Fishery Officer Career Information
Table of Contents
To enforce the Fisheries Act and other related Acts and Regulations; to
protect the fishery resources and the fish habitat by doing patrols on land, by
sea and air; to participate in public education and awareness programs to
develop a greater awareness of the fishery resources and habitat protection.
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Work and/or travel at sea and in a variety of terrains and degrees of
isolation for various periods of time in all weather conditions. The Fishery
Officer position is physically demanding and requires strength, co-ordination,
balance, dexterity and the ability to lift and carry heavy loads (20 kg
unassisted) over rough ground and uphill. Adequate cardiovascular capacity is
required for dealing with high degrees of physical activity and stressful
situations such as arresting violators.
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Education
Successful completion of 2 years of an acceptable
post-secondary educational program in a field related to the duties of the
position or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.
Official Languages Proficiency
Various official language requirements according to regional needs.
Aptitudes
Successful achievement of the
PSC General Competency
Test Level 2 (GCT 2).
(Top-down selection may be used).
Experience
Candidates must demonstrate experience in one of the following areas:
Renewable/Natural Resources and/or Habitat Management:
Experience in activities pertaining to resource utilisation, field research
or field assessment of a renewable resource, such as Fish, Wildlife, Forest,
etc.
Enforcement:
Experience in enforcement of legislation or by-laws with a law enforcement
agency or a security agency.
Outdoor Field Services:
Field experience in providing outdoor services to fishers, hunters, and
eco-tourists. (e.g. Guiding Services)
Fishing Industry:
Experience in commercial, aboriginal, or recreational fisheries, or in a
related field. (Does not include recreational fishing for personal use.)
General knowledge of:
- Management and surveillance of fisheries and fish habitat in Canada
- Fisheries related Acts and Regulations
- Fish species, fish biology and fishing methods in Canada
- The Canadian judicial system
(Top-down selection may be used).
Abilities
- To analyze a situation in a systematic way (Analytical Thinking)
- To communicate effectively orally and in writing
- To give clear directions and set limits (Direct Communication)
- To seek information in investigating problems or situations (Information
Seeking)
- To listen, understand and respond appropriately when interacting with
individuals and groups (Listening, Understanding and Responding)
Personal Suitability
- Adaptability
- Results Orientation
- Self-Confidence
- Self-Control
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Reliability
- Interest for Fishery Officer duties
Reliability and Security
Reliability Status
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- Successful completion of the departmental Fishery Officer Career
Progression Program (FOCPP) classroom training;
- Deployment to any part of the country, or assignment to all types of
enforcement activities such as inland, coastal and offshore patrols (including
air patrols), and/or
forensic investigations and/or special operations;
- Meet medical and psychological suitability standards;
- Possession of a valid driver's license, a current standard First Aid
Certificate and a CPR Certificate;
- Carry and use firearms and other restricted and prohibited weapons;
- Meet the DFO use of force proficiency standards;
- Wear a uniform and required protective clothing;
- Work and/or travel at sea or by air and in a variety of terrains and degrees of
isolation for various periods of time in all weather conditions.
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The Department recruits and develops candidates to become Fishery Officers.
Successful candidates are initially recruited as Cadets and progress from GT-02
to the GT-04 group and level contingent upon successful classroom and field
training. Training is for a duration of approximately 36 months through the
departmental "Fishery Officer Career Progression Program" (FOCPP).
The FOCPP classroom training portion is approximately 17 weeks . Skills are
acquired in areas such as fish identification, conducting patrols,
communication, negotiation and enforcement methods in support of the
Department's mandate to conserve and protect fisheries resources. The training
is delivered in Government facilities such as the Coast Guard College in Sydney, N.S. The last
8 weeks component of the training is delivered at the R.C.M.P.
Academy in Regina.
Candidates
may be required to reimburse part of the travel, room & board and other costs
related to their Fishery Officer Career Progression Program (FOCPP) classroom
training, if they:
-
voluntarily leave the classroom training program before its completion; or
-
successfully complete the classroom training but refuse a Fishery Officer
position; or
-
accept a
Fishery Officer position but voluntarily leave the position before having
completed at least 30 months of employment (or their initial term of
employment if less than 30 months) as a Fishery Officer.
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Cadets receive a training allowance of $350.00 per week for the duration of
the classroom training. The following will be deducted from the training
allowance at source: income tax, unemployment insurance, Canada/Quebec pension
plan deductions, and $90.00 per week for room and board. Cadets will not be
paid during the break between each component of the training program. Upon
successful completion of the classroom training, cadets are appointed to a GT-02
Fishery Officer position and have to successfully go through 30 months of field
training in order to be appointed to a GT-04 position.
The Fishery Officer Career Progression Program (FOCPP) is a training program
having a three-level classification structure (GT-02 to GT-04).
GT-02: $41,713 to $47,151
GT-03: $46,648 to $52,893
GT-04: $52,558 to $59,758
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A total of two hundred (200) new Fishery Officers were hired and trained over
the last five years.
Here are the recruitment projections for 2006/2007 (these figures may change
throughout the year):
|
Region |
Number of positions to be filled |
| Newfoundland & Labrador |
10 |
| Maritimes (Nova Scotia and Southern New Brunswick) |
10 |
| Gulf (Prince Edward Island, Eastern New Brunswick and
Western Nova-Scotia) |
10 |
| Quebec |
0 |
| Central et Arctic (Prairies, Ontario, Nunavut, & NWT) |
3 |
| Pacific (British Columbia & Yukon) |
20 |
|
Total |
*53 |
* October 2006: Competitions are now closed for these
positions.
An excellent vehicle to be informed about Fishery Officer Cadet Competitions
is to subscribe to "Job Alert". This way, you will be notified by e-mail each
time a Fishery Officer Cadet competition is open.
To subscribe, please see the following Internet address:
We suggest that you use the following keywords: Fishery Officer Cadet
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All Fishery Officer positions are announced via the Public Service Commission
Internet Site at the following address:
http://www.jobs.gc.ca/menu/alljobs_e.htm
or you can call the Public Service Commission's InfoTel Service (please, see
your phone directory)
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If there are any differences between the above information and the official
documents such as the Statement of Qualifications, Poster, Letter of Offer,
etc... released by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and/or the Public
Service Commission, the latter applies.
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For more information please contact the nearest Regional Recruitment and
Training Manager
St. John's (for Newfoundland & Labrador)
Ken Scott
By phone: (709) 772-2644
By Fax: (709) 772-5983
E-mail: scottk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (for Nova Scotia and Southern New Brunswick)
Norman Smith
Phone: (902) 426-5806
Fax: (902) 426-8003
E-mail:
smithn@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Moncton, New Brunswick (for Prince Edward Island, Eastern New Brunswick and
Western Nova Scotia)
Gaetan J. Couturier
Phone: (506) 851-7799
Fax: (506) 851-2504
E-Mail :
couturierge@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Québec
Daniel Perron
Phone: (418) 648-4312
Fax: (418) 648-7981
E-mail: perrond@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Winnipeg, Manitoba (for the Prairies, Ontario, Nunavut, & NWT)
Scott Gilbert
Phone: (204) 984-8230
Fax: (204) 983-3073
E-mail: gilberts@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Vancouver (for British Columbia & Yukon)
Brian Atagi
Phone: (604) 666-2187
Fax: (604) 666-4313
E-mail: atagib@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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GT-04 Fishery Officer
Enforcement and investigative services for the conservation and protection of
the fishery resources and fish habitat for Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
commercial, recreational, aboriginal and international fishers, fish processors,
environmental and aboriginal groups and the general public, under the
Fisheries-related Acts and Regulations and other related federal and provincial
legislation.
Investigative services for DFO Canada to protect the general public from the
consumption of toxic and bacteriological contaminated shellfish that can lead to
serious health problems and even death and to protect the integrity of the
Canadian shellfish industry.
Detection, investigation and prevention of the pollution of domestic and
international waters to protect the aquatic environment.
Research, development, promotion and presentation of public education and
awareness programs for domestic, aboriginal and foreign clients, stakeholders
and the general public for the conservation and protection of Canadian fisheries
resources and fish habitat.
Provide assistance to other government agencies in coordinated efforts and
areas of overlapping interest such as Customs and Immigration (illegal
migrants), RCMP (commercial and organized crime), Provincial Ministries.
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- Carries out compliance inspections and enforcement of the various
Fisheries-related Act and Regulations, that govern fishing activity in the
aboriginal, commercial, recreational and international fisheries and protect
the fish habitat and the aquatic environment. Investigates any contraventions
of the above legislation by persons or corporations under Canadian
jurisdiction or international agreements in domestic or international waters.
Conducts patrols by foot, vehicle, program vessel, CCG vessels, fixed and
rotary winged aircraft, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. Fishery Officers
are the conservation and protection enforcement services for Fisheries and
Oceans Canada.
- Acts as lead investigator or as a member of a team of fishery officers to
collect evidence, including forensic evidence on major cases, prepares
violation reports, prepares court briefs, prepares and executes court
documents such as information to obtain search warrants, search warrants,
information, summonses, subpoenas, appearance notices and voluntary penalty
tickets. As the primary advisor to Crown Counsel, provides advice, guidance
and direction in the prosecution of all violation cases. Presents evidence in
court as the arresting officer, crown and/or expert witness.
