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Call for Applications: Teaching Assistants for Multiple Field Courses at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
IT
Canada · Vancouver, BC, Canada
CAD 25-25 / hour
Posted on Mar 13, 2026
Job Title: Teaching Assistant – University Summer Programs
Location: Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC
Job Type: Casual, CUPE 401
Wage: $25 per hour
Class Dates: see Appendix A for course schedule
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled
The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) is a renowned research and education facility located on the traditional territories of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. Governed by the Pacific Marine Science Alliance (PMSA), which includes the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University, and University of Victoria, BMSC is dedicated to inspiring transformative relationships with the oceans through science and training the next generation of ocean scientists.
Our University Programs department is seeking dedicated and knowledgeable Teaching Assistants (TAs) for BMSC summer field courses. A complete list of 2026 BMSC Summer courses is listed in Appendix A. The TA will support course delivery by assisting with fieldwork, coordinating laboratory sessions, and helping students build their learning and research skills. The ideal candidate will have subject matter expertise, strong instructional abilities, and be certified to operate small boats. This is also a fantastic opportunity to gain teaching experience in a dynamic and supportive environment. You’ll work closely with bright, motivated students and become part of a vibrant, diverse community of coastal and ocean scientists —all while spending time in one of the most beautiful, biodiverse, and unique coastal settings in Canada.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation of labs, lectures, and field trips at an upper undergraduate and graduate level.
- Demonstrate and support advanced lab and field techniques
- Provide guidance on the collection, handling, and care of marine organisms and/or oceanographic samples
- Help students develop skills in field sampling techniques, use of field and lab. equipment, and other skills related to the course
- Ensure safety and protocol compliance in lab and field settings
- Operate BMSC vessels if appropriately certified
- Participate in course planning and communicate effectively with instructors and students
- Assist in assessment of student knowledge of course materials, including marking of labs, assignments, tests and exams
Work Hours:
- This TAship is a unionized position under CUPE 401. Given the compressed nature of the course, TAs are expected to work approximately 10 hours per day, five to six days per week. Overtime will be paid in accordance with the collective agreement. Instructors may also request that TAs arrive 1–2 days before the course for preparation and stay 1–2 days after the course for cleanup and marking.
- In accordance with Article 15.02 of the Collective Agreement, hours of work may vary depending on the course syllabus and may include field and lab sessions, as well as self-scheduled tasks like marking, which may occur outside regular business hours. Successful candidates will receive an appointment letter outlining the average number of hours assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience with course content at an upper undergraduate or graduate level
- Valid First Aid certification (minimum 16-hour Red Cross/Red Crescent certified course)
- Additional course-specific qualifications (see Appendix B for details)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a graduate program in a related discipline at a post-secondary institution (priority given to PMSA member universities: UAlberta, UBC, UCalgary, SFU, UVic)
- Experience with course theory and field work
- SVOP, SDV-BS (formerly MED A3), and ROC-M certifications (required to operate BMSC vessels)
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Experience with statistical methods and tools, including proficiency in R
- Prior teaching or mentorship experience in a lab or field setting
- Additional course-specific qualifications (see Appendix B for details)
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
BMSC is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment. We welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of equity-seeking groups and support their success within our community.
Application Process:
If you are interested in this position or have any questions, please contact Tao Eastham (Head of Programs) at teastham@bamfieldmsc.com. You can also find more information about BMSC Summer Courses and expectations of a TA, or BMSC on our website.
To Apply Follow These Instructions:
Please submit a CV and cover letter to Tao Eastham (Head of Programs) at teastham@bamfieldmsc.com.
Ensure that your cover letter clearly indicates what courses you are applying to as well as speaks to how your experience makes you fit to TA that specific course material.
Please format the subject line of your email as follows:
Subject: TA_Application_Name_Course(s) You Are Applying to
Ex. TA_Application_Jane Doe_Subtidal Science
————————————————————————————————————————————–
Appendix A: 2026 BMSC Summer courses
| Block(s) | Course | Dates (weeks) |
| 1 | Subtidal Science | May 18 – June 5 (3 weeks) |
| 1 | Terrestrial & Freshwater Conservation | May 18 – June 5 (3 weeks) |
| 1 & 2 | Marine Invertebrate Zoology | May 18 – June 26 (6 weeks) |
| 2 | In Pursuit of the Whale | June 8 – June 26 (3 weeks) |
| 2 | Coastal Restoration Ecology | June 8 – June 26 (3 weeks) |
| 3 | Rapid Evolution in the Anthropocene | June 29 – July 17 (3 weeks) |
| 3 & 4 | Marine Ecology | June 29 – August 7 (6 weeks) |
| 4 | Experimental Climate Change Ecology | July 20 – August 7 (3 weeks) |
| 4 | Ecological Data Synthesis | July 20 – August 7 (3 weeks) |
| 5 | Biological Oceanography | August 10 – August 28 (3 weeks) |
Appendix B: Additional Course-Specific Qualifications
- Required Qualifications
- Active certification with the Canadian Association of Underwater Science (CAUS)
- Complete set of SCUBA equipment including weights
- Extensive experience as a scientific diver using diverse surveying and/or experimental methods
- SVOP, SDV-BS (formerly MED A3), and ROC-M certifications (required to operate BMSC vessels)
- Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with identifying subtidal species in Barkley Sound
- Experience and proficiency with R and GitHub
- Experience operating small boats and providing dive support
- Experience with cold-water diving, particularly in Barkley Sound
TA applicants for this course do not need the preferred qualification of experience with statistical methods and tools, including proficiency in R. TAs for this course are not responsible for the care and collection of animals.
- Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts in a humanities subject
- Currently enrolled MA or PhD student in a humanities subject, preferably environmental humanities and/or human-animal studies
- Experience teaching (as a TA or otherwise) undergraduate classes in a humanities subject