Outreach Assistant, OWSN - Vancouver

Taking action for the ocean today, so we can all flourish tomorrow.

Ocean Wise is the world-class ocean change maker for concerned collaborators; big and small who want practical solutions with real impact so that they feel empowered and take action to protect oceans, humanity, and the world we live in.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Ocean Wise Sightings Network (OWSN) is an Ocean Wise conservation and research program that operates in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

The OWSN collects sightings of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises) and sea turtles from a diverse network of researchers, professional mariners, recreational boaters, and coastal citizens throughout coastal British Columbia and Washington State.

The OWSN promotes the conservation of these species / populations through outreach activities including presentations, information booths at marinas and community events (Dock Talks), distribution of brochures / posters, blogs / newsletters, and educational signage (The Whale Trail).

One of the OWSN’s principal activities is to decrease vessel associated impacts to cetaceans through targeted outreach in coastal communities and with both recreational and commercial mariners.

The OWSN encourages mariners to follow Marine Mammal Regulations while on the water and solicits real-time cetacean sighting reports via the WhaleReport smartphone application.

These real-time sightings are used to inform Ocean Wise’s WhaleReport Alert System (WRAS), a marine situational awareness tool which notifies commercial mariners of whales in their vicinity so that they may take mitigation measures to reduce the risk of collision and disturbance.

The Outreach and Research Assistant will be a flexible, self-motivated individual who can take initiative and conduct their work with minimal direct supervision.

In this role, they will play a leading role in promoting the OWSN throughout Vancouver Mainland, Howe Sound, and the Sunshine Coast by :

• Promoting Ocean Wise conservation-based research with local community members through a combination of online and in-person engagement;
• Planning and conducting 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;
• Coordinating a team of 3-5 volunteers at outreach events;
• Assisting with sightings data management and analysis;
• Contributing 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 a minimum of 10 Dock Talk outreach events at marinas around Vancouver, Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast and adjacent islands, and Howe Sound to educate recreational boaters about Marine Mammal Regulations and guidelines;
• Planning, preparing, and attending community events and / or online events to promote the OWSN and build cetacean awareness;
• Overseeing and supporting a team of 3-5 Ocean Wise volunteers during outreach events;
• 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 communications pieces for distribution on various Ocean Wise social and other media platforms.
• Contributing to the management of daily cetacean and sea turtle sightings reported to the OWSN;
• Maintaining 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

• 1-2 years’ post-secondary education in biology, natural sciences, environmental studies, marine science, or related field (or equivalent experience);
• Knowledge of local cetacean species and coastal BC geography;
• Experience delivering educational programs or talks;
• Experience with data collection and management;
• Valid BC driver’s license and access to a vehicle essential;
• Supervisory experience an asset;
• First Aid certification is an asset.

Skills

• Strong organizational skills;
• Knowledge of marine mammal biology and ecology;
• Self-motivated and able to work well under minimal supervision;
• Outgoing, energetic, and comfortable with public speaking and engaging the public;
• Strong writing skills, demonstrated ability to disseminate scientific literature into educational blogs and other articles for the general public;
• Excellent organizational 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 problem-solver, 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 an office environment with the usual ergonomic risks. Candidate may choose to work remotely or in a shared office environment at Ocean Wise’s Vancouver headquarters.
• During outreach events, candidate will be exposed to sun, seasonal weather, and rough terrain;
• Ability to lift 25kg required;
• Candidate must have access to a vehicle for work-related travel (mileage compensated);
• Candidate must be able to travel within the region, potentially overnight, with many outreach activities occurring on weekends;
• 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 companywhere diverse backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints are valued.

OceanWise 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.

Ifthis posting and our mission to protect our oceans for future generations hasignited a passion within yourself, we encourage you to submit an applicationtoday. Come join us!