Hardy, Masset, and Prince Rupert.

Requirements:

• You must have a cellphone and accessible cellular data package to communicate information .

• You may be required to work out of town.

• You may require your own transportation to get to and from docks and fish plants.

• Be physically fit and able to meet the physical requirements of the job including but not limited to climbing ladders and boarding fishing vessels.

• JO Thomas COVID-19 procedures will be reviewed with successful candidates during training.

DFO Regional Director General Designation Requirements:

• Legally eligible to work in Canada.

• Evidence of a Criminal Record Check is required

• Successfully complete a DFO-approved Dockside Observer training program with a pass mark of 75% in each module.

• Have no significant financial interest in a commercial or recreational fishing business that harvests, processes, or sells commercial/recreational fishery products.

Education:

• High school graduation or equivalent knowledge base.

• A degree, diploma, or technical training in areas of natural resource management, biology, zoology, environmental science, aquaculture, conservation management, etc. is preferred, but not limiting.

Credentials:

• Valid DFO Dockside Observer Designation is an asset.

Required Duties:

• Identify Pacific Salmon species.

• Collect biological data effectively and efficiently.

• Work in industrial settings found at fish plants and custom offloading sites.

• Demonstrate ability to communicate and build rapport with fishery managers, fisheries officers, industry representatives, vessel crew and fish plant workers.

• Monitor the landing of fish.

• Verify catch landings through validation of landed catch weights and pieces.

• Observe and report catch results, occurrences, and work procedures in timely manner.

• Record data/results and occurrences.

• Reliable and works well independently and within a team.

Additional Assets:

• Reports data efficiently and promptly to coordinators.

• Flexible and responsive to change.

• Physically fit to work in a dynamic environment where extended periods of standing are required.

• Comfortable working on docks and around/on vessels.

Essential Skills:

Reading text, numeracy, legible writing, good oral communication

Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities:

Workplace awareness is essential as dockside observations take place in an industrial environment. Offload activities can be fast-paced, loud, wet, and highly active with industrial machinery such as water pumps, hydraulic cable lifts, and forklifts being used during offload activities. Long work hours can be expected. Transport of sampling equipment and/or biological samples to and from offload sites may be required. Physical requirements may also include but are not limited to ascending/descending ladders, boarding fishing vessels, and working with loads between 20lbs to 40lbs.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume via email to careers@jothomas.com. Candidates applying with cover letter and resume will be prioritized. Shortlisted candidates will be notified.