Coastal Waters Monitoring Assistant

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About the Loon Foundation

The Loon Foundation leads long-term environmental monitoring in the Salish Sea and Pender Harbour. Its community-driven program tracks ecosystem change, climate impacts, and human effects on biodiversity to support informed action and the protection of coastal habitats and species at risk on the Sunshine Coast.

The role

The Loon Foundation invites enthusiastic applicants for the position of Coastal Waters Monitoring Assistant to support hands-on ecological monitoring and environmental stewardship. The Assistant will work with the Coastal Waters Monitoring Manager to conduct surveys of Pacific salmon (juvenile and spawning stages), forage fish spawning activity, intertidal invertebrate communities, larval crabs, European green crab, eelgrass beds, coastal waterbirds, pinnipeds, environmental DNA, and freshwater quality. The role also involves processing samples, managing ecological data, contributing to analysis and reporting, and engaging with volunteers, community members, and partner organizations.

Responsibilities

• Work in person and commute to monitoring sites around ḵalpilin (Pender Harbour)
• Conduct ecological field monitoring across freshwater and coastal environments
• Collect, process, and identify biological and environmental samples
• Manage monitoring data and contribute to data analysis, interpretation, and reporting
• Support community-based freshwater monitoring programs and community science initiatives
• Assist with the coordination and support of volunteers participating in field monitoring activities
• Participate in outreach, education, and communications activities, including community events, presentations, and digital content

Qualifications and experience

Required

• A strong interest in ecology, conservation, and coastal ecosystems
• Applicants must live on the Sunshine Coast

Desirable

• A degree or diploma in biology, environmental science, or a related field
• Ecological field methods, including species surveys and habitat assessments
• Collection, management, and basic analysis of environmental or scientific data
• Technical or scientific writing
• Use of field tools and technologies such as GPS or GIS
• Working outdoors in varied terrain and weather conditions
• Experience supporting volunteers or delivering education or field-based learning activities
• Interest in Indigenous knowledge systems and collaborative approaches to conservation

Salary and benefits

The position may be full-time or part-time, depending on the right candidate. Full time: 37.5 hours per week, $50,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on skills and experience, with benefits. Part time: a minimum of 15 hours per week at $25 to $30 per hour.

Location and schedule

In-person, ḵalpilin (Pender Harbour), Sunshine Coast, BC. One-year term, starting as soon as possible, with extension likely depending on future funding availability.

Deadline and how to apply

The posting will remain open until the right candidate is identified, but the Loon Foundation aims to hire in October, so applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Email a resume, cover letter, and list of references to administrator@loonfoundation.org.