Acadia Students' Union

The Fisheries Technician’s primary responsibilities will be to participate in at-sea and shore-based sampling programs, including the FSRS Lobster Recruitment Project, Lobster Collector Project, V-Notching Project and Size at Maturity Study. The Technician will perform the following duties under the direction of the Research Biologist or Project Leader.

- Establish a network of fishing industry contacts, including fishermen, fish plant owners and fish plant workers, fishermen's associations, scientists working in fishing or fishery science related disciplines, teachers, etc.

- Act as liaison between fishermen and scientists.

- Participate in at-sea and shore-based sampling programs for crustaceans and other species under the direction of the FSRS Research Biologist. The sampling programs will include the completion of scientific data sheets, entering data into a computer based spreadsheet or database, and presentation of results to project participants and FSRS members by one-on-one meetings, group meetings, workshops and written reports, including articles in the FSRS newsletter.

- Participate in the Lobster Collector Project, including preparation and deployment of collectors.

- Participate in other industry/community driven lobster science projects, such as lobster tagging and larval tows.

- Lobster sampling will include measuring carapace length, determining sex, and taking observations on lobster health, maturity and presence of eggs.

- Participate in the development and implementation of other data collection projects, including identifying, training and supervising participants.

- Review FSRS members' data, provide remedial training as required to ensure high data quality, and enter members' data into a spreadsheet or database.

- Distribute and track distribution of scientific equipment to FSRS members, and maintain equipment.

- Support efforts to ensure effective communication between fishermen, FSRS staff, scientists, and the general public. This will include participating in the organization and implementation of workshops and local area meetings.

- Research and write articles for publication in the FSRS newsletter Hook, Line and Thinker.

- Increase effective communication of research results deriving from projects undertaken by the FSRS and its collaborators, including, DFO, universities, NGOs and fisheries groups.

- Other duties as assigned by the Research Biologist, General Manager or Project Leaders.

Qualifications

- Must have reliable vehicle and valid drivers licence.

- Must be willing to go out on fishing boats.

- Experience using databases/spreadsheets, in particular Access and Excel.

- Competency with Word.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

- Initiative and motivation.

- Able to work independently.

- Organized.

- Able to keep accurate and detailed documentation of work.

- Basic knowledge of fish biology.

- Knowledge or experience in sampling procedures.

- Familiarity with fisheries research and the fishing industry an asset.

Work Term Information

Employer: Fishermen and Scientists Research Society

Number of Positions: Up to 3 positions in HRM and 3 positions in Cape Breton, depending on available funding.

Locations of Work: To be based from home; will require travel throughout Nova Scotia.

Area of coverage - Up to 3 positions will cover ports primarily along the Eastern Shore, with some travel to the Yarmouth area possible. Up to 3 positions will cover areas throughout Cape Breton.

Period of Work Term: HRM: April 10 – June 30, 2012

Cape Breton: April 30 – July 28, 2012

(proposed start and finish dates; subject to change depending on funding)

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours/week

Rate of Pay: $12/hour + 4% vacation pay

Travel Allowance: $0.40/km

Application Process

Send resume and cover letter with three references to:

Patty King, General Manager

Fishermen and Scientists Research Society

PO Box 25125

Halifax, NS B3M 4H4

Fax: 902-876-1320

E-mail: pmdservices@eastlink.ca

Deadline for Applications: March 10, 2012