The Sanikiluaq Hunters and Trappers Association (HTA) and Arctic Eider Society (AES) are looking to fill to role of Fisheries Coordinator as soon as possible. The position is open to start in a shorter-term field work role as coordinator of community vessels working on exploratory fisheries for scallops and sea cucumbers this summer, with the possibility of a suitable candidate working in a full-time role year round to support the Emerging Fisheries process for the community. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and interviews will be scheduled as suitable candidates apply.

The Fisheries Coordinator will report directly to the HTA manager and AES Executive Director and will collaborate with the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation’s (QC) Community Liaison and other relevant stakeholders. The successful applicant will have wide-reaching responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

Short-Term Fisheries Field Work Coordinator (July-Sept 2024)

• Support local training and capacity building with community boats and operators to help locate and assess scallop beds around the Belcher Islands / Qikiqtait archipelago in support of exploratory fisheries and Qikiqtait resource inventory activities
• Train boat crews to do drop camera work, scallop sampling, measurements and collection of abundance, distribution and demographic data where beds are located
• Train and support bathymetric mapping of the islands through a variety of techniques including standard loggers and a hydroblock device.
• Manage data and imagery from drop cameras, underwater drones, oceanographic equipment and other tools and technology including managing meta data with SIKU app and organizing data on network drives in support of mapping benthic communities.
• Support any licensing, permits and reporting requirements or other administrative duties that may be required

Longer-Term Fisheries Coordinator Role

• Coordinating, partnering, and otherwise working with the HTA, AES and other governing bodies (e.g., Government of Nunavut (GN), Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), etc.), such as:
  • Liaising with DFO and the HTA regarding the community’s interest and support for both a Marine Protected Area (MPA) (Qikiqtait) and the development of redistributive and commercial benthic fisheries.
  • Furthering application for an exploratory fishery through the proper DFO channels, based on existing and forthcoming data and knowledge and in coordination with the creation of the Qikiqtait Protected Area.
  • Helping to establish local logistics and capacity building related to fisheries including the community freezer, food safety, exploring a business plan for local sales in Sanikiluaq and Nunavut and future possible sales and distribution outside the territory. 
• Coordinating, partnering, and otherwise working with all academic and industry partners in the region (e.g., Memorial University, Marine Institute, University of Manitoba, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, etc.), such as:
  • Establishing an approach, with the HTA and the Arctic Eider Society (AES), for both a knowledge collection protocol and data sharing agreements to which researchers will contribute should they be granted permission to study in the region.
  • Collecting all fisheries-related data from existing and ongoing research in the region to support the application to DFO for an exploratory fishery and future planning.
  • Supporting the organization of necessary training for HTA and community members related to the development of the community’s fisheries (e.g., harvesting, processing, food safety, vessel safety, etc.).
• Supporting communication related to community-based fisheries work within Sanikiluaq including taking time for community consultation in coordination with project supervisors, incorporating Inuit Knowledge and values and as appropriate participating in other meetings, conferences and outreach opportunities.  
• Writing and filling out grant applications that support the development of fisheries, training, and capacity in the community, as well as funding reports.
• Other tasks as necessary to support fisheries research and projects prioritized by the community and community organizations.

The following deliverables will be expected from the Fisheries Coordinator:

• Advancing a protocol for research partners that ensures intellectual property and knowledge rights stay with the HTA/within the community, including housing copies of all raw data collected, in an organized manner. 
• Advancing exploratory fisheries application submitted to DFO for scallop and/or sea cucumber.
• Establishing a business plan for the community of Sanikiluaq as it relates to inshore fisheries establishment (in partnership with the NICFI), with QC’s support.
• Supporting functional and sustainable community freezer(s) operations within the community of Sanikiluaq.
• Regular workplan and budget updates to the HTA, AES, and QC.
• Virtual and/or in-person presentation(s) at local/regional meetings as well as conferences or other events, as necessary.

Contract Details

• Start date: As soon as possible
• Location: Sanikiluaq, Nunavut
• Term: 3 months fieldwork July – Sept 2024; suitable candidate may apply for both short and long-term 2+ year position as Fisheries Coordinator.
• Compensation: Commensurate with experience $35-$45/hr, plus housing & travel subsidy
• Requirements and assets: We are looking for someone with a background in Fisheries Science or related field (Master’s level or equivalent preferred), with project management experience and ideally experience working and/or living in the North. The summer field work requires being based in Sanikiluaq, longer-term Fisheries Coordinator role can include a mix of Sanikiluaq-based and remote-based work. 

Apply Now

Apply below by attaching a resume with relevant academic, professional, and/or personal experience that demonstrates your ability to successfully carry out the responsibilities of the Fisheries Coordinator role.

This project is co-funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative), Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, CIRNAC, Sanikiluaq Hunters and Trappers Association and the Arctic Eider Society.