Assistant Fisheries Technician

Job title: Assistant Fisheries Technician   

Reports to: Lead Fisheries Technician  

Job location: 5150 Highway 224, Pleasant Valley, NS B0N 1X0

Wage: $18.00/hour

Hours: 35 hours per week (15-week internship) 

Start Date: Expected May 12, 2025 

Number of Positions: 2

Equity Hiring:   

Clean is committed to Employment Equity. Our goal is to be inclusive of a diverse workforce that is reflected at all job levels. The Clean Leadership Program welcomes candidates from diverse equity groups to apply and encourage you to self-identify on our registration form.  

About the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program 

The Clean Leadership Summer Internship program helps grow the clean economy by matching interns (age 15-30) with employers for 9- and 15-week summer work placements. Participating interns will receive paid hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, take part in a professional development conference and training, while supporting local environmental projects. 

Program Requirements 

• Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, person who has been granted refugee status in Canada or legally entitled to work in Canada;  

• Must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the start of internship; 

• From and/or will be residing in Nova Scotia for the duration of the internship; 

• Must not be an immediate family member of host employer; 

About the host employer 

The Nova Scotia Salmon Association (NSSA) is a not-for-profit conservation organization, governed by an active Board of Directors and supported by several partner groups. Since 2005 the NSSA has conducted a river restoration initiative, The West River, Sheet Harbour Acid Mitigation Project. 

Summary of position  

This project helps reduce the negative effects of acid rain by adding agricultural limestone directly to the river and spreading it on surrounding watersheds. Limestone increases the pH of rivers and supports the survival of Atlantic salmon and other aquatic species. In addition, the restoration of the West River has expanded to include repairs to the physical habitat along with data collection for ongoing monitoring projects. This student position will support our research and restoration activities while providing a fulfilling opportunity to develop a wide range of field skills. 

The candidate will assist staff with various aspects of the West River, Sheet Harbour Acid Mitigation Project. This includes travel to field sites and work in a variety of weather conditions. The successful student will be flexible, organized, willing to work outdoors and comfortable handling fish. Reporting to the Conservation Biologist, this position works closely with our Fisheries Technician and is based in Sheet Harbour, NS. All necessary training and equipment will be provided.  

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Installation and daily operation of juvenile fish traps 

• Data collection and management 

• Water quality monitoring 

• Logistical and scientific support of stream habitat restoration projects 

• Stream electrofishing 

• Habitat surveys 

Requirements/Qualifications 

• Have an aptitude for safe work practices and the ability to multi-task in a busy work environment 

• Be able to work productively as part of a team while responding to feedback 

• Demonstrated interest in future employment in the environmental or clean sector is considered an asset 

• Returning to full-time post secondary studies in Sept 2025 in the field of biology, environmental engineering, or related discipline 

• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle  

• Access to a computer and internet  

• Experience conducting field surveys, biological sampling methods, recording data, and transferring data to spread sheet databases 

• Surveying, GPS and/or GIS experience an asset 

• First Aid Certification an asset 

Working Conditions
Positive interaction with various stakeholders and travel to field sites and work in a variety of weather conditions is required. 

Physical Requirements
Ability to conduct physical work and lift 10 kg.