Fish Health Technician, Salmon Health Program - Nanaimo, Canada - Pacific Salmon Foundation

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Verified Company

Nanaimo, Canada

1 week ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Fish Health Technician Position Description
August 29, 2023

Position Identification

Title:
Fish Health Technician

Status and Funding:
Full-time; grant funded

Start Date:
Immediately

Location:
Hybrid - Nanaimo Office

Organizational Summary
The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) is salmon first, salmon always. We harness the passion and power of people to save and restore Pacific salmon in B.C. and the Yukon.

And, we never go it alone, working with Indigenous partners, streamkeepers, government agencies and fellow ENGO's, the PSF undertakes research, restoration initiatives and leadership in convening all those willing to help recover Pacific salmon.

As People for Salmon, we're here to help ensure sustainable populations of Pacific salmon for generations to come.

Position Overview

The Fish Health Technician will work under the Fish Health Researcher and collaborate with other PSF staff and contractors to implement various projects under the PSF's Salmon Health program.

Roles and Responsibilities
The Fish Health Technician key areas of responsibility will include:

Field

- and lab-based biological sampling

Plan and prepare equipment and supplies for fish dissections, water filtration (for eDNA), and other scientific methods, in field, salmonfarm, shipboard, and laboratory settings;
Collect fish tissues, eDNA water samples, and associated metadata relevant to farmed and wild salmon, in field, farm, onship, and lab settings;
Ensure proper sterile technique (as appropriate), labelling, handling, shipping, and Chain of Custody protocols for fish health and eDNA samples, and
Travel to various locations to conduct field work and collect samples.
General fish husbandry (cleaning, feeding, monitoring water quality parameters), e.g., for controlled laboratory experiments;
Perform labbased activities, including carrying out histological and histochemical staining and scanning histological slides;
Help design, develop, and support data management, data collections protocols, and data analysis;
Coordinate activities and communicate with other PSF programs and external groups regarding ongoing collaborations, sometimes of a sensitive/confidential nature;
Collaborate with the Salmon Health Researcher and other Salmon Health staff to coordinate lab tasks & requirements, data needs, project planning, and external communication, as appropriate;
Oversee/mentor one or more junior technicians in the lab, in the field, and in carrying out administrative tasks;
Liaise with First Nations and governments (e.g., DFO and BC biologists), academic experts, and industry to discharge duties and acquire data;
Conduct office administration tasks, including tracking supplies and consumables, ordering material for the current studies/experiments, and planning/tracking schedules; and
Other duties, as assigned.

Reporting and Supervision
Supervised by the Fish Health Researcher, Dr.

Emiliano Di Cicco, the Fish Health Technician is responsible for undertaking all work identified by them and meeting or exceeding the standard of care set by them.

Qualifications

An undergraduate in a related biological field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Training in fish/vertebrate anatomy, molecular biology, fish dissection techniques, sterile molecular sampling techniques, field ecology, benchtop laboratory work are all assets.
At least one year of relevant research experience, preferably in a notforprofit or governmental organization, is essential.
Experience summarizing data in written, oral, and graphical formats (e.g., data visualization using R markdown).
Strong verbal, written, and organizational skills.
Ability to communicate to a wide variety of audiences in several different mediums.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and within a team environment and to demonstrate a high degree of initiative.
Ability to exercise tact, discretion, diplomacy and maintain confidentiality.
A minimum valid class 5 B.C. Driver's License is required, SVOP and supporting qualifications, an asset.
Must be willing and able to withstand the rigors of fieldwork, and travel in a watercraft.
Must be physically fit and able to work outdoors in different weather conditions.
Must be willing to work a variable work schedule (as described below) to meet job requirements.
Must be willing and able to travel to meet job requirements.

Mentoring and Development
The PSF is committed to life-long learning for all team members.

Ongoing mentoring will be available to facilitate the Fish Health Technician career development and appropriate training and skill-building opportunities will be provided.

Educational opportunities will be encouraged.

Compensation
The compensation for this role is $55,000 per year.

PSF offers a generous benefits package including paid time off, a gro