Job Ad – Aquatic Sciences Technician (full time)

Preferred location: St-Andrews, NB 

Preferred start date: January 2026

The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) is an international conservation organization founded in 1948 to conserve and restore wild Atlantic salmon and their ecosystems. ASF is headquartered in St. Andrews, NB, Canada and maintains offices in Brunswick Maine, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Through ASF’s membership and affiliated volunteer network, the organization represents more than 25,000 individuals who share ASF’s commitment to wild rivers and wild salmon.

Overview

The Aquatic Sciences Technician will provide support to both ASF’s Research Dept and Wild Salmon Watersheds program by assisting field activities, data collection, management, analysis and entry.

Responsibilities and Duties

In this role, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Conduct field assessments and collect ecological data on Atlantic salmon populations and habitats.
• Operate and maintain a wide range of scientific and field equipment (e.g., electrofishing gear, smolt wheels, PIT tag arrays, boats, ATVs).
• Lead and supervise field crews, ensuring safe and accurate data collection in remote environments.
• Collaborate with government agencies, Indigenous organizations, conservation partners, and local communities.
• Process biological samples in the field and lab, including fish tagging, tissue sampling, and basic water chemistry analysis.
• Manage data entry, reporting, and contribute to protocol development and interdepartmental coordination.
• Support training, outreach, and capacity-building initiatives with partners and stakeholders.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills along with experience communicating scientifically. Bilingualism. Professionalism is a must as this role will be representative of the organization. The successful candidate should possess strong field skills and experience and a required knowledge of data analysis and research methodologies. As this position requires some travel, a valid driver’s license is a must.

Knowledge, skills, and experience in the following areas would be considered and an asset:

• Pleasure boat craft licence and/or electrofishing certification
• Bilingual in French and English and the ability to communicating scientifically in both languages
• Competence in software programs such as ARC, Excel, R, and Python.

This position is based off headquarters in St. Andrews but will be required to travel within eastern Canada frequently. A reliable personal vehicle is required. The ability to work both independently and with a team is essential.

• Education and Experience: post-secondary or college diploma in a science, fisheries, environment, wildlife technician or conservation program.
• Experience: Must have some aquatic ecology work-relevant experience.

Compensation: ASF offers a competitive salary and benefits package including RRSP, vacation, sick leave, and health/dental coverage.  The salary range for the position is $58,000 – 75,000 and determined based on education and experience of the successful candidate.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to: Michelle McCray, Manager of People and Culture at mmccray@asf.ca by December 19, 2025. ASF thanks all applicants for their interest. Receipt of application will be acknowledged; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.