Aquatics Manager

Aquatics Manager

Role Profile

Position Title:              Aquatics Manager

Department:                 Economic Development

Reports To:                  Director of Economic Development (or designate)

FTE/Hours:                   Full-Time

Location:                      Merritt, British Columbia, Canada

ABOUT LNIB

The Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) is a vibrant and growing First Nations community in British Columbia, committed to the well-being, culture, and prosperity of its members. LNIB provides a wide range of programs and services including health, education, social development, governance, and economic development initiatives.

We value innovation, collaboration, and respect for our traditions, and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and safe work environment for all employees. LNIB follows Indigenous governance principles and prioritizes community engagement, cultural knowledge, and sustainable development in all its operations.

Join LNIB and be part of a team that is making a meaningful impact in the community while contributing to a dynamic and culturally rich workplace.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Aquatics (Senior Aquatic & Fisheries Biologist) is a senior technical and leadership role responsible for overseeing LNIB’s Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Fisheries Programs.

Reporting to the Director of Economic Development, this position leads the design, delivery, and management of aquatic and fisheries initiatives, including habitat restoration, fish and fish habitat assessments, aquatic health monitoring, and regulatory compliance activities.

This role is responsible for supervising field crews, managing multiple projects, and ensuring high-quality scientific and technical outputs. The position requires both field-based leadership and office-based program management, including attendance at meetings, stakeholder engagement, and on-site supervision of field operations.

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing LNIB’s long-term fisheries and aquatic stewardship initiatives in alignment with regulatory requirements, co-management opportunities, and community priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

AQUATIC & FISHERIES PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of aquatic and fisheries field programs, including:
• • Habitat restoration and enhancement
  • Fish and fish habitat assessments
  • Aquatic health and water quality monitoring
  • Fish salvage and mitigation programs
  • Habitat offsetting initiatives
• Provide technical direction and leadership for all aquatic program activities.
• Ensure programs are aligned with regulatory requirements, permitting conditions, and best scientific practices.
• Support the long-term development and expansion of LNIB fisheries and aquatics programming.

FIELD PROGRAM DELIVERY & SUPERVISION

• Supervise, mentor, and provide direction to field staff, including:
• • Crew Leads / Senior Field Technicians
  • Junior Field Technicians
• Provide on-site field oversight and ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality program delivery.
• Coordinate field schedules, logistics, and equipment requirements.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & TECHNICAL DELIVERY

• Manage multiple concurrent aquatic and fisheries projects.
• Develop work plans, budgets, timelines, and project deliverables.
• Prepare and review technical reports, permits, environmental assessments, and proposals.
• Analyze and interpret biological and environmental data.
• Coordinate subcontractors and external technical specialists as required.

REGULATORY & PERMITTING

• Prepare and support regulatory submissions and environmental permitting applications.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, including environmental and fisheries regulations.
• Maintain strong understanding of regulatory requirements in British Columbia.

RELATIONSHIP & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with government agencies, industry partners, and Indigenous communities.
• Represent LNIB in technical meetings, planning sessions, and external engagements.
• Support collaboration and co-management opportunities in fisheries and aquatic stewardship.

ADMINISTRATION & REPORTING

• Maintain accurate records, reports, and project documentation.
• Support funding applications, proposals, and reporting requirements.
• Provide updates and technical briefings to leadership as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

·         Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Aquatic Biology, or related field (Master’s Degree preferred)

·         Minimum 5+ years of experience in freshwater aquatic biology or fisheries science

·         Strong experience in environmental assessment and regulatory permitting in British Columbia

·         Demonstrated experience managing field crews and multi-disciplinary projects

·         Strong technical writing experience (reports, proposals, permits, assessments)

·         Experience working with Indigenous communities considered an asset

·         Valid Class 5 driver’s license required

·         Ability and willingness to submit a criminal record check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of BC environmental legislation and regulatory frameworks
• Strong leadership and field supervision skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite
• Understanding of Indigenous governance and community-based stewardship is an asset

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• This position includes a combination of office-based work and field-based responsibilities.
• Significant time may be spent on-site managing field crews and aquatic projects.
• Travel to project sites within the region is required.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during field seasons or project deadlines.

PREFERENCE

The Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) follows Section 25 of the Human Rights Code, giving preference to Indigenous applicants where applicable.