Fisheries assessment, Fisheries management

Position: Fisheries Vessel Technician
Organization: Ontario Commercial Fisheries' Association

Location: Wheatley / Leamington/Chatham-Kent area, Ontario
Accommodations: accommodation allowance of up to $2000 CAD.

The Fisheries Vessel Technician will work as part of a team to complete the Lake Erie Partnership Index Fishing Program, an annual fisheries assessment program that has been conducted in Lake Erie for over 30 years by the Ontario Commercial Fisheries' Association (OCFA) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

The Partnership program is one of the largest fish community surveys in the Great Lakes, it spans the entire Canadian side of Lake Erie and data generated from it inform fisheries management decisions on the lake.

The Partnership program routinely captures thousands of fish representing 30+ species and provides a unique opportunity for new and seasoned fisheries professionals to further develop their knowledge and skills (e.g., fish identification).

As a Fisheries Vessel Technician, you will work aboard several Lake Erie commercial fishing vessels participating in a lake-wide fish community survey from various harbours in Lake Erie. The primary responsibilities of the position include following field protocols, measuring and recording limnological parameters (e.g., water temperature and dissolved oxygen), pulling and setting of gill nets, fish collection and storage, and organizing the transport of fish to the laboratory.

The successful candidate will be required to start 1 September 2026 and finish in late October. However, the positions may be extended into November depending on program progression. The Fisheries Technician (Vessel Operations) will be paid $21.00 CAD/hour and will include an accommodation allowance of up to $2000 CAD.

What Candidates Need to Succeed

• Experience working on vessels in large lakes
• Proficient at measuring water parameters with sondes
• Experience setting and pulling gill nets
• Ability to work long hours
• Capable of moderate to heavy lifting
• Great organizational skills
• Must be able to communicate clearly
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Valid class G drivers license in good standing
• Have completed the SDV-BS course (formerly MED A3) or be prepared to complete the course
• Possesses or can obtain Standard First Aid and CPR

To apply, please e-mail your resume and a brief covering letter to:
connor.warne@ocfa.on.ca
subject: Fisheries Vessel Technician

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