- Promotes stewardship of the fisheries resources and fish habitat among the
various user groups private and public sector industries that may impact on
fish habitat and the general public. Presents and promotes adherence to the
Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing and develops community relationships
to support and encourage a strong conservation ethic.
- Investigates and gathers intelligence and/or conducts audits on fishing
and habitat-related activities to provide status reports on harvesting
activities and/or habitat degradation for use by supervisors and/or
fish/habitat managers including the Science Sector of the Department.
- Participates in the development of training programs, trains, mentors,
leads and provides feedback on the progress of new recruits, colleagues and
enforcement partners, and trains individuals from other enforcement agencies
and/or public organizations.
- Develops and delivers public education and awareness presentations.
- Acts as a senior departmental liaison in communities and provides
assistance to other federal, provincial, local and international enforcement
agencies.
Work Characteristics
(Click on the Characteristic to Jump To It's Description)
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Gather, compile, prepare, present, disseminate, interpret, analyze/synthesize
and verify field-gathered intelligence in the Departmental Violation System (DVS)
for possible Court prosecutions through overt and covert law enforcement
operations and practices. This information is of a confidential, private,
individual, corporate and/or protected nature for the use of DFO Conservation
and Protection staff, Department of Justice, Crown Prosecutors, Provincial
Management, Law Courts of Canada and for possible use in the International Court
of the Hague, for setting international fisheries boundaries for Canadian
jurisdiction and DFO conservation-based fisheries regimes. This relevant
information is used to prosecute individuals or corporations, to determine and
prioritize C&P law enforcement activities and to determine financial resources
needed to carry out enforcement activities, to develop and improve fish/habitat
management plans, to adjust enforcement strategies and training programs, to
make recommendations for legislative changes, to change policies and procedures
that guide the safety of Fishery Officers in the law enforcement arena that may
be adopted by other law enforcement agencies to improve the effectiveness of
their programs.
Collects information on fishing and habitat-related activities to provide
status reports on harvest activities such as catches to date, species
composition of catch, observations on habitat degradation by the private and
public sectors. This is used by supervisors, fish managers, other Sectors and
Science Branch to adjust harvest plans in season so that quotas are not overrun
or to take additional measures to ensure the protection of fish habitat and/or
that conservation objectives are being achieved. The work requires making
recommendations to Field Supervisors on modifications to programs.
Collects and records information on the expenditure of their hours of effort
on a fishery (Fishery Officer Enforcement Activity Tracking System - FEATS) by
fishery or habitat-related activity basis including the outputs of enforcement
activities such as checks of persons, boardings of vessels, vehicles, habitat
sites inspected, as well as violations by type, warnings, charges, which are
used by supervisors to establish priorities, measure the effectiveness of
enforcement operations, and serve as the basis for budget forecasting. In the
case of habitat violations, these must also be reported to Parliament annually
by the Minister.
Gathers and disseminates intelligence on owners of vehicles, vessels,
residences and businesses from provincial licensing data sources as part of
investigations and/or any associated records of violence from police data
systems to provide information to Fishery Officers who are stopping vehicles or
apprehending individuals, so that they are forewarned as to potential risks to
their health and safety so they can take the appropriate precautions.
Provides fisheries and marine intelligence to police, provincial and
international natural resource law enforcement agencies, including information
on fisheries violators who are known to be aggressive or violent in order that
if required, they approach these individuals with the appropriate level of
caution.
Develops and conducts education/information sessions for diverse industry
groups, trade shows, fishing organizations, school groups, provincial and
municipal bodies, recreational and service clubs and Aboriginal communities to
provide a better understanding of DFO conservation and protection objectives,
programs and priorities to promote compliance and stewardship.
Leads, develops, conducts and or assists in formal training sessions for
recruits, colleagues, enforcement partners and/or other enforcement agencies,
which requires information be developed, analyzed, interpreted and presented in
the appropriate format to ensure clear understanding and retention by target
audiences.
Disseminates general and specific information on a wide variety of
departmental, conservation, enforcement, fisheries management and
habitat-related policies and programs to resource users, industrial interests,
other government departments, conservation or fish and game clubs and the
general public, in order that they can plan and conduct their respective
personal and business affairs accordingly.
As the only Federal government representative in remote communities, responds
to or directs local enquiries to the responsible government department.
Provides information to the media and/or responds to public inquiries.
Prepares briefing material and memoranda for Field Supervisors which enables
them to respond in a timely and informed manner on controversial and/or
enforcement related matters.
Contributes to the overall enforcement program effectiveness and integrity
providing operational expertise and recommendations on enforcement policies,
procedures, and the development of training materials through participation in
routine internal quality assurance programs and administrative responsibilities.
Employing the buddy system for officer safety, as a Fishery Officer, not only
ensures safety of colleagues and/or persons from other agencies working as a
team on conservation and protection activities, but also the general public. In
the case of the general public, there is a requirement to ensure that
enforcement operations are conducted in a manner which minimizes any risks to
the public who may be the subject of the enforcement actions, or to bystanders
who could potentially be injured. An example of the above-noted would be the use
of pepper spray to subdue a suspect or when enforcement vehicles using emergency
equipment have pulled vehicles over to the side of the highway to conduct an
inspection. This is an on-going responsibility during daily land, sea and air
surveillance and enforcement activities.
Requested by other agencies or the public to assist for hours or days in
search and rescue activities requiring the rescue of individuals and/or
providing on-site emergency first-aid or care. This is not voluntary if tasked
by the Rescue Co-ordination Centre or when peace officers from police agencies
demand Fishery Officers assist them.
Accountable and responsible for the safety and well-being of individuals
under arrest and in custody including providing on-site emergency care where a
suspect has been injured. This activity occurs on a regular basis and can last
for several days when transporting arrested persons from distant and remote
areas of operations.
Responsible to protect the confidentiality and to provide for the physical
and mental safety and security of informants. If their identity becomes known,
this could jeopardize the personal physical safety of informants and/or their
families. This requirement is on-going while engaging in all work-related
activities including off-duty activities. Has the authority to abort covert
operations if the safety or the cover for covert operators is compromised.
Participates as a senior member of a Critical Incident Stress peer team that
assists in defusing trauma associated with violence, accidents and other types
of emergency situations. This is a shared activity.
Leads the enforcement activities of junior Fishery Officers, fisheries
observers, charter and/or Departmental patrol vessels and/or their crews, patrol
aircraft and staff of other enforcement agencies during joint fisheries
investigations.
Provides on-the-job training/coaching and reports on the progress of Fishery
Officer trainees, provides training to other enforcement partners or other
agencies, e.g. the Coast Guard. Trains and evaluates colleagues in areas such as
Armed Boarding Training and Force Continuum, i.e. firearms re-qualification,
tactical handcuffing, ground fighting, verbal intervention, control tactics,
pressure point techniques, strikes and close-quarter confrontation, handgun
retention and retrieval, multiple assailant attacks, oleoresin capsicum spray,
expandable baton, etc. These can be shared activities with other training
experts.
Plans, organizes meetings and debriefings with colleagues, other enforcement
agencies, Crown Counsel and expert witnesses.
Works in self-directed teams that can involve professional staff and contract
resources. Provides leadership to short-term project teams to conduct patrols.
Contributes operational expertise and provides recommendations on enforcement
policies, procedures and the development of training materials. Provides
leadership to team members but may share responsibility with other team members.
Budgeting
Responsible to develop cost estimates for enforcement-related activities and
purchases necessary to deliver local programs, e.g. the time, effort and
materials needed for enforcement activities within specified budget limits.
Managing Money Flow
Responsible for negotiating the best possible price for the
sale of seized articles such as fish, gear, etc., to minimize the potential for
Crown liability and/or for the deposit of any funds received on behalf of the
Receiver-General for Canada to be disposed of as directed by the Courts.
Responsible for the safe keeping and continuity of any cash
that may be seized during the course of enforcement operations.
In some remote areas, responsible for the collection of license fees.
Spending
Responsible to account for monies expended in covert operations to detect
illegal activities for example buying illegally caught fish within specified
budget limits.
Responsible to save money by negotiating the best available price within
specific limits, and for verifying that goods and services are received for
example minor capital items such as binoculars, knives, repairs to vehicles and
vessels.
Responsible to deliver enforcement and compliance activities in the most cost
effective manner within specified budget limits.
Responsible for the use and reconciliation of accounts for government fleet
credit cards, government acquisition cards and government travel cards.
Fishery Officers are the Minister's front-line conservation and protection
investigative services for fish and fish habitat which are limited public
resources that may require decades to replace. Destruction of fish habitat by
harmful alteration, disruption and/or pollution may not be reversible.
Responsible for input and securing access to "law enforcement sensitive
databases" such as the Departmental Violations System or the Canadian Police
Intelligence Centre and the integrity of data being entered or retrieved.
