Job Description:
We are looking for a highly motivated Environmental Research Technician to join our team! The Research Technician will assist in continuing environmental assessments, monitoring, and research for Olympia oysters, Pacific herring, Cutthroat trout and Coho in Colquitz River, Craigflower Creek, Portage Inlet, the Gorge Waterway and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Tasks include, but are not limited to,: assessment of intertidal populations of Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida), a species of Special Concern, and their larval settlement; assessment and of local salmonid populations (Coho and cutthroat trout) and their habitat, including tagging, water quality monitoring, and habitat restoration; and collaborating with other institutions and organizations on their similar projects.
The candidate will also assist with volunteer recruitment, emphasizing the involvement of Indigenous peoples, children and youth volunteer opportunities with World Fisheries Trust. Duties will also include consistent and professional communication with volunteers, community groups, and co-workers, and associated administrative work, as well as developing educational displays, media releases, educational programming content, and attending community events. By the end of the placement, the Environmental Research Technician will produce concise and high-quality reports for internal and external use based on work they have completed over their term.
The candidates should have experience conducting field work, lab work, and mapping. He/she will be a team player who is capable of working independently, and maintaining consistent and professional communication with volunteers, community groups, and co-workers. Flexibility in the candidate’s schedule is necessary to reflect the dynamic nature of this position.
The Research Officer will contribute to these studies:
Assess the survival and recruitment of intertidal and subtidal Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) populations at various locations in the Gorge Waterway and Portage Inlet;
Monitor the settlement of Olympia oyster larvae and non-native species utilizing settlement stakes compliant with DFO protocol and therefore contributing to large-scale data set;
Create a high quality annual report summarizing the data collected regarding the native Olympia oyster in the Gorge Waterway;
Assess and monitor local salmonids, herring, plankton, and water quality as collaboration with other institutions and organizations (e.g. water quality testing for Gorge Swim Fest);
Maintain consistent and professional communication with volunteers, community groups, and co-workers and associated administration;
Assist in the development and maintenance of educational displays for the Gorge Waterway Nature House as applicable to ongoing monitoring and assessment programs;
Develop resources to share with the public including displays, media releases, and programming content;
Develop a community science data-sharing platform for observations on herring and other forage fish;
Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications Required:
Post secondary student in biology, environmental studies, geography or related field;
An understanding of marine animal biology and care practices;
Experience with self-directed studies, field work, data analyses, and scientific writing is desirable;
Valid driver’s license (use of own car may be required on occasion);
First Aid certification, CPR-C, and FOODSAFE (may be provided);
Willingness to submit a Criminal Record Check.
Eligibility Criteria:
Is between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
Is a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
Is legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial / territorial legislation and regulations.
How to Apply:
Applicants should send a resume and cover letter outlining why they would be a great fit for the position to our team at jobs@worldfish.org by May 6, 2020.