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Restoration and Nursery Technician
Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
CAD 55k-60k / year
Posted on Jun 24, 2025
Organization: Kelp Rescue Initiative (KRI)
Location: Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC), Bamfield, BC
Start Date: Immediately
Salary: $55,000 – 60,000 annually (commensurate with experience) + benefits
Type: Full-time (37.5 hours/week), Casual, 1-year term (renewable pending performance and funding)
Reports To: KRI Operations Manager
Application Deadline: Review begins June 20, 2025; open until filled
Organization and Position Overview
The Kelp Rescue Initiative (KRI), based at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC), was established to develop science-based solutions for kelp forest decline in British Columbia. Funded by the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF), and in close partnership with the Baum Lab team at the University of Victoria, KRI aims to understand the ecological and physical drivers of kelp forest declines (marine heatwaves, urchin herbivory, habitat loss) and restore canopy kelp forests at ecologically meaningful scales. Through the AERF, 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 and the North Salish Sea.
The Restoration and Nursery Technician will coordinate kelp culturing and kelp growth cycles in the BMSC nurseries, support decisions around kelp sourcing and outplanting, and assist with field activities such as sori collection, outplanting and ecological monitoring; both at the surface and through SCUBA-based work. They will work closely with the Deep Bay nursery technician and the broader BMSC and Baum team. The ideal candidate is scientifically grounded, results-oriented, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively. They will bring strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence in both laboratory and field settings to help advance KRI’s mission of restoring kelp forests along BC’s coast.
Role and Responsibilities
- Initiate, maintain and scale kelp cultures at BMSC, and, as needed, at Deep Bay Marine Station, in collaboration with the culturing and operations team.
- Coordinate lab operations, including spore release, culture initiation, media preparation and changes, water quality maintenance, contamination checks, and biobanking.
- Support preparation of kelp gametophytes for outplanting (e.g., tiles, spools).
- Contribute to optimizing kelp culturing, nursery and outplanting techniques through experimentation, literature review, and knowledge exchange with external experts; present recommendations to the KRI team.
- Isolate gametophytes and conduct targeted genetic crosses for genomic studies.
- Help develop and refine standard kelp culturing protocols.
- Perform independent and team-based lab and fieldwork, including sterile techniques, DNA extractions, light microscopy and various assays.
- Participate in scientific dives to outplant and monitor kelp, collect samples, and measure site conditions.
- Maintain personal dive equipment in compliance with BMSC standards.
- Keep detailed, accessible lab records and provide regular updates via reports and presentations.
- Manage lab and field supply orders and maintain equipment.
- Assist with report writing and publications; optionally lead nursery experiments and related publications.
- Ensure high-quality work aligned with project deadlines and deliverables.
- Collaborate effectively with the BMSC and Baum team.
- Perform other related kelp research and restoration tasks as required.
Required Qualifications
- BSc. in Biology, Environmental Science, or related discipline
- Scientific Diver certification (CAUS Level 1 or AAUS equivalent)
- Valid Basic First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Administration
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Proficiency with standard computer tools (email, word processing, spreadsheets, Zoom, Slack)
- Ability to work independently and solve problems with minimal supervision in lab and some field settings
- Experience working in geographically dispersed or collaborative teams
- Valid BC driver’s license
- Flexible availability, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends
- Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
Preferred Qualifications
- MSc. in Biology, Environmental Science, or related discipline
- Excellent time management and ability to prioritize tasks independently
- SVOP certification (including valid First Aid, MED A3, SDV-BS, ROC-M)
- Experience trailering and launching small boats (up to 20’)
- Comfortable working in adverse weather conditions for extended periods
- Previous experience at remote research stations
- Strong communication skills for both technical and general audiences
- Experience with data management and analysis (e.g., Excel, R)
To Apply
Submit the following as a single PDF (include your last name in the file name) to Jasmin Schuster, KRI Program Manager, at jasmin.schuster@kelprescue.org, with the subject line: “KRI Restoration and Nursery Technician”:
- Cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Names and contact information for three references
BMSC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.
As we are located in a remote area, we understand that additional considerations may be needed during the hiring process. We’re committed to providing accommodations at every stage, in accordance with the British Columbia Employment Standards Act (ESA). If you need any support or adjustments during the process, please reach out to our Human Resources team. All requests will be handled with care and confidentiality.