The Team:
The Thompson Okanagan Fisheries Team is a high performing group of up to eight professionals driven by strong local expertise and a passion for protecting and enhancing BC’s valued recreational fisheries. This collaborative team works across the natural resource sector, partners closely with First Nations and community organizations, and works alongside the Wildlife and Ecosystem teams in delivering stewardship initiatives, habitat improvements, and monitoring programs that directly inform sustainable land, forest, and water management. With a culture built on teamwork, inclusivity, and shared purpose, the team plays a key role in sustaining a region that supports over one third of BC’s angling activity and contributes meaningfully to the local economy.
The Role:
As a Senior Fish Biologist, you take the lead in shaping how BC’s fisheries are managed in the Okanagan, guiding a team and turning science, policy, and strategy into strong, practical outcomes. From driving large-scale projects and advising on legislation, to supporting clear decisions within regulatory frameworks, your work directly influences how fisheries and ecosystems are protected and stewarded. You build trusted partnerships with Indigenous Nations, government, and stakeholders to deliver solutions that support resilient habitats and sustainable resident fisheries.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Master's Degree in Biological Sciences or a related field and two (2) years of related experience, or
- Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences or a related field and three (3) years of related experience.
Related Experience:
- Experience in designing, developing and delivering fish species and habitat management strategies, including stock assessment and habitat inventories.
- Experience conducting fish stock assessments and recreational fisheries management.
- Experience interpreting and applying environmental management legislation and policy.
- Experience in delivering both written and oral communications.
- Experience leading staff in project or field settings.
- Experience engaging, communicating and partnering with First Nations and Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, universities and NGO groups.
- Experience in public and First Nations consultation processes on fisheries management issues.
Professional Registration and Certification Requirements:
- Registered or immediately eligible for registration as a Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) in BC with the BC College of Applied Biologists (CAB). Note: “Immediately eligible for registration” means meeting all requirements for full professional registration and completing the process of obtaining full registration with the relevant BC professional association within six (6) months of employment.
Additional Requirements:
- Valid BC driver’s licence.
- Must be physically able to carry equipment and supplies in difficult terrain.
- Must be able to conduct field work in all weather conditions and environments. This may include travel to remote areas by vehicle, boat, air or foot, overnight or extended stay in camp conditions and operation of a variety of equipment.
- Must meet safety standards of WorkSafeBC.
For questions regarding this position, please contact [email protected].
About this Position:
Amendment June 22nd, 2026: posting closing date extended to July 7th, 2026.
Amendment June 17th, 2026: posting closing date extended to June 23rd, 2026.
There is currently one (1) permanent, full time position available in Penticton.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to two (2) days at home per week subject to an approved Telework Agreement.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies in Penticton.
Please refer to MyHR for more information about market adjustments.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
The Resource Stewardship Division is also currently recruiting for a BIO 24R - Fish Biologist position. Check out that opportunity at Requisition 123848.
Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
We are committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.
The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit, or Métis) applicants originating from the land known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.
The BC Public Service is an award winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, great learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development options. In addition to the base salary, Registered Professional Biologists are also entitled to an allowance to cover professional fees. For more information, visit What the BC Public Service Offers.
How to Apply:
Your resume must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR.
Professional Designation: YES - Please include your registration number in your application. You must be registered or immediately eligible for registration as a Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) in BC with the BC College of Applied Biologists (CAB). Note: “Immediately eligible for registration” means meeting all requirements for full professional registration and completing the process of obtaining full registration with the relevant BC professional association within six (6) months of employment.
Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.
Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history, including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) and your job related responsibilities for each job in your employment history, and any relevant information that relates to this position.
Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.
