South Coast Outreach and Research Assistant - Victoria, Canada - Ocean Wise

Ocean Wise

Verified Company

Victoria, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

_Taking action for the ocean today, so we can all flourish._

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Ocean Wise Sightings Network (OWSN) is a citizen science initiative which collects sightings of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises) and sea turtles from mariners, recreational boaters, and coastal community members for conservation-based research.

This position can either be based out of Vancouver or Victoria.

The South Coast Community Outreach and Research Assistant will provide support to the Whales Initiative's Outreach and Education Lead by conducting the following:

Promote Ocean Wise conservationbased research with local community members through a combination of online and inperson engagement;
Plan and conduct public outreach events to educate coastal citizens, recreational boaters, and local mariners on marine mammal laws and guidelines, and encourage reporting cetacean sightings using the WhaleReport app when on the water;
Assist with research projects by collecting and managing data as needed;
Assist with data management and analysis;
Contribute to the OWSN's online presence by writing blog posts and articles, creating Instagram posts, and conducting outreach events through virtual presentations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Build public awareness of the OWSN and the laws/guidelines for boating around marine mammals by:

Conducting "Dock Talk" outreach events at marinas around Vancouver, Victoria, Southern Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and the Southern Gulf Islands;
Planning, preparing, and attending community events and/or online events to promote the OWSN and build cetacean awareness;
Developing and maintaining professional connections with government, ecotourism, commercial, and conservation organizations to promote collaboration;
Responding to enquiries from staff, members of the public and media;'
Writing blogs and other articles for distribution on various Ocean Wise social and other media platforms.

Assist with SVICRI research projects by:

Contributing to the management of daily cetacean and sea turtle sightings reported to the OWSN;
Overseeing and supporting community volunteers during outreach events;
Assisting with data collection, data management, and analysis;
Maintaining field and outreach equipment;

Consciously desires to improve the Ocean Wise and its processes by:

Promptly aiding in Emergency Protocol;
Maintaining and supporting organizational safety standards;
Continually improving our impact on the environment and greening of operations through support of EMS protocols;
Actively demonstrating Ocean Wise's values and code of conduct;
Performing additional duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience, and Certifications

12 years' postsecondary education in biology, natural sciences, environmental studies, marine science, or related field;
Experience delivering educational programs or talks;
Experience with data collection and management;
Valid BC driver's license;
Project management experience an asset;
Supervisory experience an asset;
First Aid certification is an asset.

Skills

Strong organizational skills;
Knowledge of marine mammal biology and ecology;
Selfmotivated and able to work well under mínimal supervision;
Outgoing, energetic, and comfortable with public speaking and engaging the public;
Strong creative and scientific writing skills;
Excellent project management and time management skills;
Creativity and interest in the development of engagement materials;
Intermediate skills in word processing, database, and spreadsheet software;
Ability to learn and adapt in a constantly changing environment;
Resourceful, a problemsolver, skilled in meeting priorities and able to adapt to unexpected situations;
Ability and maturity to deal with a wide variety of ages and personalities.

Working Conditions

The incumbent will work in a shared office environment with the usual ergonomic risks. To minimize COIVD19 risk, office use will be coordinated to minimize interactions;
Ability to lift 25kg required;
Flexibility and availability in schedule are required during the week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Inclusion and Diversity: Ocean Wise is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are a company where diverse backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints are valued. Ocean Wise does not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, age, ethnic or national origin._