Fisheries Technician

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about fish conservation and looking for a hands-on role in Alberta’s fisheries management? As a Fisheries Technician, you’ll play a vital role in operating one of the province’s major fish culture facilities, ensuring the successful incubation, rearing, transfer, and distribution of fish to water bodies across Alberta. You’ll also manage mechanical water treatment systems critical to maintaining optimal fish health.

For a closer look at what it's like to work as a Fisheries Technician, click here.

Reporting to the Facility Supervisor, you’ll apply your expertise in fish production to support the Ministry’s conservation goals and facility objectives. Your key responsibilities include:
•    Implementing incubation and rearing strategies to support fish production.
•    Operating and maintaining facility infrastructure, including mechanical water treatment systems.
•    Monitoring egg and fish health, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
•    Managing egg and fish transport equipment and assisting with facility design improvements.
•    Supporting the full fish life cycle—from incubation to rearing—using proven techniques.
•    Participating in the standby rotation to respond to after-hours alarms.

Success in this role requires strong collaboration with a diverse network of stakeholders, including Alberta Infrastructure representatives. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to lead public tours, develop educational materials, and contribute to outreach initiatives that promote awareness of Alberta’s fish conservation efforts.

As a Fisheries Technician, you’ll also mentor junior technical staff, contractors, and seasonal team members, sharing your knowledge and expertise to support the next generation of fisheries professionals.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Agility: Proactively anticipates and adapts to shifting priorities, demonstrating resilience in uncertain situations while effectively navigating a dynamic work environment.

Drive for Results: Focuses on achieving key outcomes by optimizing resources, aligning efforts with organizational goals, and maintaining accountability to colleagues and external stakeholders.

Building Collaborative Environments: Fosters teamwork by creating and supporting conditions that encourage productive collaboration, ensuring collective success.

Creative Problem-Solving: Evaluates challenges from multiple perspectives, exploring innovative solutions to achieve desired outcomes effectively.

Qualifications

Required:
•    A diploma in Fisheries Biology, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
•    A Valid Class 5 Drivers License (or equivalent).

Equivalencies:
Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of: one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience.

Assets:
•    knowledge of fish life cycle stages, including techniques for egg and fish rearing such as incubation, growth, grading, and transportation; understanding of fish diseases and their treatments; and expertise in fish physiology and nutrition.
•    Familiarity with mechanical systems, controls, and facility schematics.
•    Knowledge of water treatment concepts and processes.
•    Proficiency in water chemistry and the use of related test equipment.
•    Knowledge of effluent water treatment and its applications.

Candidates must possess the following certifications or be willing to obtain them as part of their training:
•    Class 3 Driver’s License with air brake endorsement.
•    Defensive Driving Certification.
•    First Aid with AED Training.
•    Confined Space Entry Certification.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a full-time, permanent position based at the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery in Calgary, Alberta, with a work schedule of 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Work Conditions:
•    Flexible Work Schedule: The position requires a flexible schedule, including travel, shift work, and weekend work, potentially extending throughout the spring and into late fall. This may involve working outside of regular business hours.
•    Physical Demands: The role involves heavy lifting (over 20 kg) and driving long distances (more than 1000 km or 12 hours in a single shift) in varying weather and road conditions.
•    High-Pressure Environment: Ability to perform under pressure with tight deadlines and high demands.
•    Independence and Teamwork: Capable of working independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaborating effectively in team settings.
•    Outdoor Work: Must be comfortable working outdoors in adverse weather conditions.

Please submit your cover letter and updated resume, including clear and concise specific examples that demonstrate how your qualifications meet the advertised requirements and competencies.

Resume Guidelines:
Employment Experience:
•    Indicate the duration of employment (month, year).
•    Specify the employment status (e.g., casual, part-time, or full-time).
•    Example: Youth Worker, Jan 2006 - June 2009, Part-time (three 8-hour shifts/week).

Post-Secondary Education:
•    Specify your major and the length of the program.
•    Indicate the year of graduation.
•    Example: Bachelor of Social Work, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2017).

Any costs associated with obtaining required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages- working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) – https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information –  https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-human-resource-directives.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool - https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.