How to Get a Job with the Freshwater Fisheries Society

We are often asked, “How do I get a job with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC?”

While jobs for experienced applicants may be posted throughout the year (when people retire, go on leave, get promoted, or move up within the Society), there are also two great seasonal opportunities each year to get your foot in the door.

Junior Fish Culture Technician

A Junior Fish Culture Technician could be employed at any of six Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC facilities: Abbotsford, Duncan, Fort Steele, Vanderhoof, Summerland, and Clearwater. Junior Fish Culture Technicians may be responsible for broodstock capture, working at an egg station, carrying out incubation and rearing activities, and liberations of fish into lakes and streams throughout the province. If you are interested, you need to have the following qualifications:

• Training – Candidates must be enrolled in, or be a graduate from a fish culture, fisheries management, or resource management program. 
• Driver’s Licence – Candidates must have a current driver’s licence.   
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card – Since this card is preferred at some locations, it is worth taking the course and qualifying exam (which can be done online).

Related knowledge, skills and abilities will include:

• Knowledge of basic fish culture and biology;
• Communication skills including the ability to follow instructions accurately;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Teamwork and problem solving skills;
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job including working in outdoor conditions.

These positions are posted on the gofishbc.com website in December.

Outreach Instructors

Outreach Instructors deliver our Learn to Fish program, which is a two- to four-hour program that teaches basic freshwater fishing techniques. For people aged five and older, it takes place at  the Society’s hatcheries and at lakes throughout B.C. This job is ideal for individuals seeking a career in fish and wildlife, or working with children. If you are interested in becoming an Outreach instructor, you will need these three job requirements:

1. Fishing Experience – You don’t have to be an avid angler, but you must have an interest in fish and fishing. If you have never been fishing before, check out some classes at a local tackle shop, or even take one of our Learn to Fish programs. 
2.  Experience Working with the Public – Strong communication skills, including experience public speaking and working with the public is required. As the majority of the Learn to Fish programs are targeted at youth and their families, it is an asset to have experience working or volunteering with children.

Jobs as Outreach Instructors are posted on our gofishbc.com website between January and March.

Authors: Jessica Yarwood & Tammy Longbottom, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
Banner photo credit: Jessica Yarwood