Fishery Officer Career: Duties, Entrance Requirements and Conditions of Employment

Fishery Officer Duties

To enforce the Fisheries Act and other related acts and regulations; to protect fishery resources and fish habitat by conducting patrols on the land, on the sea and in the air; to participate in public education and awareness programs to develop greater awareness of fishery resources and habitat protection.

Work Environment

Work and/or travel at sea and in a variety of terrains and degrees of isolation for various periods of time in all weather conditions. The Fishery Officer position is physically demanding and requires strength, co-ordination, balance, dexterity and the ability to lift and carry heavy loads (20 kg unassisted) over rough ground and uphill. Adequate cardiovascular capacity is required for dealing with high degrees of physical activity and stressful situations, such as arresting violators.

Entrance Requirements

Education:  Successful completion of 2 years of an acceptable post-secondary educational program in a field related to the duties of the position or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Official Languages Proficiency:  Various official language requirements according to regional needs.

Aptitudes:  Successful achievement of the PSC General Competency Test  Level 2 (GCT 2).

Experience: Candidates must demonstrate experience in one of the following areas:

• Renewable/Natural Resources and/or Habitat Management: Experience in activities pertaining to resource utilization, field research or field assessment of a renewable resource, such as fish, wildlife, forest, etc. 
• Enforcement: Experience in enforcement of legislation of bylaws with a law enforcement or security agency.
• Outdoor Field Services: Field experience in providing outdoor services to fisheries, hunters, or eco-tourists.
• Fishing Industry: Experience in commercial, Aboriginal or recreational fisheries, or in a related field. (Does not include recreational fishing for personal use.)

General knowledge of:

• Management and surveillance of fisheries and fish habitat in Canada
• Fisheries related acts and regulations
• Fish species, fish biology and fishing methods in Canada
• Canadian judicial system

Abilities:

• To analyze a situation in a systematic way (analytical thinking)
• To communicate effectively orally and in writing
• To give clear directions and set limits (direct communication)
• To seek information in investigating problems or situations (information seeking)
• To listen, understand and respond appropriately when interacting with individuals and groups (listening, understanding and responding)

Personal Suitability: 

• Adaptability
• Results orientation
• Self-confidence
• Self-control
• Teamwork and co-operation
• Reliability 
• Interest for Fishery Officer duties

Reliability and Security: Secret

Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of departmental Fishery Officer Career Progression Program (FOCPP) classroom training;
• Deployment to any part of the country, or assignment to all types of enforcement activities such as inland, coastal and offshore patrols (including air patrols), and/or forensic investigations and/or special operations;
• Meet medical and psychological suitability standards;
• Possession of a valid driver's licence, a current standard first-aid certificate and a CPR certificate;
• Carry and use firearms and other restricted and prohibited weapons;
• Meet the DFO use of force proficiency standards;
• Wear a uniform and required protective clothing;
• Work and/or travel at sea or by air and in a variety of terrains and degrees of isolation for various periods of time in all weather conditions.