Operates and is responsible for the use and maintenance of a wide range of
facilities, specialized enforcement equipment, vehicles and vessels used in
enforcement activities. These items are difficult to replace because of the
lengthy government acquisition process and/or the high cost of these items, e.g.
$200K for program boats. This is a shared responsibility with colleagues in the
work unit.
Responsible for maintaining sensitive electronic navigation equipment by
performing calibration and testing procedures developed to ensure function and
accuracy. Responsible to maintain camera bodies and lenses in clean and
unhindered functional state by attending to units upon return from field
operations. Require cleaning of lenses, examination of coupling devices and
attachments to remove dirt and grime resulting from field usage. Maintenance of
power levels through testing of batteries and proper storage of disposable and
re-chargeable power sources. Requires examination, maintenance and repair of
storage facilities and carrying devices to ensure safety and good condition of
sensitive equipment while transporting in the field or in static storage. These
types of equipment are replaceable at a significant cost and loss or damage can
affect the effectiveness of surveillance and monitoring operations. Quality of
evidence gathered and ability to identify suspects and suspect equipment can be
compromised.
Responsible for the proper storage and maintenance examination of program
vessels to ensure the optimum functionality and safety of colleagues. Requires
inspection of the trailer, frame, tires, winch and hitches and noting any
defects or abnormalities. Requires application of grease and oil and checking
and noting gauge readings. Requires attention to log records that indicate
maintenance intervals, consumption of fuels, hours of patrol activities and any
damages or abnormalities encountered on patrols. This responsibility is shared
and the requirement is to make sure the vessel is ready for use immediately once
it has been returned from the previous patrol activity.
Responsible for the use, maintenance, security and replacement of personal
issue enforcement equipment items, e.g. side-arms, pepper spray, ASP baton,
portable radio, encrypted radios, cellular telephones, binoculars, handcuffs,
flashlights, soft body armour, night scopes, video cameras, digital cameras,
thermal imaging cameras, stabilizing binoculars, lobster dye kits, electronic
tagging kits, electronic readers, global positioning devices, track plotters,
radars, satellite phones, lorans, black boxes and personal office equipment.
These items are costly and are replaceable but only within allowable budgetary
funding. This is an on-going responsibility that is not shared.
Responsible for the use, maintenance and replacement of shared officer safety
and survival equipment in vehicles and vessels, e.g. flares, fire extinguishers,
personal flotation devices, emergency locator beacon.
Responsible for the custody and protection of highly sensitive documents and
integrity of evidence seized or gathered during forensic or major investigations
to be used by the Crown during prosecutions some of which can last for several
years. Evidence cannot be replaced. This is an on-going responsibility and is
not shared.
Makes arrangements for facilities, equipment for meetings and seminars.
Ensures compliance by enforcing Canada's various laws aimed at conserving and
protecting fish and fish habitat "under" the Fisheries-related Acts and
Regulations and other related Federal and Provincial Acts such as the Criminal
Code, Canada Evidence, Young Offenders, Statutory Instruments and Access to
Information and Privacy. (See Annex A for a list of all the Fisheries-related
Acts and Regulations). This includes having to deal not only with fish
harvesters and the illegal harvesting by poachers but also with the public and
private sectors to ensure compliance with the habitat provisions of the Act
and/or departmental guidelines. Habitat provisions range from advice on how to
construct a retaining wall at a cottage to how a watershed is to be logged, or
how an urban development is constructed, etc. Ensures compliance with
Enforcement Protocols negotiated with First Nations. When considering the
circumstances surrounding violations, Fishery Officers analyze a wide range of
options and determine the appropriate enforcement response ranging from a
warning, monitoring activities or remedial works, to pursuing a prosecution and
follow-up on any Court-imposed orders. This is usually not a shared
responsibility but may require consultation with supervisors depending on
several factors including the severity of the offence, resources available,
Officer safety and political and socio-economic considerations that may be
germane to the situation.
As a Peace Officer under the Criminal Code of Canada, when enforcing the
Fisheries Act, he/she is responsible for taking the appropriate actions to deal
with criminal activity when encountered. This is a shared responsibility
requiring consultation with the police agency of jurisdiction.
As an ex-officio Conservation Officer or Game Warden under various provincial
legislations, and the Migratory Birds Convention Act, he/she is required to take
appropriate action concerning illegal activity associated with natural resources
encountered in the course of his/her regular Fishery Officer duties.
Responsible to report activities of colleagues that are inconsistent with the
policies and procedures that guide the safe delivery of enforcement activities.
This is a shared responsibility of all Fishery Officers.
Participates on committees and working groups tasked to identify innovative
compliance measures to address changes in public attitudes towards enforcement
in the fishing industry, and to develop new enforcement and compliance
approaches to deal with rights and cultural based commercial and recreational
fishing activities. Input is required to determine practicality and
applicability of innovative ideas as well as to make recommendations to alter
the new approaches to make them workable.
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Very good knowledge of:
Fisheries-related Acts and Regulations (See Annex A) plus other related
Federal legislation that pertains to the gathering of evidence, International
Agreements and Conventions, Treaties, Fishing Agreements and Protocols with
First Nation communities that are used in support of enforcement operations.
Marine and freshwater fisheries biology/ecology, fish species identification,
habitat requirements, aquaculture operations, scientific fish stock assessment
methodologies, marine mammals in order to understand the conservation objectives
and contents of fisheries and habitat management plans, Departmental policies
and objectives to effectively communicate information to user groups, the
judges, the general public and/or other departmental clients.
The various fishing techniques, fishing gear, fishing vessel hold layout,
logbooks used by the various resource harvesters to be able to effectively and
safely carry out enforcement activities and to detect violations including the
hauling and resetting of fishing gear after it has been inspected, e.g. nets and
traps.
The erosion control measures, bank stabilization methods, and other
construction techniques that are undertaken in order to be able to detect
violations.
Protocols involving breaches of Canadian sovereignty when pursuing foreign
vessels in Canadian and International waters, Treaties and Supreme Court
decisions.
Investigative and surveillance techniques using sophisticated electronic
monitoring devices such as photographic equipment, night vision gear, tracking
devices, electronic listening devices, remote monitoring, satellite tracking and
positioning devices, scuba diving equipment, aerial surveillance, and other
non-traditional surveillance practices and how to use them in support of
fisheries and habitat enforcement activities. Knowledge of how to work with a
K-9 team so that there is no contamination of the crime scene or that the wrong
person is apprehended.
Procedures for overt, covert and forensic enforcement activities, accounting
and business bookkeeping practices to ensure the evidence gathered will support
the prosecution in court. Fishery Officer training in these areas is equivalent
to that of a RCMP investigator.
Principles and techniques of the Use of Force Continuum for self-defense
including the application of lethal force and for maintaining physical control
of uncooperative and combative individuals who may be resisting arrest or
threatening an Officer with grievous bodily harm.
Techniques and practices that are required for the safe day and night
operation of highly specialized program vessels and vehicles in a wide variety
of marine, freshwater, arctic environments in all weather conditions. These
include marine/ocean, white-water river conditions, pursuit and armed boardings,
the towing of vessels and roadblocks. Knowledge of Wilderness/Arctic survival,
swift water rescue, search and rescue techniques and for the safe conduct of
scuba diving operations.
How to use various non-electronic and electronic navigational devices and
knowledge of hydrographic charts and topographical maps to establish positions,
directions, distances, bearing and heading to facilitate the safe operation of
program vessels and to gather evidence associated with violations.
Accepted techniques and procedures for the use of scientific instruments such
as pH meters, pocket colourimeters used in gathering evidence and legal samples.
Special investigative techniques used in interviewing witnesses and accused
persons associated with forensic investigations on major cases and how to
present expert evidence in court to ensure evidence will withstand the scrutiny
of the court. Fishery Officer training in these areas is equivalent to that of a
RCMP investigator.
The principles, procedures judicial processes associated with criminal and
civil law, legal documents such as search warrants, and how the rules of
evidence apply to enforcement activities when gathering the necessary
evidentiary elements to establish a strong case for prosecution. Legal documents
include those that compel individuals and/or corporations to provide access to
information that may become evidence in a prosecution. Fishery Officer training
in these areas is equivalent to that of a senior RCMP constable or investigator.
The operations of urban and industrial facilities such as pulp mills, sewage
facilities, logging operations, mining, oil and gas, agricultural, highway or
hydro projects subject to regulation under fisheries-related legislation, and to
know how to safely monitor these operations and how to safely collect evidence
of violations.
How to interpret and summarize data collected on fishing and habitat-related
activities to produce a variety of detailed reports for supervisors.
Techniques to interpret various types of enforcement data collected,
including enforcement trends, electronic data used as evidence, catch and effort
to assist in establishing and recommending enforcement priorities for the work
area.
Negotiation and mediation techniques to resolve conflicts and disputes.
Teaching and coaching techniques and philosophies to train new recruits,
colleagues, other agencies, enforcement partners and/or the general public.
Effective presentation techniques to develop educational and public awareness
presentations to gain increased compliance with conservation and protection
programs and objectives.
Practices, principles and procedures of first aid and cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation to provide care for colleagues and the general public in emergency
situations.
