Marine Sciences Educator

The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (WCUMSS)

For over 50 years, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) has supported year-round education and research on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. BMSC is owned and managed by a not-for-profit organization, the Western Canadian Universities Marine Sciences Society (WCUMSS), whose members are University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University and University of Victoria. Our vision is to enable life-changing exploration and discovery in marine and coastal environments. Our educational programs include short programs for high school students, multi-week courses for undergraduate and graduate credit, and multi-day workshops. Access to pristine coastal waters and forests is a hallmark of BMSC education, and the BMSC maintains a fleet of boats that support ocean access while an amazing seawater delivery system supports the husbandry of animals on the campus. BMSC is an important member of the local community and partnered with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations on several research, education and community initiatives.

The Position

We are seeking Marine Science Educators to join our team in the Field Trip Program from January 27, 2025 to May 23, 2025. Educators support marine science education on the west coast of Canada, and will have a unique opportunity to obtain vital exposure, experience, and specialized training across a number of areas in the marine and coastal sciences at the BMSC. Educators report to the Field Trip Program Coordinators and will receive additional training by other skilled staff. The position requires enthusiastic and energetic individuals who are able to lead students through hands-on field and lab activities that cover a fun and diverse range of scientific topics, including marine biodiversity, oceanography, rainforest ecology, and place-based learning in Huu-ay-aht First Nations territory. These programs are supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Promoscience program, and include extensive experiential, curriculum-based active learning while piloting vessels, leading walks in the forest, and studying local beaches. Aspects of this position may be physically rigorous, such as lifting/carrying buckets full of water, hiking, and working for extended periods outside in a rainforest (rainy!) environment.

This is a full-time hourly position for approximately 37.5 hours per week. The hourly wage is $19/hour in addition to benefits. The position is unionized (CUPE 401) and members are entitled to benefits as defined in the Collective Agreement. Shared accommodations with other staff at the BMSC are available for rent, either in a private room in a shared cabin or in a mobile home (both with kitchen facilities). Ability to work a flexible schedule that often includes evenings and weekends is required.

Responsibilities

Any previous experience in these areas will be considered an asset, however the expectation is that candidates will develop skills in these areas:

• Lead classroom and field-based science activities for youth, ensuring instruction and safety during labs, workshops, low-tide beach trips, plankton tows, rainforest walks, and site tours
• Operate boats with up to 12 passengers on board (if certified appropriately with SVOP, ROC M, SDV-BS certifications)
• Assist with the collection and care of live marine organisms, including general husbandry, maintenance of habitats, feeding, and monitoring animal health on a daily basis, as required by the Canadian Council of Animal Care
• Provide exceptional client support at our remote field campus by greeting guests on arrival and communicating information on safety and orientation
• Assist in the collection and curation of ocean monitoring and biodiversity data with BMSC partners (e.g. Ocean Networks Canada), development of Standard Operating Procedures, and other administrative tasks
• Work with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations to integrate Nuu-chah-nulth language and indigenous knowledge into the existing BMSC educational programming
• Assist the BMSC’s Science Communication team in producing and delivering content to the public via various social media
• Assist in the procurement, maintenance, organisation and sharing of equipment and field gear

Qualifications

• BC Criminal Records Check (or equivalent) required. This is sometimes called a ‘vulnerable sector check’ and is required since applicants will be working with youth.
• Small Vessel Operator’s Proficiency (SVOP), Restricted Operator’s Certificate Marine (ROC M), and Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDV-BS) certifications are an asset. Previous experience driving boats is an asset
• Valid Marine Basic First Aid, or any 16-hr First Aid course with CPR-C is required. Wilderness First Aid is an asset
• BSc in marine sciences or related field is required
• Proficiency with common computer software or apps, including: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Zoom
• Valid Class 5 or Class 4 drivers licenses are an asset

Competencies

A strong Service Orientation, preferably having experience working with the public, including students or youth. This means focusing one’s efforts on discovering and meeting the needs of visiting school groups, researchers, and other clients.

Teamwork and Cooperation. This involves the ability to work cooperatively with staff in the Field Trips Program as well as staff in other departments. It requires the desire and ability to understand and respond effectively to others from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.

Flexibility, and willingness to adapt to and work effectively in unexpected situations, and with diverse individuals or groups. Flexibility entails understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue, adapting one’s approach as situations change, and accepting changes within one’s own job or organization.

A Sense of Adventure, including willingness to relocate to Bamfield, BC. Bamfield is a remote village in the traditional territory of the Huu ay aht First Nation, accessible only by ferry or logging road. It’s a small town with limited access to food services, medical support, and other amenities commonly available in the city. This part of the coast regularly receives 3+ metres of rain throughout the year, and life in Bamfield often involves things like ordering groceries on the ferry and travelling by boat from one side of town to the other. Bamfield is home to some stunning beaches, a healthy coastal rainforest, and easy access to the Pacific Ocean with many kilometres of coastline ready to be explored!

Eligibility

Candidates must be Canadian citizens, or have Permanent Resident or Refugee status. Unfortunately, students on a work permit or visa are not eligible.

We are committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus that is accessible to all and free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. The BMSC recognizes that diverse staff and clients benefit and enrich our workplace and the broader community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been, and continue to be, encountered by equity seeking groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible/racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. Strong candidates will demonstrate awareness of issues relating to diversity and inclusion in the sciences and science communication fields including the need to make them more accessible to a broader range of students and audiences.

We will respond to all applicants to confirm receipt of their application, however, only short-listed candidates will be further contacted for an interview. Please note that we will be out of office for the holidays, so you might not hear back from us until after the application deadline. Please apply by e-mail and include a cover letter, resume and contact info for two references (all saved as a single PDF document with filename YourSurname_MarineEducator2025.pdf). Use the subject line: “Application for Marine Science Educator position”. Send your application or any questions about this position to fieldtrips@bamfieldmsc.com. The deadline to apply is January 6th, 2025.