The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is looking to hire more enforcement officers in departments all across Canada.
In a hiring notice posted on Friday DFO indicated they need more staff in all seven of the nation’s fisheries.
No word yet on how many positions they are looking to fill.
In order to be eligible, there are multiple prerequisites candidates must have in order to be accepted. They vary based on location but include; basic physical requirements, an understanding of DFO policies, and post-secondary education. More info on all the prerequisites can be found on the DFO posting.
Applicants selected will join the DFO as cadets after which they will undergo around 34 months of training through the departmental Fishery Officer Career Progression Program.
Once fully trained DFO enforcement officers make between $66,610-$75,733 per year (DFO salaries are currently under review).
The application process is now open and will close on July 8, 2022.
Pointless if not given the teeth for enforcement
Fisheries Critic and South Shore-St.Margarets MP Rick Perkins says the need for more enforcement officers is clear however he feels it is pointless if enforcement officers are not given the support to enforce DFO policies.
“In Southwest Nova Scotia they’ve been ordered to stand down and observe, so hiring more officers to stand on the wharves and watch doesnt make a lot of sense,” Perkins said.
Conservative MP Rick Perkins speaking in the House of Commons. Photo: Office of Rick Perkins.
He would like to see more clarity provided on when DFO officers are supposed to act, before a major hiring wave is undertaken.
Perkins has been critical of DFO spending in recent weeks, particularly in regards to DFO executive positions.
“Since the first Trudeua government, there has been an increase in DFO executive positions from 65 to 178, with all those earning the highest pay available in the DFO.”.
He wonders why that is nessecary as more fisheries have closed in that period.