Computer hardware and software programs for investigation and report writing,
word processing, data management including specialized software programs that
are designed for the exclusive use of Fishery Officers i.e. Departmental
Violations System (DVS), Fishery Enforcement Activity Tracking Systems (FEATS),
Canadian Fisheries Information Network (CFIN), aircraft data management and
surveillance systems.
Knowledge of environmental and human toxicology related to hazardous
materials or conditions and shellfish contamination to ensure the safety of an
Officer, colleagues and/or the general public.
Work Unit: Very good knowledge and understanding of:
- Personal roles, responsibilities and the reporting structures of the
Conservation and Protection work unit and the relationship with other DFO
Sectors working in the same or adjacent areas.
- How changing work priorities can impact on staff, enforcement activities
and the relationship with the field supervisor.
- Local enforcement policies, guidelines, enforcement protocols,
fish/habitat management plans, exploratory fisheries and health and safety
policies and procedures that affect the delivery of enforcement programs.
Department: Very good knowledge of:
- The departmental mandate, goals and objectives/organizational structures
and the various roles and responsibilities of each Regionally and/or
Nationally, how they affect the role of the work unit, the nature of
enforcement and compliance activities, and the priorities associated with
fisheries and fish habitat.
- Internal administrative policies and procedures of corporate services for
pay and benefits, expenses, travel procedures, expense claims, equipment and
facilities requisitions, local purchases, training, leave, collective
agreements, etc.
- National and Regional enforcement policies, procedures, guidelines and
protocols such as for firearms, armed boarding, special operations, aboriginal
fisheries enforcement, and international boundary enforcement that affect the
handling of enforcement activities.
- The range of enforcement options available to Fishery Officers when
selecting the appropriate enforcement response given the circumstances at
hand.
- How the Canada Labour Code influences the delivery of enforcement
operations and the responsibilities of employees.
Other Federal Departments/Agencies: Very good knowledge of:
- The mandate of Environment Canada in order to understand the sharing of
pollution prevention and enforcement responsibilities under specific sections
of the Fisheries Act and their role regarding other Federal environmental
legislation.
- Memoranda of Understanding or Agreements with the RCMP and DND and
reporting and working relationships within other federal government
departments and agencies such as the RCMP, the Department of Indian Affairs,
Parks Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service and Canada Customs, Transport Canada,
to facilitate their assistance and/or participate in collaborative enforcement
operations and emergency response situations.
- The protocol with the Department of Foreign Affairs for dealing with
individuals and vessels of foreign origin and registry who may be fishing in
Canadian waters and/or in violation of Canadian and/or International fisheries
laws.
- How the Canada Labour Code influences the delivery of enforcement
operations and the responsibilities of employees.
Canadian Private and other Public Sectors: Very good knowledge of:
- Provincial police and natural resource agencies, the delineation of
responsibilities between federal, provincial, and municipal levels of
government to establish working liaisons and protocols for collaborative
enforcement operations and/or assistance in emergency situations.
- The role and responsibilities of third party contractors who deliver the
Dockside Monitoring, Observer, Charter Patrol Vessel or Guardian programs
required in support of monitoring and enforcement activities.
- How government policies, political and socio-economic factors impact on
the fish harvesters, fish habitat, and Canadian communities and advocacy
groups in order to avoid or defuse confrontations or negative media events.
- Aboriginal culture, treaties, settlements, Fishing Agreements, by-laws,
protocols, and policies that relate to the Aboriginal Fisheries including both
commercial and food/social/ceremonial customs and the role of the conservation
and protection program and Aboriginal communities in the monitoring and
enforcement aspects of these fisheries.
- Accepted standards of construction and engineering as they relate to
projects such as culvert installation and dock and boat launches, that impact
on fish habitat.
- Fishing gear and techniques used by fish harvesters and the handling and
processing of fish including fisheries business operations in order to
effectively and safely conduct monitoring and enforcement activities.
- Cultural sensitivities as they relate to domestic fisheries.
International Public and Private Sectors: Very good knowledge of:
- International protocols and prohibitions and the mandate of law
enforcement organizations from other countries in areas where joint
international patrols and/or enforcement activities are carried out and
cultural sensitivities as they relate to international fisheries.
- Counterparts at the state/federal levels when working in Canada/U.S.
border areas or fisheries in international waters.
Legislation and Regulations: Very good knowledge of:
- Acts, regulations, legal jurisprudence, Agreements, Protocols as they
pertain to Canadian or joint international enforcement actions associated with
domestic and/or international fisheries inside and outside the 200-mile limit.
- The Access to Information and Privacy Acts and related provisions that
affect the collection and release of sensitive enforcement, personal and/or
private information collected during monitoring and enforcement activities.
- How the range of enforcement responses are authorized or constrained by
Fisheries-related Acts and Regulations (See Annex A), the UN High Seas Drift
Net Ban, the Criminal Code, Young Offenders Act, Canada Evidence Act,
Statutory Instruments Act, the Financial Administration Act and how these
affect the nature and delivery of enforcement programs.
- Treaties, Fishing Agreements, Communal Licenses, Band By-laws and
Enforcement Protocols that affect or constrain the delivery of enforcement
programs.
- Enforcement procedures associated with the United States Magnusson and
Lacy Acts and how they affect U.S. vessels fishing in Canadian waters or vice
versa.
- Fishery Officer authorities as a Peace Officer under the Criminal Code of
Canada when enforcing the Fisheries Act and Regulations and the Coastal
Fisheries Protection Act and Regulations.
- Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act
as it relates to investigations and enforcement actions.
Communication Out:
- Writing skills to prepare court documents, court briefs for forensic
investigations and major cases, and reports to the Crown prosecutor and to the
supervisor concerning enforcement actions as it relates to fishing and
habitat-related activities.
- Verbal skills to present clear and concise testimony in court for major
investigations often under grueling cross-examination by defense counsel who
is trying to attack the credibility of the evidence or officer, or to provide
persuasive arguments to gain the acceptance of individuals or groups who may
have differing views about Departmental strategies and policies regarding
fisheries and habitat management.
- Requires good verbal and negotiation skills to control the dynamics of
enforcement situations to ensure persons comply with directions being provided
by the Officer to apprehend individuals, collect evidence, or ensure the
safety of colleagues and/or the general public.
- While dealing with client groups, heads of corporations and/or their legal
counsel requires good verbal and negotiation skills to paraphrase, interpret
and explain the intent or objectives of Acts, regulations, policies, fisheries
and habitat management plans, some of which are very controversial. While
giving public presentations, the target audience will be composed of people
with varying degrees of education and experience, often the environment is or
can become confrontational or highly emotional. This requires exceptional
self-control of personal emotions and verbal responses to maintain a
professional and courteous deportment.
- Requires verbal skills to communicate with people of different ethnic
backgrounds such as recent immigrants and crews of foreign vessels to ensure
their legal rights are respected as this could compromise any possible
prosecutions.
- Requires effective interpersonal communication skills to ensure the
effective delivery of education/awareness public relations/training programs
to interpret and deliver training to colleagues utilizing various techniques
and teaching aids in an adult environment. The ability to adapt language and
presentation techniques to respond to varying degrees of learning styles and
ensure the salient information is understood and correctly interpreted by the
course candidates.
Communication In:
- Ability to perceive and interpret and clearly understand the intention of
written communications from internal and external sources including agreements
and management plans that will have a bearing on the way enforcement
activities are conducted.
- Listening skills to hear and interpret messages, some of which can be
urgent, concerning the health and safety of Officers that are coming in over a
portable radio/satellite phone. In the case of a patrol or program vessel, a
number of radios can all be on simultaneously to monitor a number of
frequencies. Messages are often garbled or affected in their quality by local
environmental conditions or the limitations of the radio or phone equipment.
- Reading, comprehension and analytical skills are required to understand
comprehensive enforcement policies and procedures, Acts and Regulations,
fisheries and habitat management plans, licensing policy issues, Joint
Project, co-management and International Agreements, legal, scientific and/or
statistical data as they relate to enforcement matters.
- Requires the ability to perceive and interpret body language and
non-verbal cues exhibited by people or groups of people with whom an Officer
is dealing in various situations where people demonstrate confusion or lack of
understanding and/or while interviewing suspects who may try and deceive the
officer or who become aggressive, threatening or combative, where the officer
is trying to gather evidence and ensure their safety often during highly
emotional and very dynamic circumstances.
- Requires well developed listening, analytical and interpretation skills to
understand the significance of information and evidence gathered by all
methods (e.g. electronic, forensic, etc.,) during enforcement activities and
to be able to present testimony in Court as a Crown witness in a manner which
not only supports the Crown's case but where evidence will withstand the
scrutiny of the Courts.
- Requires well-developed listening and interpretation, verbal and
non-verbal communication skills for the performance of plain clothes and
special operations activities to impersonate another identity.
- Reading and interpreting complex corporate documents, financial
statements, production logs, etc. when dealing with major cases and forensic
investigations to construct the evidence package to be presented to Crown
Prosecutors.
