The Department of Fisheries, Rural Development, and Tourism is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.
The purpose of this position is for the management, leadership, and strategic direction of the Marine Fisheries section of the division of the Marine Fisheries and Seafood Services.
This position is responsible to develop and implement a program to study the lobster fishery of PEl in respect to the biology and ecology of lobster and its relevance to conservation, management and development of the resource. This position will provide advice and assistance to both the Department and Industry on the status and management of commercial marine fisheries including lobster, snow crab, rock crab, herring, mackerel and bluefin tuna as well as provide supervision and direction to staff involved in the Department's Future Fisher Program. The position also is responsible for the disposal of beached dead marine mammals from the shores of PEI.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Leads the research of the lobster resource of PEI, including the effects of harvest activities and environmental quality on the health and status of the population, and aspects of the biology/ecology of lobster around PEl relevant to the current and future conservation, management and development of the resource;
- Leads and manages the field research related to the biology and ecology of marine species including project design, developing procedures, analyzing data and preparing reports;
- Completes field research and data analysis to interpret and present results of the Lobster Research Program;
- Collaborates with Industry partners, the Prince Edward Island Fisherman's Association (“PElFA”), and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (“DFO”) in the planning and preparation of studies/research on commercially important fisheries with a focus on lobster;
- Applies knowledge of lobster biology and of applied research methods for field biological and ecological studies to develop study design, protocols and funding applications;
- Manipulates, analyzes and interprets data collected during commercial fishing sampling or as part of research projects;
- Writes and/or responds to inquiries regarding the commercial marine fisheries of PEI;
- Implements research in close collaboration with supervisory staff, scientists working for the Federal government and with other Provincial governments and other institutions;
- Coordinates and manages field team;
- Develops a research schedule for “at sea” collection for staff;
- Oversees staff workplans to reduce and manage overtime hours and remain within budget;
- Ensures all safety measures are taken and Occupational Health & Safety (“OH&S”) protocols are followed;
- Attends and represents the province at a regional level at species scientific and advisory meetings (lobster, rock crab, snow crab, mackerel, herring and bluefin tuna);
- Assists in the development and delivery of the province’s position on management issues in PEl commercial marine fisheries including rock crab, snow crab, lobster, mackerel, herring and bluefin tuna;
- Consults with members of the fishing industry and other provincial/federal government departments on issues relating to marine fisheries;
- Advocating on behalf of PEI Fishers at a regional and national level;
- Collaborates with the Director to implement the initiatives identified in the Department Mandate Letter, strategic plan and annual operating plan for the division;
- Assumes budget responsibility for the delivery of services and programs;
- Leads in planning, management, implementation, and evaluation of special projects through setting goals and objectives, monitoring progress, and setting accountability framework, funding resources and budgeting until completion;
- Responsible to prepare and implement an annual budget for the section and quarterly budget forecasts;
- Ensures staff have a high level of expertise in commercial marine fisheries, science, management, and harvesting strategies to provide top quality client service;
- Directs Staff in the development of new initiatives;
- Leads in signing authority for grant applications;
- Responsible for appraising staff performance yearly;
- Ensures staff work plans are completed, reviewed, and monitored;
- Provides staff with leadership in the development and implementation of personal training plans (PDPs);
- Facilitates opportunities for the scheduling to build staff morale and cohesiveness; and
- Manages the Marine Mammal Disposal Services.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in biology;
- Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered;
- Extensive experience in field research related to the biology and ecology of marine species including project design, developing procedures, analyzing data and preparing reports;
- Extensive experience in a supervisory role;
- Considerable experience in policy development or program management;
- Experience with analyzing statistical information and compiling into recommendations;
- Experience working with stakeholders, internal or external;
- Knowledge of lobster and of the PEl lobster fishery as well as other commercially important marine species and their fisheries;
- Knowledge of the Government’s role in the Fisheries industry on PEI;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Strong organizational skills and judgement;
- Ability to work independently and prioritize work requirements; and
- Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
Other Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Biology considered an asset;
- Bilingualism considered an asset;
- Experience on advisory boards and working groups considered an asset; and
- Valid Marine First Aid/Standard First Aid & CPR training, Marine safety training (MED A3/DVS) and WHMIS training is considered an asset.
Please Note: Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Where possible, submitting an electronic resume or job application is preferred. Otherwise, please return forms to PEI Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7N8. Applications may be sent by fax to (902) 368-4383. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION, BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE. Please ensure that the appropriate Posting ID number is stated on all application forms. You can apply online or obtain an application form by visiting our web site at www.jobspei.ca. Forms may also be obtained by contacting any PEI Government office, ACCESS PEI Centre, Regional Services Centre, or by telephone (902) 368-4080.
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