As a Fisheries Program Officer with the Department of National Defence, you will develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that support sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation. You will work at the intersection of science, policy, and stakeholder engagement, providing expert advice on complex fisheries issues that affect Canada's coastal communities and marine ecosystems. Your work will directly contribute to Canada's ocean governance and environmental stewardship objectives.
Your responsibilities will include analyzing fisheries data and scientific research, developing program recommendations, coordinating with federal and provincial partners, and engaging with Indigenous communities and industry stakeholders. You will prepare briefing documents, conduct policy analysis, and support the implementation of fisheries regulations and conservation measures. You may also participate in inter-departmental working groups and contribute to international fisheries discussions.
You will work in a collaborative environment with scientists, managers, and policy specialists in regional or national offices. The role requires strong communication skills, as you will translate complex scientific information for non-technical audiences and present findings to senior leaders and external partners.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct fishery and ocean management research, monitoring, and analysis, Collect and interpret environmental or scientific data, Prepare technical reports and recommendations, Support regulatory compliance and stewardship programs
Required Skills
Scientific methodology, Field research, Environmental assessment, Data interpretation, Regulatory compliance, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a post-secondary degree in a relevant field such as fisheries science, marine biology, environmental science, biology, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold a bachelor's degree; advanced qualifications such as a master's degree in fisheries management, environmental policy, or ocean sciences can be advantageous.
Key competencies include knowledge of fisheries management principles, environmental policy frameworks, and Canadian marine regulations. Professional certifications related to environmental assessment, project management, or GIS (Geographic Information Systems) are valued. Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training in government processes, departmental systems, and specific fisheries programs. The Government of Canada supports ongoing professional development through workshops, conferences, and access to learning platforms such as the Canada School of Public Service.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to enter this career in the federal Public Service:
• Job competitions: The primary entry method is through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank. These competitions may be open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or specific groups. You will be evaluated on education, relevant work experience, and demonstrated competencies.
• Public Service recruitment pools: Some departments maintain pools of qualified candidates for rapid staffing of similar positions across the country.
• Student and early career programs: The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative for Next Generation (PS-RING) offer pathways to gain experience and convert to permanent positions.
• Lateral moves: If you are already employed in the federal Public Service, you may apply internally through advertised positions or express interest in your current department.
• Bridging programs: Returning Canadian Armed Forces members may qualify for priority consideration through the Transition Group or similar initiatives.
Competition timelines vary; most processes take 2-4 months from application to job offer.
Part-Time Options
Fisheries Program Officer positions are typically full-time roles; however, the federal government does offer flexible work arrangements.
Depending on operational needs and management approval, you may have access to:
• Flexible work hours: Adjusting your start and end times while maintaining core hours in the office.
• Telework and remote work: Many policy and analysis tasks can be performed remotely. Frequency depends on program requirements and manager discretion, though fieldwork and meetings with stakeholders may require occasional office or site presence.
• Job sharing: In some cases, two employees may share one full-time position, though this is less common for specialized roles.
• Leave options: You will have access to federal leave benefits including vacation, sick leave, family-related leave, and compassionate care leave.
Flexible arrangements are negotiated individually with your manager and are subject to operational requirements. Remote work became more common across the federal government following 2020, with many departments maintaining hybrid models.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