While conducting day and night patrols and surveillance and
enforcement activities, there is a significant requirement for:
Equilibrium, physical dexterity and coordination when
embarking and disembarking fishing vessels, planes and land vehicles where there
is resistance to avoid apprehension, for operations conducted in all seasons and
during adverse weather and visibility conditions, or while carrying heavy
equipment or seized articles as well as when launching and recovering vessels.
Physical dexterity and precise hand-eye coordination to
utilize defensive weapons such as firearms, batons, pepper spray and handcuffs
and maintain mandatory qualification standards as well as to have the skills and
abilities to apply self-defense techniques to control and defuse potentially
life threatening situations and/or to arrest violators and/or when handling
fish/fishing gear during inspections/search/seizure.
The ability to perceive subtle changes while driving or
operating in environmental conditions such as marine, ocean, lake or river
conditions, ice, snow and fog. Hand-eye coordination and timing are significant
requirements. Strength and physical dexterity are required to make split-second
maneuvers and alterations in directions and/or speed to safely operate various
types of land vehicles such as cars, four-wheel drive trucks, all-terrain
vehicles and snowmobiles and various sizes and types of vessels when carrying
out enforcement duties which include whale-disentanglement.
Acute vision with a significant requirement to be able to adapt to frequently
changing degrees of ambient light while conducting day and night enforcement
operations over varying terrains and during all types of weather conditions.
Significant dexterity, sight and hand-eye coordination when
using sophisticated electronic and non-electronic navigation and surveillance
equipment such as photographic gear, high-powered binoculars and telescopes,
radars, plotters, depth sounders, and night vision gear. These devices are being
used to determine subtle differences in the speed and positions of boats, of
people and gear from great distances using these devices while simultaneously
engaging in surveillance activity and vessel operation activity.
Hearing to detect subtle differences in the frequency of
sounds, the direction of noises produced by various navigational aids, fishing
gear and engines, and from potential suspects while conducting enforcement and
surveillance operations under limited visibility circumstances in order to
ensure safe and effective enforcement operations.
Sensory skills such as sight, touch and/or smell are required
to determine subtle differences when differentiating between species of fish of
very similar appearance and in advanced states of processing, to determine the
nature of potentially toxic contaminates that may have been spilled or
discharged and/or to determine conditions that may pose a health risk to the
officer.
Sight and manual dexterity for keyboarding, data entry, and report writing,
preparing memos and letters, as well as the daily use of general office
equipment.
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Intellectual effort is required:
To quickly interpret, analyze situations and determine the best course of
complex enforcement actions from a wide range of possible options, often dealing
with major corporations, their legal counsel, often with minimal policy
direction, simultaneously with interruptions, distractions, time constraints,
potential threats to Officer health and safety, client pressures and uncertain
availability of staff and resources.
To analyze intelligence, observations, witness statements, documents, and
pictures in order to identify enforcement issues and prepare court briefs, and
comprehensive evidentiary packages that can include hundreds, and in large
multi-faceted major cases, thousands of documents including financial
statements, payrolls, production records, that must all be cross-referenced and
annotated for evidentiary purposes.
To stay current with the ever-changing socio-economic issues faced by the
various types of fish harvesters who often have competing interests in order to
tactfully and safely settle disputes between groups.
During an inspection or where a violation has occurred, to quickly decide
what evidence must be collected to support a prosecution. There is a need to
evaluate information on the state of mind and psychological profile of witnesses
and suspects, assess the most appropriate tactics, and to construct or modify
interviews with suspects and witnesses regarding non-compliance with Acts and
Regulations. Difficulties can include hostile or confrontational situations
where efforts are being made by violators and/or other parties who may be
present to distract the Officer's attention, to hide or destroy evidence or
escape apprehension while the Officer is trying to investigate and maintain
control of the situation. In some circumstances, care must be taken to preserve
the scene for the K9 unit.
To determine an appropriate course of action when faced with equipment
failure in situations where inaction or incorrect action could result in serious
injury or death to the Fishery Officer or others and/or the severe damage or
loss of very costly government equipment, e.g. vessels, vehicles, cameras or
night vision gear.
To paraphrase, interpret and explain clearly a myriad of comprehensive Acts,
Regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines, to explain the content and
objectives of fisheries and habitat management plans and how they relate to the
issues at hand, and to explain these to individuals with varying degrees of
education and experience, various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, often in
hostile environments requiring significant control of personal emotions and
actions while trying to maintain a professional deportment as an enforcement
officer.
When analyzing the success or failure of enforcement activities, be able to
recommend alternative strategies for improving the effectiveness of enforcement
plans and surveillance activities, fishery and habitat management plans and
co-management accords. This requires extensive reading and analysis of a wide
range of data from a variety of sources including investigation reports,
enforcement data, legal decisions and/or the annual post seasonal analysis of
enforcement operations.
Intellectual effort and judgement must be exercised in any enforcement
situation since any approach to a potential violator may result in the
application of the elements of the continuum of force, using the theory and
techniques of physical presence, verbal judo, open and closed hand contact,
pepper spray, ASP baton and including the use of lethal force. Intellectual
effort and quick thinking is required to make serious decisions in a short time
period. Officers must constantly be watching for physical, verbal and non-verbal
cues of a person's intended behaviour as decisions must be made instantly in
order for the Officer to safely carry out his/her duties and responsibilities
which can include the protection of his/her life, and the lives of colleagues
and/or the general public who may be bystanders to enforcement operations.
Conflicting priorities often require frequent changes of focus and/or new
problems arise which require different thinking and intellectual approaches to
address and/or resolve issues.
Intellectual effort is required to plan the collection of intelligence data
and statements from many often diverse sources and to thoroughly analyze this
information to produce a comprehensive report which presents a coherent and
logical sequence of events surrounding a violation and/or inspection plan in
order to successfully withstand a challenge in a Court of law. Often the
information is difficult to obtain as it may be from reluctant or unreliable
sources and might be deliberately falsified. On occasion when leading or
involved in major investigations may be challenged by managers and /or their
legal counsel on site.
When investigating or inspecting Fisheries-related incidents, or compliance
with Fisheries legislation and/or regulations, intellectual effort is required
to establish the causes and whether or not due diligence was exercised by the
suspect. There may be multiple causes and precedents which need to be considered
before arriving at a decision to prosecute. Often circumstances require that
decisions need to be reached quickly where consultation with others is
impossible or impractical.
Intellectual effort is required to analyze and interpret investigative
evidence and/or inspection results, compare them to regulatory and evidentiary
obligations, and organize the findings in a manner suitable for the timely
preparation of re-inspections, investigations and execution of search warrants
to avoid loss or deterioration of evidence. Forensic investigations include the
seizure of thousands of documents and or computer records that must all be
carefully analyzed (which can take months of tedious analysis) to determine
their relevance to the investigation as the costs of prosecution can be hundreds
of thousands of dollars. Often very tight time frames add complexity to analysis
and interpretation due to legal processes which must be followed.
Intellectual effort is required to think clearly and logically while
presenting evidence in court, often as a prosecution witness especially for
major complex cases. Quick thinking on the witness stand is needed to respond to
hostile and extraneous questions by defense lawyers.
Intellectual effort is required to interpret laboratory sample results and
field sample results and to explain these results to clients.
Intellectual effort is required when responding to public inquiries and
complaints, as officers often deal with demanding, hostile or emotionally
distraught complainants in order to determine appropriate responses to the
situation.
Intellectual effort is required to plan and develop training which meets
departmental standards in the least amount of time where course materials to be
covered are dictated by the standard, and the time allocated will not allow for
much discussion. The incumbent is required to ensure that all candidates meet
the required standard and this is achieved through an assessment of individual
performance.
Sustained attention is required for prolonged periods of time when conducting
surveillance operations, monitoring fishing and habitat activities and/or
gathering evidence in support of prosecutions. There is little tolerance for a
lapse in attention as critical activity and/or evidence can easily be missed or
overlooked negatively affecting the success of the operation. This function
comprises up to 20 % of the officer's field time.
Sustained attention is required when operating high speed (+40knots) program
vessels in close proximity to other vessels, fishing gear, and/or when
navigating in extreme weather conditions, in shallow, shoal waters, in a
constantly moving and unstable environment where lapses in attention can lead to
accidents and/or collisions compromising Officer safety, the safety of
colleagues and/or clients. There is little or no tolerance for a lapse in
attention. This function comprises up to 15% of an Officer's field time.
Sustained attention must be exercised while driving short or long distances,
conducting day or night patrols in all types of weather conditions such as rain,
fog, snow, etc. Lapses in attention can result in accidents, personal injury,
injury to colleagues and/or the members of the general public and destruction of
a crown vehicle. There is little or no tolerance for a lapse in attention.
Distractions while driving and towing program vessels are common and include
radio or cell phone calls, changing traffic and/or road/weather conditions, and
the physical and mental state of the driver i.e. tired, emotionally charged,
etc. This function comprises up to 30% of the Officer's field time.
Sustained attention is required when conducting covert operation and/or
following suspect vehicles during moving surveillance operations, requiring
special operation procedures often for extended periods of time. Lapses in
attention can result in failed enforcement operations as contact with the
suspect is lost and there is no second chance to gather evidence associated with
a specific violation. There is little tolerance for a lapse in attention. This
function comprises up to 10% of the officer's field time.
