Research and Community Coordinator - Halifax, Canada - Future of Marine Ecosystems research lab

Description

Job Title:
Research and Community Coordinator


Research Project Title:
Restoring seagrass for climate-smart communities in Nova

Scotia:
restore what we lost, protect what we have, build for the future


Faculty/ Department:
Biology


Duration:3 years 4 months (July October 2026)


Date Created:
April


Department:
Biology


Location:
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada


Employee Group:
Grant-Paid


Number of Vacancies:1, open until filled


Duration of Contract:
July October months)


Employment Type:
Full Time


Salary:
$55,000 - $60,000 per annum plus benefits (35 hours per week)


About the Work
The project aims to conduct science-grounded climate-smart restoration of eelgrass meadows with local communities across the Maritimes. It combines community engagement, scientific trials and research, and outreach and education.


Job purpose

Reporting to the Lead Scientist, the Research and Community Coordinator will coordinate research and restoration activities across the many partners in the project.

These activities include those related to eelgrass replanting, fostering and maintaining partner and community relationships and supporting logistics and research activities around eelgrass restoration and mapping, project management, monitoring project development and success, engaging with outreach, and arranging meetings for all partners.

Duties and responsibilities

• Coordinate with project partners, collaborators, contractors, volunteers, and local community members, including site visits and fostering and maintaining strong working relationships
• Coordinate project in regular and close exchange with Indigenous Community Coordinator
• Coordinate with project steering team and Project Lead Scientist to develop robust plans to achieve strategic objectives.
• Organize fieldwork logistics and ensure safe and effective working conditions for restoration procedures
• Organize project meetings and workshops
• Develop and organize outreach and educational activities in collaboration with project partners and communities
• Ensure project stays on track to meet timeline and deliverables, and monitor and report progress
• Perform administrative duties, including coordinating contracts and internships, handling reimbursements, drafting progress reports and supporting PIs in meeting project requirements, establishing work and safety protocols, conducting equipment inventories
• Conduct outreach including updating website and social media accounts
• Assist and contribute to research through regular updates of relevant literature, preparation of summaries and research protocols and other related activities
• Represent the project at various events, delegating and organizing interns and volunteers

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree, ideally in a scientific or outreach field
• Experience in project coordination and management, budgeting/finances and report writing
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and organizational abilities
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Driver's license

Assets

• Experience working with small communities in the Canadian Maritimes
• Experience working with Indigenous communities
• Experience in environmental, social or marine science
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Experience with social media outreach
• Fieldwork experience optional
• Further beneficial skills: Pleasure Boat Operator License, Diving Certification

Working conditions

The position will be based at the FOME lab in the Life Sciences Centre at Dalhousie University, a research group centered around marine biodiversity and conservation, but will involve visits to partners and restoration sites.

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) based on operational requirements and university guidelines, although some presence in the office each week will generally be required.

The work will change seasonally, with winter/spring being project planning and development, and summer/fall being more centered on organizing hands-on replanting with local communities and scientific research.

On special occasions such as for community events and workshops some travel and potential evening or weekend work might be required (but if so, time off in lieu is provided).

An opportunity to take part in some fieldwork will be made available, but is optional.

Dalhousie's vaccine mandate has been suspended at this time, and employees no longer need to provide proof of full vaccination.

However, health and safety risks to our community will continue to be monitored and a vaccine mandate may be reinstated if necessary.

Additional Information

The successful applicant will closely work with a young and diverse team consisting of scientists, students, interns, and community volunteers as well as Indigenous community members.

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