Job Opportunity

Position: Fisheries Biologist
Organization: Watershed Watch Salmon Society
Location: remote, anywhere in BC

• Closing date: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
• Compensation: $70,000–$82,000 per year (commensurate with qualifications/experience), plus benefits and a competitive vacation policy.
• Job type: Full-time (37.5 hours per week).
• Location: Remote; anywhere in B.C.
• Start Date: As soon as possible.

Make a difference for B.C.’s wild salmon

Are you a passionate scientist who wants to use your skills to benefit wild salmon and the ecosystems that rely on them? Watershed Watch is seeking a Fisheries Biologist to power our advocacy on fisheries and ecosystem management with their scientific expertise. Come work with leading experts, First Nations, fishers and conservation allies to improve the management of fisheries and other factors that impact salmon populations and habitats in British Columbia. Enjoy flexible remote work and a collaborative team culture that will support you in making real, positive change that makes B.C.’s fisheries more sustainable, and our salmon more abundant.

About Watershed Watch Salmon Society

Watershed Watch Salmon Society is a federally registered charity that promotes wild salmon and watershed conservation in British Columbia. For 26 years, we’ve advanced habitat protection and restoration, sustainability in salmon fisheries, reform of B.C.’s salmon aquaculture industry, and implementation of the laws and policies that protect wild fish and the waters they swim in. We’re a science-based watchdog with a strong track record of working with diverse allies and engaging the public to protect wild salmon and watersheds across B.C. Web | Facebook | Instagram. Affiliated campaigns: CodeBlue BC | Safe Salmon | Heart of the Fraser | Alaska’s Dirty Secret.

Qualifications

• You want to make a positive difference for B.C.’s wild salmon and watersheds and have proven experience as a conservation advocate.
• Formal training and work experience in biology, environmental sciences, resource management, or a related field (e.g., BSc + 6 years experience, MSc + 4 years experience, or PhD with relevant research focus).
• Strong, comprehensive knowledge of fisheries management, salmon ecology and other aspects of wild salmon management in B.C.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially in synthesizing complex technical information for the public and decision-makers.
• Excellent analytical skills, including a strong command of common quantitative concepts and methods in fisheries science.
• You are self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and flexible, as well as a strategic, rational thinker and creative problem-solver who seeks out evidence when forming opinions and making decisions.
• Capable of working effectively with First Nations, commercial and recreational harvesters, government, community stewardship groups, and other important players in the world of salmon management, with proven experience, is an asset.
• Proficiency with social media and other digital communication platforms.
• Proficiency with digital tools such as word processing (Google Docs, Word), spreadsheets (Google Sheets, Excel), databases, statistical software, presentation software (Powerpoint), graphic design (Canva) and AI platforms (Perplexity, ChatGPT).
• Comfortable working remotely with a team that is spread throughout the lower mainland and Vancouver Island.
• Valid driver’s licence, access to a vehicle and ability to travel frequently for meetings and field work.

Responsibilities

• Work with Watershed Watch’s fisheries team and our allies to improve how B.C.’s salmon fisheries are managed, ensuring decisions are grounded in sound science and conservation.
• Support the work of the Pacific Marine Conservation Caucus (MCC), including organizing meetings, conducting research and analysis, managing collaborative projects, and representing the MCC in multistakeholder management processes.
• Research and understand complex science and policy issues around fisheries and related aspects of salmon management, and communicate those issues effectively to public and political audiences in multiple formats and venues (e.g., news media, social media, public presentations).
• Represent Watershed Watch and the MCC in meetings with governments, First Nations, harvesters, and conservation partners.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships among First Nations, government, fishery stakeholders, academia, the conservation community and other important participants in B.C. salmon management.
• Work with Indigenous, industry and community partners to advance sustainable fishing initiatives.
• Occasional field work (e.g., fishery monitoring, data and sample collection).
• Track and respond to emerging issues affecting wild salmon and fisheries management in B.C.
• Interact with members of the public regarding fisheries and other aspects of salmon management—in person and online.
• Contribute to strategic planning, fundraising and other team collaboration to strengthen Watershed Watch’s impact.
• Other tasks as required to support the success of the organization and our work for wild salmon.

To Apply:

Please email your resume and cover letter as one PDF file to Aaron Hill, Executive Director, at admin@watershedwatch.ca with “Fisheries Biologist” in the subject line by January 5, 2025 (11:59 pm PT).

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

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

Equity & Accessibility

Watershed Watch Salmon Society is committed to employment equity and inclusion. If you require accommodations at any stage of the process, please let us know—we’re committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience. All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.