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Kelp Rescue Initiative Director
Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
Canada · Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Start date: Negotiable but ideally October 2023
Salary: $90,000 – $100,000 (commensurate with experience) plus benefits
Type of Position: Continuing Full-Time
Reporting Relationship: Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) Director
Location: BMSC, with a requirement to be present on the campus on a weekly basis. Residence in Bamfield is preferred though locations in other Vancouver Island communities may be considered.
Application deadline: September 5, 2023
Organization and Position Overview: The Kelp Rescue Initiative was founded at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre to develop science-based solutions for kelp forest decline in British Columbia. Funded through donations and grants, supported by partnerships with scientists at the University of Victoria and UBC, and working with provincial, Federal, and First Nations governments, conservation organizations and community groups, KRI aims to understand the ecological and physical drivers of kelp forest declines (marine heatwaves, urchin herbivory, habitat loss) and to develop scalable solutions for restoration. There is urgency to this work since kelp forests have already disappeared from some areas of BC’s coasts and are at further risk due to ocean warming. Since 2021, KRI has initiated an ambitious scientific research program, encompassing kelp forest ecology, genomics, and restoration experiments. The main study sites are on Vancouver Island – including Barkley Sound, the north Salish Sea and the Broughton Archipelago – and the adjacent mainland (Burrard Inlet).
The KRI Director will lead the research and restoration programs, supervise staff members and trainees, and represent and communicate KRI’s work community through outreach and education. The Director works closely with an Oversight Committee, chaired by the BMSC Director, to ensure that the KRI fulfils its mandate and maintains a high standard of governance and accountability. This is an exciting position suited to an experienced scientist and manager who is self-motivated, strategic, entrepreneurial, organized, results oriented, and who relishes the opportunity to lead a dynamic conservation initiative as it expands in capacity and impact over the coming years.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage a growing team of researchers, technicians, and other project staff to carry out KRI’s core mandate;
- Ensure KRI scientific research, restoration projects, and other fundamental work are designed rigorously, executed to a high standard, and kept on-track to meet project and funding deadlines
and deliverables; - Help to foster and maintain healthy, productive relationships with First Nations, academics, local conservation groups, and other partners within Canada and internationally;
- Work with BMSC teams to manage operations and financial reporting, and to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory policies;
- Apply for grants, manage budgets and report to funding agencies;
- Apply for and maintain scientific permits as required by government regulations;
- Communicate the results of KRI work through scientific publications, reports, scientific and public presentations, via social media, and in other public venues;
- Oversee research data management and laboratory record keeping;
- Represent KRI on local, national and international kelp restoration working groups;
- Identify and manage new funding opportunities and research collaborations; and
- Report to, and liaise closely with, the KRI Oversight Committee.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Doctorate degree in Biology, Environmental Science or related discipline
- Entrepreneurial mindset and a can-do attitude, with a passion for solving big problems through research and innovation
- Track record of successfully obtaining independent, externally funded grants, and managing grant funding
- Excellent results-oriented project management skills, including time management, ability to strategize and balance competing demands to ensure operational & reporting deadlines are met
- Experience managing and mentoring research teams with multiple employees, students and/or post-doctoral researchers
- Experience working in highly collaborative, multi-institutional research programs
- Experience preparing high quality scientific publications and project reports in a timely manner
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, including presenting complex science to lay audiences and journalists
- Ability to work flexible schedule when required, including weekends
- Valid Province of BC driver’s licence required
Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening required
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of kelp biology and ecology, genomics, and climate change impacts
- Experience and knowledge about safe boating practices (SVOP certification preferred)
- Knowledge and experience of involving First Nations in scientific research
- Experience working at research stations and remote field sites
- Proficiency in standard word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software
- Quantitative skills and proficiency of statistical, database software and GIS an asset
- Experience and knowledge with scientific diving (CAUS certification preferred)
To Apply, please submit the following in a single PDF document, with your last name in the file name, via email to director@bamfieldmsc.com with “KRI Director” in the email subject line:
- a cover letter explaining your motivation for applying, and qualifications, for this position;
- your CV
- names and contact details for three references.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: We value equity and diversity, and strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply.