Research Assistant, North Coast Stewardship

Job Category: Whales

Requisition Number: RESEA001030

Apply now

Posting Details

• Posted: March 25, 2025
• Full-Time
• Hybrid
• Salary: $51,300 CAD per year

Locations

• Remote, BC
• British Columbia, CAN

Job Details

Description

We need the ocean. The ocean needs us.

Role Summary

As a Research Assistant for North Coast Stewardship, you will be responsible for conducting seasonal outreach and assisting with research on the North Coast of British Columbia (BC) to support the Whales Initiative’s annuals for the Whale Report Alert System (WRAS) and the Whale Health and Monitoring (WH&M) programs. You will work in collaboration with other Whales staff to help gather information on the abundance and seasonal distribution of whales and sea turtles in Northern BC while contributing to the success of the Whales Initiative.

This fixed-term contract runs from May 12th - August 29th 2025 and may be extended if additional funding is secured.

Who You Are

You are a passionate and self-motivated marine conservationist with strong communication skills, capable of engaging diverse audiences and conducting field research on BC’s North Coast. You have a background in biology or a related field, experience in outreach and data management, as well as the ability to work independently in remote coastal communities.

What You Will Be Doing

Program Assistance

• Supporting the execution of the Ocean Wise Sighting Network by assisting with seasonal outreach schedules and the completion of all project activities
• Assisting with the OWSN database including controlling data accuracy and engaging with data providers.
• Supporting the creation of Whales Initiative content for social media, blogs, magazine articles, and/or newsletters.
• Assisting with the collection of whale health data on the North Coast, including on-water efforts when required.
• Assisting with other Whales Initiative research projects in conjunction with the Senior Manager, WH&M.

Outreach & Partner Engagement

• Planning and conducting public outreach events on the North Coast (i.e., Prince Rupert, Port Edward, Terrace, Kitimat, Haida Gwaii) to educate coastal citizens, recreational boaters, and local mariners on Marine Mammal Regulations and Be Whale Wise guidelines
• Encouraging reporting of whale and sea turtle sightings using Ocean Wise’s Whale Report app.
• Promoting the Whales Initiative, the OWSN, and the WRAS to Ocean Wise stakeholders, community members, and other targeted audiences at public lectures (virtual and in-person).
• Assisting the North Coast Research Specialist with the development and retainment of professional links with Indigenous communities, commercial mariners, conservation groups, ecotourism companies, commercial fishers and sport fishers on the North Coast that collect and contribute data to the OWSN and WRAS.
• Conducting WRAS and species ID training sessions in northern BC (virtual and in-person) for commercial mariners and coastal citizens to increase Whale Report downloads and real-time use.
• Assisting the North Coast Research Specialist with supervising and training outreach volunteers (1-3).

What You Bring

• Demonstrated experience in Biology or related field with knowledge of ocean conservation and marine animals.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong public speaking skills, with demonstrated experience in science communication and collaborator engagement.
• Ability to tailor presentations and materials to diverse audiences.
• Experience writing social posts, newsletters, popular articles, and/or reports.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to carry and transport heavy (5-20kg) materials and equipment to outreach locations (including remote and rural communities).
• Valid BC drivers license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Assets include:
• Knowledge of local whale and sea turtle populations, whale watching regulations and protection measures, and coastal BC geography.
• Bachelor’s (BSc) Degree in Biology or related field.
• Experience working successfully with academic, government, industry, and/or NGO partners in Canada.
• Experience in database management, marine based fieldwork, and whale/dolphin/porpoise photo-ID.
• Experience in supervising small teams or volunteers.
• Experience with creating social media or website content.
• R, GIS, or equivalent coding and analysis experience.
• First Aid certification.
• Small Vessel Operator’s Proficiency certificate (SVOP), Marine Emergency Duties A2 or A3 certificate (MEDA2/3), and/or Marine Radio Operators certificate (ROC-M).

How You Will Be Measured

• Number of outreach events conducted.
• Number of people engaged and trained through outreach activities.
• Ability to train and supervise volunteers.
• Number of Whale Report sightings quality checked and entered in the OWSN database.
• Represents Ocean Wise at key events to build visibility and credibility in the field of whale conservation in BC.
• Supports the success of the Whales Initiative’s summer research projects.

What We Offer

This full-time, contract position offers:

• A remote working environment based in northern BC in the community of either Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, or Haida Gwaii.
• A competitive base salary, $48,600 - 51,300, in line with market data for not-for-profit organizations
• Vacation pay in lieu of vacation days.
• 5 sick days after 90 days of employment.
• The opportunity to be part of a team that’s helping to save the ocean!

Where and How You’ll Work

This is a remote-first position based on BC’s North Coast, with regular in-person outreach events and fieldwork expected during the summer months. The standard work week for this role is 37.5 hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional exceptions for some evening or weekend work, especially during summer outreach.

Who We Are

Ocean Wise is a global conversation organization on a mission to build communities that take meaningful action to protect and restore our ocean. Learn more about us at ocean.org.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Ocean Wise, we believe that a welcoming and diverse workplace fosters the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented. We encourage applications from individuals belonging to equity-deserving groups and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.

Travel Required

ex. Prince Rupert, Port Edward, Terrace, Kitimat, Haida Gwaii

2025-03-28~HG