Sustained attention is required when conducting enforcement activities,
including armed boardings on fishing vessels, working on decks, in the holds
and/or in the processing areas while fishing gear or processing equipment
operate. There is little tolerance for lapse in attention as it can lead to
compromising Officer safety, the safety of colleagues and/or clients. These
boardings can last several days and comprise up to 15% of the Officer's field
time.
Sustained attention is required when conducting aerial surveillance for the
purpose of gathering many pieces of information and evidence often in a split
second. There is little tolerance for lapse in attention as the information
gathered often leads to court proceedings. These situations often last a few
hours and occasionally for several days and comprise up to 10% of the Officer's
field time.
Sustained attention is required when executing search warrants as it is not
possible to leave the crime scene until everything is searched. Warrants are
often executed in the face of hostile situations. Search warrants are executed
several times a year and can last on average one day.
Sustained attention is required when analyzing masses of data collected
(documents/computer records) as a result of complex investigations (for example
forensic). Officers must be able to review, catalogue and analyze information
hours on end, day by day, week by week and must remain focused on the task at
hand to make certain no relevant evidence is overlooked. As the information
often becomes key evidence in a court case, Officers must ensure that tedious
tagging, cataloguing and evidence storage procedures have been precisely
followed. These types of investigations can occur several times a year.
Between 60-70% of an Officer's time is spent in the field conducting these
types of activities.
Between 30-40% of an Officer's time is spent on non-field activities.
Testifying in court requires long periods of sustained attention to hear
clearly, understand and respond appropriately to questions posed by the Crown
prosecutor or defense counsel whose job it is to discredit the evidence or the
Officer giving testimony. Inappropriate responses can jeopardize the outcome of
the case in court and there is often no second opportunity to present evidence
or testimony. There is no tolerance for a lapse in attention. This function
comprises up to 5% of the officer's non-field time.
Entering enforcement-related data into the Departmental Violations System
requires sustained attention depending on the nature and status of the offence.
As this system is on-line and available to other Officers who may encounter the
same individual(s) within a short time span, it is essential that data entry is
timely and accurate. Failure to enter data accurately could precipitate an
inappropriate enforcement response by another Officer. For example, an Officer's
safety may inadvertently be jeopardized if information on a dangerous individual
was not entered into the system or where incorrect or incomplete information
results in enforcement actions against the wrong person because the name of a
person or vessel was incorrectly entered into the system. This function occurs
in an office environment where there are interruptions by colleagues, a
requirement to respond to telephone/radio calls, and/or distractions by clients
being served at the front counter. There is little or no tolerance for a lapse
in attention. This function comprises up to 5% of an Officer's non-field time.
Sustained attention is required while gathering information concerning
violations or providing information over the telephone, radio phone, responding
to Officers' queries re information on previous violations by individuals,
requesting assistance where Officers have found themselves in dangerous
situations, and/or in the preparation of briefing materials and reports that
will be used by senior management within the Region or at National Headquarters.
In the case of briefing materials, such materials are most often prepared within
very short time frames where mistakes in facts could embarrass the department
and/or the Minister. The same kind of distractions as noted in the previous
paragraph also apply. There is little tolerance for a lapse in attention. This
function comprises 5% of an Officer's non-field time.
The balance of the time is expended on administrative matters, equipment
maintenance, activity reporting, attending meetings, training or taking leave.
While on duty, there is little tolerance for a lapse in attention.
Sustained attention is required when attending training courses on
environmental or health and safety issues. Attention is mandatory for the
effective delivery of inspections or investigations and to maintain a safe
working environment. Need for attention during these courses is continuous.
Sustained attention is required when delivering training and making
presentations. Distractions can include phone calls, office visits,
conversations, changing priorities and general background noise.
Sustained attention is required when chairing, facilitating or participating
in public consultations, technical committees, advisory groups and ad-hoc
working groups. Internal inferences and external events may disrupt meetings.
Required to remain impartial, calm, controlled and professional on a
continuous basis while dealing with people who are often angry or irate, who are
often under the influence of drugs or alcohol, who are in disagreement with
laws, regulations and/or policies of the department, or who are or have been
subjected to or are the subject of an enforcement operation or lawyers who are
representing defendants. This creates highly charged and emotional situations
contributing to the strained and tense interaction between the Officer, the
individual or groups of individuals. From time to time, but with a growing
frequency, threats of physical harm are made against the Officers and their
families. There is no control over the timing or frequency of these situations.
There is significant emotional and psychological effort
required when assuming a false identity during covert enforcement operations.
Having to adopt another personality or physical characteristics may conflict
with the moral values of the Officer.
Coping with the stress and anxiety over the knowledge that
operational decisions can influence the personal safety of informants, their
families, colleagues and their families, particularly during special enforcement
operations. There is limited control over the timing and frequency of these
events.
Coping with any anxiety experienced when dealing with the
aftermath of a violent or potentially violent situation. In remote areas, there
is often no ready access to counsellors who are able to deal effectively and on
a timely basis with Critical Incident Stress. There is no control over the
timing and frequency of these situations.
Coping with the isolation from family due to long periods of
absence from home due to operational requirements, often with little or no
advance notice or preparation time. Some patrols and assignments can last in
excess of 28 days. This results in the disruption of family life, missed
personal commitments, marriage breakdowns and a general increase in tension and
stress in the home.
Emotional and psychological effort is required when dealing
and coping with unpleasant circumstances when responding to emergencies and
assisting other agencies in a disaster situation, accidents and/or the
requirement to provide emergency first aid. Officers are often expected to
respond to drownings, car accidents, missing persons and other such emergencies
and they are expected to provide assistance to the local police agency in
recovering bodies or assisting on-site where they may control the directing of
traffic and/or communications with rescue personnel.
Coping with anxiety resulting from isolated postings and
living in small communities where the Officer has to maintain a professional
distance and where they and their families are ostracized by the community given
the fact they are Enforcement Officers. There is no control over the reaction of
others to the enforcement actions an Officer might have to take against
community members.
Effort is required to control the adrenaline rush of emotions
that occur when engaging in special high-risk day or night overt and covert
enforcement activities. On occasion, this can include scuba diving. These all
require a high degree of timing and precise execution and Officers must exert
effort to stay calm and alert to the potential dangers of the situation.
Effort is required to remain cognizant of the fact that an
Officer must conduct his off-duty activities in a manner consistent with the
Fishery Officer Code of Conduct, an obligation that is not placed on other
department employees.
Coping with the anxiety associated with apprehension of high
profile citizens, the charging of major corporations or municipalities and/or
Federal and Provincial government departments including dealing with the media
who may be covering the situation.
Psychological and emotional effort is required when one is unable to express
one's own opinion when questioned by the public, business sector, or media on
contentious matters and having to only respond with factual information or the
department's official position. This often results in frustration which must be
controlled.
The work requires intermittent but sustained periods of
physical effort to retrieve, lift and move heavy equipment including scuba
diving gear, seized fishing gear and/or fish weighing in excess of 20 kilograms,
traversing up hills, on uneven ground, and/or working on unstable platforms. The
frequency of this activity varies from 3 to 4 hours a week and on occasions
longer, depending on the nature of enforcement activities being conducted and/or
the time of year.
The work has a daily requirement to transit unstable
environments, including rough terrain, climbing from vessel to vessel, climbing
ladders while carrying personal protective gear and associated defensive weapons
and other surveillance-related and support equipment which includes cameras,
telescopes, binoculars, portable communication radios and safety equipment such
as first aid kits. While conducting boardings or walking over significant
distances (1/2 k to 5k on a regular basis and up to 12 k occasionally), an
Officer must carry equipment weighing in excess of 20 kilograms. These
activities occur regularly in all seasons and types of weather conditions.
The work requires physical effort when launching and
recovering boats, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles to and from trailers.
The work requires physical effort in apprehending and
subduing violators attempting to evade capture and prosecution. These
individuals are often aggressive and combative which requires skill, significant
strength and endurance to gain control and subdue these people.
The work often requires remaining in the same position for
several hours during day or night covert surveillance, often in confined spaces
with little or no opportunity to move around or stretch. This can also be
compounded and affected by the weather conditions (rain, fog, ice or snow),
excessive temperatures (cold or hot), humidity and/or the nature of the physical
topography (rocky ground, hidden ledges or depressions in the ground). Movement
may attract attention and compromise Officer safety and the operation. This
activity averages 1 to 2 times per week.
The work may also require remaining seated for long
periods of time while driving a vehicle, operating a program vessel and/or
while working in the office at a computer terminal or at a desk. Approximately
35% of the Officer's time is spent in a seated position while conducting
surveillance and office duties.
The work requires remaining seated for long periods of time
while conducting aerial surveillance. Flights can last from 2 to 9 hours and
take place on an average of 10 times per year but can be as high as 40 to 50
times per year in areas where air surveillance is a key for patrolling large
geographical areas. During these flights, an Officer can experience rapid and
repetitive pressurization changes and high gravitational forces during excessive
turbulence that can last for sustained periods.
