Position: Program Coordinator
Organization: Strawberry Isle Marine Research
Location: Tofino, Vancouver Island BC
Housing: Although preference will be given to locals, we encourage qualified applicants from across Canada. Note: finding accommodation in Tofino and Ucluelet can be very challenging.
Dates: Jan 15 – Mar 31, 2020, with possibility of extension, flexible start date
Eligibility: age 30 & under (see below)
About Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society:
Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society (SIMRS) is a non-profit organization based in Tofino, British Columbia. We are dedicated to conducting long-term marine research and monitoring, providing marine mammal response, and educating the public about marine ecosystems on the west coast of Vancouver Island. SIMRS has been monitoring marine species in Clayoquot Sound since 1991, primarily focusing on collecting sightings reports and photo-identification of Bigg’s Killer whales in the area. We also monitor for Sea Star Wasting Syndrome by conducting sea star surveys at various field sites during the summer months. SIMRS, as part of the BC Marine Mammal Response Network, helps facilitate rescue and response to marine mammal incidents in the region. Lastly, we aim to educate the public on important marine issues through various education and outreach events. Our Build-A-Whale program is an interactive exhibit that travels around British Columbia to markets, schools, festivals and more, educating participants on the role of killer whales and the threats that face them.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Program Coordinator will assist in the development and delivery of a variety of marine species-related programming. This position will fulfill administrative duties in developing, organizing, and planning education and outreach events, including creating and distributing communication documents. The Program Coordinator is primarily responsible for delivering an engaging and flexible Build-A-Whale program to a wide variety of audiences and must be comfortable speaking in public and working with children and youth. This role requires travel around British Columbia, where the candidate may be away from home for a number of days or weeks.
The successful candidate will also assist in our research and monitoring projects by conducting fieldwork, entering/analyzing data, coordinating volunteers, report writing, and collaborating with local businesses and organizations. Applicants should be familiar with the marine life of British Columbia (marine mammals and intertidal ecology) and have a deeper understanding and current knowledge of issues affecting ocean ecosystems and threats to marine mammals.
Essential Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (Biology, Environmental Science, Education)
- Experience working with children and youth
- Comfortable with public speaking to a wide range of audiences
- Outstanding written, oral communication, and presentation skills
- Familiarity with marine ecosystems & marine species identification
- Experience in marine monitoring, data collection and sampling
- Creativity in developing communication documents (articles, newsletters, social media, website)
- Experience in writing successful grant applications and grant reports
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout Vancouver Island and B.C.
- Ability to work both individually with limited supervision, as well as with a team
- Organized, efficient, and able to multi-task on multiple projects
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, and familiarity with Adobe products an asset
Desired Skills
- Experience with database management, spatial analysis (GIS), and statistical programs (R Studio)
- Engaging and outgoing personality to coordinate and lead citizen science and education programs
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and anticipate needs
- Marine Certificates including MEDA3, Marine Radio, Marine & Operational First Aid
- Pleasure craft operating certificate and boating experience
- Experience kayaking & snorkelling
- Experience in community and stakeholder engagement
Requirements:
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada
- Aged 15-30
- Have training in biology or related field
- Familiarity with Tofino community and whale watching industry
- Possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Be physically able to safely lift 50 pounds and to kayak, snorkel, and hike
- Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays when necessary
* Applicants must secure accommodation in Tofino or Ucluelet for the duration of the position
Note: Our website is currently under construction, so please refer to our Facebook page for information about our mandate and research projects. The duration of this position is funding dependent, with the possibility of extending into a full-time position for the right candidate.
Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three references in PDF format to Karyssa Arnett at strawberryislemarineresearch@gmail.com with the subject line: Program Coordinator.
All applications are due by Dec 31st at 11:59 pm.