Career Opportunities

  • 2026 Job Posting - Roe Herring Dockside Observer.pdf

    Project:

    Roe Herring Dockside Monitoring Program (DMP)

    Title:

    Dockside Fishery Observer

    Job Description:

    The 2026 commercial roe herring fishery requires Dockside Observers to monitor and verify catch landings at designated landing ports in the B.C. Lower Mainland and mid-East Coast Vancouver Island. Dockside Observers are designated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to carry out their duties. They provide accurate, timely, and independent third-party verification of commercial roe herring catch landings.

    The Dockside Observer will:

    • Record data and observations

    • Take samples

    • Monitor the landing of fish

    • Report catch results and incidents contrary to the Fisheries Regulations or Conditions of Licence

    Potential for additional work with the following:

    • Data input

    • Data QA/QC

    Terms of Employment:

    • Seasonal

    • Work period is between February 19, 2026, and March 17, 2026

    • Weekday, weekend, day, night, and evening shifts

    • Must be available through the duration of the fishery

    • Legally eligible to work in Canada

    Remuneration:

    • Starting at $20.00/hour

    • Stipend for mobile device usage

    • Compensation for travel and living outside of home range if/when required

    Training and Examination:

    There will be mandatory training and an examination administered by J.O. Thomas and Associates Ltd. in February 2026.

    Location:

    Metro Vancouver/Vancouver Island designated landing ports (Delta, Richmond, Vancouver, French Creek)

    Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities:

    Workplace awareness is essential as observations take place in an industrial environment. Offload activities can be fast-paced, loud, wet and in constant motion with industrial machinery running (i.e. pumps, hydraulic lifts, etc.). Long work hours can be expected. On occasion, it will be necessary to lift buckets of herring samples weighing up to 20 kilograms.

    Essential Skills:

    Reading text, numeracy, critical thinking, clear record-keeping and writing, and oral communication.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Validate landed catch weights

    • Observe and report work procedures

    • Record data

    • Report results and incidents

    • Embark/disembark vessels to fulfill Dockside Observer tasks Complete work in industrial fish plants and custom offloading sites

    • Professionally communicate with fishery officers, industry representatives, vessel crew and fish plant workers

    Candidate Qualifications:

    • Legally eligible to work in Canada.

    • High school diploma or equivalent knowledge.

    • Current DFO Dockside Observer Designation considered an asset

    • Candidates with experience in the fishing industry considered an asset.

    • Completion of a Criminal Record Check within the last 6 months.

    • No serious convictions under the Fisheries Act or Regulations.

    • Ability to meet the physical requirements of the job including, but not limited to extended hours on feet, climbing ladders and boarding fishing vessels.

    • Completion of a DFO-approved DMP training program with a pass mark of 75% in each module.

    • Availability throughout the fishery opening

    • Reliable transportation to and from docks and fish plants

    • Access to a cellphone

    • Potential for out-of-town work

    Additional Skills (preferred):

    • Works well independently

    • Reports results efficiently and promptly

    • Is flexible and responsive to change

    • Have strong soft skills to critically analyze and interpret dynamic situations

    • Ability to adapt to changes in a professional manner

    • Meet physical requirements of the job listed above

    • Experience and/or comfortable with working on and around docks and/or fishing vessels

    • Certified for vessel operations (MED-A1, SVOP etc.) is an asset but not required.

    Education:

    High school graduation required. Preference will be given to candidates with a degree, a diploma, or technical training in natural resource management, biology, zoology, environmental science, aquaculture, conservation management, etc. Candidates with experience in fisheries conservation, natural resource conservation or fields with a similar skill set will be considered.

    Additional Information:

    This entry-level position provides a collaborative and inclusive workplace environment with opportunities to grow as a Biological Technician within the company and the field of Fisheries Resource Management.

    HOW TO APPLY

    Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to:

    Rachel Lee, Program Coordinator at leer@jothomas.com. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.