Practicing and qualifying with firearm to maintain
departmental standards for 4-6 hours at a time, 2-3 times per year.
Physical demands include the wearing of cumbersome clothing
such as survival suit, life jacket and body armour as well as the carrying of a
firearm, ammunition, baton, handcuffs, pepper spray and a radio in the
performance of duties for 8-12 hours at a time, 100 or more times per year.
***(Weighing 12 to 25 lbs)
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Psychological Work Environment:
On a daily basis, there is the requirement to carry out a variety of patrols
on land, air and/or sea for hours or days, with some vessel patrols lasting up
to 14 days. There is also the requirement to take the appropriate enforcement
response given the circumstances or when the safety of an Officer is potentially
threatened, which could require the use of the continuum of force up to and
including the use of deadly force.
When working aboard ships, there is physical isolation from family and
community for the duration with limited or no possibility of going home after
work. Stress and anxiety are created by a lack of privacy on board ships due to
the requirement to share accommodations and living space on a daily basis with
some patrols lasting 14 days.
On a daily basis, there is the requirement to be in contact with clients of
all types for all manner of reasons. Several times per day, there is the
potential requirement to deal with angry, abusive and irate people making
complaints about the department or expressing derogatory views about the
government in general. There is a requirement to deal with individuals who have
been subject to departmental enforcement actions, which creates strained or
highly volatile circumstances.
Stress and anxiety are created when angry and irate fish harvesters conduct
illegal protest fisheries, occupy departmental property or facilities for long
periods as demonstrations of civil disobedience. There is no control over the
frequency and duration of these demonstrations.
Stress can also be a result of threats or actual physical harm to the Fishery
Officer or his/her family or damage to personal or government property.
Stress, anxiety and strained work relationships are created in the work
environment when internal audits and investigations result from internal and
citizen complaints regarding an Officer's conduct. This anxiety and stress is
compounded by long delays in establishing facts and delays in dealing with the
impact of the results of these investigations.
Stress and anxiety can result from boardings of Canadian and foreign vessels
and remaining on board for several days while maintaining continuity of evidence
while decisions regarding the nature of enforcement actions are made at the
regional, national and international levels. The extended time periods on board
cause high tensions between Fishery Officers and the ship's crew.
Stress can result from irregular working hours, changing shifts and
schedules, extended periods of overtime, abrupt changes in pre-planned leave due
to operational requirements. There is no control over the timing and frequency
of these situations.
On occasion, there is a requirement to assist other agencies in accident,
emergency and disaster situations where the Officer may encounter extremely
unpleasant circumstances involving death or serious injury of persons.
There is a requirement to render emergency first aid to persons who are
injured in enforcement activities or who are victims of accidents and/or
emergency or disaster situations.
Isolated posts (small islands and remote communities) have the potential to
focus frustrations from clients on to the Officer and the Officer's family. This
has the significant potential to create tensions in the day-to-day community
interaction and in the Officers' home. There is no way to determine frequency or
duration of such hostility and tension.
Stress is also caused when working in isolated locations and having to depend
on equipment such as generators, pumps, radiotelephones that are subject to
failure without the necessary support services.
In the office work environment, it is often difficult to maintain
concentration or to control the pace of the work for any length of time due to
the shared nature of the support resources, e.g. one desktop computer station
for two or three Officers and the open office concept with a general lack of
privacy. Interruptions are frequent during the day due to conflicting work
demands, changing schedules, short deadlines, answering telephones and/or radio
calls.
When dealing with certain aspects of the fishery, the Officer is subjected on
a daily basis to sustained periods of foul odours such as bait for fishing gear,
fish being processed in plants or on-board fishing vessels and/or the potential
contact and/or exposure to dangerous chemicals or fumes while attending to
environmental spills and/or emergency situations.
There is a frequent requirement to conduct enforcement activities while in a
state of fatigue due to sleep deprivation caused by adverse weather conditions,
requirements for continuity of evidence and/or the requirement to work irregular
hours. This activity can occur at any time on a regular basis.
Stress is created from the knowledge that operational decisions may influence
the personal safety of colleagues and/or informants - particularly during the
course of special operations.
Physical Work Environment:
There is a requirement to work and conduct enforcement activities in confined
environments that can contain a variety of potential weapons found on boats
and/or in fish plants where knives, poles, oars, paddles, rocks, gaffs, firearms
and dogs are common.
There is a requirement to conduct enforcement and compliance activities on
land, at sea, on lakes and/or rivers and in the air where there can be extreme,
sudden and unexpected weather conditions or where there are unsafe ice
conditions.
There is a requirement to work in close proximity to fishing gear, heavy
machinery used in forest harvesting operations, road building, fish processing
equipment, and industrial manufacturing facilities.
There is a daily requirement to conduct enforcement activities requiring
transiting over unstable terrain in all types of weather and in highly variable
ranges of temperature (-40C to +35C), in varying light conditions, and some
operations can last twenty four hours per day.
There is a daily requirement to operate and endure prolonged periods on or in
vehicles travelling over rough roads and terrain in all types of weather, at all
times of the year, at all hours of the day or night. There is constant exposure
to noise, heat or cold, high winds, ice, snow, rain and/or dust.
While conducting patrols on the water, the platform is constantly pitching
and rolling and often times the deck is wet and slippery. Patrols are performed
in all seasons, at all times of the day or night, and in all weather conditions.
There is almost constant loud engine noise when working aboard in-shore program
vessels. Diesel fumes and gasoline fumes are always present. When working on
vessels in the winter, the Officer will experience temperature extremes from the
cabin to the deck where it can be freezing cold. The warm spaces on vessels are
often crowded and uncomfortable. This activity occurs several times per week all
year.
There is a requirement to conduct enforcement and compliance activities on
pack ice that presents an unpredictable, constantly changing surface.
While scuba diving, there can be strong currents, limited visibility and/or
overhead obstacles such as nets or fishing lines.
There is a frequent requirement when conducting boardings to enter into and
inspect fish holds and freezers for one to four hours. These places are often
dark, may be severely confined, and temperatures may range from -25 to -45
degrees Celsius. The change in temperature from deck to fish hold can be in
excess of 70 degrees Celsius.
During inspections or searches for fish/fish products, there is the
requirement for loading and offloading of equipment such as forklifts, winches
and booms as well as transport trucks.
There is the frequent requirement to conduct sustained covert surveillance
operations, working irregular/rotating shifts, often working in confined and
uncomfortable natural surroundings, in all kinds of weather, wearing cumbersome
equipment, e.g. body armour, duty belt containing a sidearm, ASP baton, pepper
spray, handcuffs, magazines, flashlights, radios, heavy boots, foul weather
gear, survival suits, life jackets, etc. Surveillance locations are often on
rocky shorelines, the damp and dirty areas around wharves and harbours affording
the best vantage points.
Working in the office while keyboarding, data entry, typing letters, memos or
reports and/or retrieving information can lead to extended periods of exposure
to glare from fluorescent lights and computer screens. Also extensive
keyboarding can expose muscles and tendons to repetitive injury syndrome common
to office workers.
Air surveillance is often conducted at low levels less than 300 feet and
conditions are often turbulent.
As enforcement operations are often conducted in tidal areas that can be
subject to extreme fluctuations in water levels and currents, Officers must
exercise care to make certain that they are not trapped or stranded from their
vessels and/or vehicles.
There is daily exposure to the potential for stabbing or the discharge of
firearms by clients and poachers, at and in the general direction of the Officer
when he/she is engaged in enforcement activities. This exposure could lead to
grievous bodily harm or death and as such, an Officer is required to wear body
armour while conducting enforcement activities.
There is a risk of injury, grievous bodily harm or death due to encountering
wild animals (most often bears) in remote areas while conducting enforcement
duties. There is also a risk of contracting hepatitis C from contaminated
shellfish and rockfish .
There is a risk to the Officer's health when conducting enforcement duties at
a variety of locations, including on board vessels that have factory processing
and freezing capability and at industrial facilities where there is potential
for exposure to harmful chemicals and other toxic substances, which could result
in short term or chronic personal injury.
There is a risk to the Officer's health when he/she is in contact with angry,
aggressive and violent individuals on a regular basis while effecting arrests
and performing enforcement activities. This can occur several times per week and
sometimes several times per day. Officers often encounter people under the
influence of alcohol or drugs who frequently exhibit unpredictable behaviour
that can increase the risk to the Officer's safety.
The officer is at risk of being exposed to dangerous communicable diseases
when attempting to control or arrest violent individuals who are infected with
diseases such as AIDS, HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis. Transmission of these
diseases can be through bites and scratches where blood or other bodily fluids
are exchanged in an altercation. This poses a significant risk to long-term
health and possible terminal illness. Some Officers have been vaccinated as a
precaution against hepatitis. There is a similar risk when having to provide
emergency care to injured persons the Officer comes in contact with as a result
of routine patrol, enforcement action, accidents or requests from other agencies
to respond to accidents.
Due to the requirement to spend extended periods of time outdoors, this
subjects the Officer to greater levels of "UV" radiation statistically raising
the chances of developing associated illnesses.
