The objective of the Canadian Government’s At-Sea Observer Program is to provide accurate, timely, and independent third-party verification of harvesting activities at sea, as well as to provide scientific catch and sampling data to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). The program is delivered jointly by the Science and Conservation & Protection branches of DFO.

Observer Qualifications:

Applicants must meet the following requirements in order to be considered for the position:

Mandatory Qualifications

• Successful completion of Grade 12 or equivalent

• Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status

• Have a Certificate of Conduct and agree to make it available to DFO if required.

• Possess or be willing to obtain Domestic Vessel Safety (MED DVS) Training.

• Mature, responsible and capable of working independently

• Good health and physical condition

• Ability to interact with others in a professional manner

• Mobility and availability

• Responsive and reliable on short notice

• Not prone to motion sickness (seasickness)

• Ability to complete technical written reports and complete data forms

• Desirable Qualifications

• Bilingual - proficiency in both English and French

• Experience with the commercial fishing industry

• Sea experience

• Experience collecting field data
  

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada is mandated to conserve and protect fish and fish habitat of Canada. DFO’s Fishery Guardian program is a key part of the department’s compliance strategy to protect inland fish stocks, in particular salmon, in the Newfoundland and Labrador region. Seawatch Inc. is the current contracted provider of Fishery Guardian services to DFO in Newfoundland and southern Labrador.Applicants must meet the following requirements in order to be considered for the position:

Mandatory Qualifications

• Have successfully completed secondary school or equivalent, OR an acceptable combination of education and experience OR have successfully completed a post-secondary course(s) in Natural/Renewable Resources, Resource Management, Criminology, Law Enforcement or similar course(s) of at least 9 months in duration

• Be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Have completed a DFO health evaluation

• Be successful in receiving a security clearance to the “Reliability Status” level

• Possess a valid First Aid certificate

• Possess a valid class 5 driver’s license

• Meet the current safety requirements of Transport Canada Boat Safety Regulations as required for the job.

• Have or be willing to obtain DVS BS and SVOP certificates

• Must not be currently charged with any Fisheries, Wildlife or criminal offenses

• Must not have been convicted of any Fisheries, Wildlife or criminal offense in the preceding five (5) years (unless a pardon has been granted)

• Must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm and/or explosive

Desirable Qualifications:

• Ability to operate boats, outboard motors, and ATVs

• Experience in wilderness travel and survival

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing