Aquatics Manager

Overview

Economic Development Full Time Merritt, BC $45 - $50 CAD per hour

Reports To: Director of Economic Development (or designate)

FTE/

Hours:

Full-Time

Location: Merritt, British Columbia, Canada

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Maintain accurate records, reports, and project documentation.
• Support funding applications, proposals, and…