Extended exposure to all types of weather and working conditions, on a
regular basis, all through the year, where icy, wet, slippery and/or unstable
surfaces are common. This exposes the Officer to a higher risk of joint, muscle,
bone, tendon injury, frostbite, back injuries and muscle fatigue.
Risk of hypothermia and drowning while boarding boats which are moving or
when crews are actively resisting boarding attempts at sea which occur in all
types of sea conditions at all times of the year.
There is the unpredictable risk of falling through the ice resulting in
severe hypothermia or death when conducting enforcement activities on pack ice,
frozen lakes and/or rivers.
When diving, there is the risk of nitrogen narcosis, air embolisms,
decompression sickness-bends, ruptured eardrums and drowning.
There is a significant exposure to unstable platforms while working at sea
resulting in a higher risk of seasickness and dehydration.
Due to the requirement to spend extended periods conducting surveillance,
monitoring and compliance activities in wooded areas, the Officer is exposed to
a higher risk of anaphylactic shock and cumulative effects of being infected
with disease from insects and/or being bitten by rabid animals or allergic
reactions to bites and stings, e.g. lime disease, West Nile Virus, etc.
Significant stress where there is a threat to personal injury and safety
where an Officer is required to use force to defend himself/herself or his or
her colleagues or to bring a resistant individual under control. This could
require the application of deadly force. These types of situations are
considered extremely dangerous and pose a significant risk to physical and
mental health.
There is a frequent requirement to participate on aircraft or helicopter
patrols and at certain times be required to conduct operations under hazardous
circumstances in order to gather evidence or investigate illegal activities.
Due to the diverse nature of the work and the various pressures faced, the
work is mentally taxing and stressful. There is limited control over the daily
frequency of interruptions and changes of priorities. There is no control over
the manner in which dissatisfied clients choose to express or to vent their
frustrations often calling the Officer at home. This can cause extreme stress
and lead to the requirement for counseling and to absences from work.
Due to the occasional requirement to assist other agencies, Officers are
exposed to accident, emergency and disaster situations which may leave a lasting
impression on the Officer. This can lead to a requirement for short or long term
Critical Incident Stress counselling.
Officers are required to operate a wide variety of enforcement platforms
under all types of weather conditions, lifting large or awkward items seized in
connection with the commission of an offence and/or the requirement to move
heavy objects up and down stairs. These activities pose a considerable risk for
back, hand, bone, joint and muscle injuries that may have long-lasting effects
and possibly lead to disability.
Due to the requirement to carry a wide range of enforcement equipment on
his/her duty belt plus additional personal protection equipment, weighing from
12 to 25 lbs., an Officer increases the risk of drowning if he/she accidentally
falls into the water.
Due to the length of time and frequency of vehicle patrols and/or covert
mobile vehicle surveillance, Officers are at a statistically higher exposure
level to the risk of traffic accidents that could result in long-term injuries,
disabilities and possibly death.
Significant threat for severe personal injuries as the Officer is required to
work in close proximity to heavy equipment used in logging or road building,
fish processing equipment in plants or on board vessels and industrial
manufacturing facilities.
Engaging in covert operations where an Officer is required to work closely
with violators in order to gain their confidence can cause significant stress
and threat of grievous bodily injury or death and if the Officer's true identity
becomes known, it could place him/her at risk.
While working in the office environment, there is risk of repetitive injury
syndromes affecting the wrists, hands and fingers while doing key boarding and
word processing, as well as eye strain caused by the glare from computers and
back injury from uncomfortable chairs and improperly adjusted work stations.
Loss of hearing due to exposure for prolonged periods of time to vessel,
vehicle and/or aircraft engine noise.
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Acts, Orders and Regulations
Acts:
- Coastal Fisheries Protection Act
- Fisheries Act
- Oceans Act
- Species at Risk Act
Orders:
- Fishing Zones of Canada (Zones 1, 2, and 3) Order
- Fishing Zones of Canada (Zones 4 and 5) Order
- Fishing Zones of Canada (Zone 6) Order
- Territorial Sea Geographical Coordinates Order
Regulations:
- Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations
- Atlantic Fishery Regulations,1985
- British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations
- Coastal Fisheries Protection Regulations
- Fish Toxicant Regulations
- Fishery (General) Regulations
- Foreign Vessel Fishing Regulations
- Management of Contaminated Fisheries Regulations
- Marine Mammal Regulations
- Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations
- Newfoundland Fishery Regulations
- Northwest Territories Fishery Regulations
- Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations
- Pacific Fishery Regulations, 1993
- Yukon Territory Fishery Regulations
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Each Fishery Officer must be capable of monitoring fishing operations and
performing enforcement activities in two different environments. Some
individuals are primarily land-based and other individuals are primarily
sea-based but each employee in this group must be able to perform in either
environment.
Fishery Officers must be capable of prolonged periods of activity with no
significant outside resources.
Fishery Officers must be able to observe at a distance and identify
individuals in order to testify concerning a case and therefore must have good
vision, colour vision and hearing.
Vision and Hearing are also important from safety and security perspectives.
LAND-BASED PORTION
Land-based Fishery Officers are tasked with monitoring and reporting on
fishing activities using a variety of surveillance techniques, including aerial
surveillance and on-site observation.
Officers travel by and operate all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, motor
vehicles and small boats. For many operations, walking significant distances (up
to one (1) mile) over rough terrain is required. Direct observation is often
conducted from cover in rough terrain over prolonged periods and at all hours of
the day and night. These employees wear soft body armour (weighing some 7-10
lbs.) and carry 12-14 lbs. of equipment. Additional dry clothes may be carried
on some operations. Employees may be exposed to harsh weather conditions for
many hours.
Their duties require good vision in a variety of lighting conditions; night
vision apparatus may be used. Good peripheral vision is required for safety and
operational reasons. These employees also require good hearing which include
directional sense.
Suspects often flee and the Fishery Officer pursue them on foot, restraining
and subduing them, potentially with the use of pepper spray and small arms.
After an arrest, it may be necessary to carry "the evidence" for significant
distances over rough ground and up steep slopes.
SEA-BASED PORTION
In the sea-based portion of their duties, Fishery Officers may operate small
vessels or accompany seamen on larger vessels for periods of up to 28 days
continuously. They operate lightweight inflatable boats, potentially in high
winds and rough seas during boarding operations.
A typical boarding virtually involves climbing a rope ladder onto a pitching
vessel which can be expected to have slippery decks. These boardings may be
resisted. It is important that the Fishery Officers be able to move about
rapidly on the boarded vessel in order to ensure that evidence is not destroyed.
Vessel inspections at sea have on occasion lasted u to several days.
Fishery Officers wear survival suits in case they fall into the water during
boarding. They may be armed with submachine guns and even operate heavy machine
guns on some vessels.
LAND AND SEA-BASED
Physical strength, co-ordination and agility are therefore requirements of
these positions.
Land and sea-based employees are required to participate in a limited
physical fitness assessment program which tests cardiovascular fitness for the
significant physical demands of the job (significant METS) as well as upper body
strength and agility.
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Vision
- Must be capable of identifying objects/persons at a distance and detecting
signal lights/navigation lights
- Must have good peripheral Vision and depth perception. Must have good
night vision.
Hearing
- Must understand voice communication by speaking, shouting or radio, often
with background noise.
Colour Vision
- Must be able to discriminate colours.
Neuromuscular
- Must have normal strength, co-ordination and balance.
- Must have good manual dexterity in order to use pepper spray, baton,
firearms and handcuffs.
- Must be able to lift and carry heavy loads (20 kg unassisted) over rough
ground and uphill.
Cardiovascular
- Must have an adequate cardiovascular reserve for dealing with high degrees
of physical activity in adverse weather conditions and/or during stressful
operations.
Psychological
- Must not have significant mental health problems which would preclude
being issued a firearm and/or which would preclude safely carrying out
enforcement duties.
- Must not have a mental health condition which results in aggressive
response in a stressful situation.
General
- Must not suffer from a condition which could result in sudden
incapacitation.
- Must not have a medical condition which is likely to require emergency
medical care.
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Should not have peripheral vascular disease including Raynaud's Disease or
Berger's Disease as these workers are often called upon to work for prolonged
periods in harsh weather conditions.
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|
Examination |
Preplacement |
Periodic |
| Medical
Examination Category(*1) |
III |
III, every 3
years after age 39
Every 2 years age 40-54,
One year thereafter |
| Mental
Health Assessment(*2) |
Yes |
Yes |
| Visual
Acuity(*3) |
Class 0 |
Class 0 |
| Colour
Vision |
Class 2 |
|
| Hearing |
Class 1 |
Class 1 |
| Mantoux
Skin Test |
Yes |
No |
| Assessment
of Exposed Skin for UV related changes |
Yes |
Yes |
*1 Assessment to include questionnaire related to risk for cardiovascular
disease.
*2 To be carried out by examiner who should refer to a psychiatrist as
required.
*3 Glasses and hard or soft contact lenses are acceptable provided the person
meets the uncorrected standard.
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