Ocean Job Board
0
Organizations
0
Jobs
Job Opportunity - Marine Science Educator
Posted on Jun 26, 2026
Location: Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC
Position Type: Casual Position CUPE 401
Reports to: Field Trip Program Coordinator
Hourly Rate: $23.00 per hour
Hours Worked: 37.5 hours per week (schedule and hours may fluctuate depending on Field Trip enrollment and operational requirements)
Term One: September 8, 2026, through December 9, 2026
Term Two: February 1, 2027, through May 15, 2027 (subject to change)
Application Deadline: Open until filled
About Us
For over 50 years, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) has supported year-round education and research on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. BMSC is owned and managed by a not-for-profit organisation, the Pacific Marine Science Alliance (PMSA), whose members are the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University and University of Victoria. Our vision is to inspire transformational relationships with the ocean through science.
Our educational programs include short programs for secondary school students, multi-week courses for undergraduate and graduate credit, and multi-day workshops. Access to pristine coastal waters and forests is a hallmark of BMSC education, and the BMSC maintains a fleet of boats that support ocean access while an amazing seawater delivery system supports the husbandry of animals on the campus. BMSC is an important member of the local community and partnered with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations on several research, education and community initiatives.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Field Trip Coordinator, the Marine Science Educators will help to coordinate and instruct students while teaching labs, piloting vessels, leading walks in the forest, and exploring local beaches. Aspects of this position may be physically rigorous, such as lifting/carrying buckets full of water, hiking, and working for extended periods outside in a rainforest (rainy!) environment.
The position requires enthusiastic and energetic individuals who are able to lead students through hands-on field and lab activities that cover a fun and diverse range of scientific topics, including marine biodiversity, oceanography, rainforest ecology, and place-based learning in Huu-ay-aht First Nations territory.
Key Responsibilities
- Welcome visiting groups to the remote BMSC campus, providing safety orientations, site tours, and general guest support.
- Deliver engaging, hands-on science education for youth in both classroom and outdoor settings, including labs, low-tide beach explorations, plankton tows, rainforest hikes, and guided site tours, while ensuring participant safety.
- Collaborate with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations to respectfully incorporate Nuu-chah-nulth language and Indigenous ecological knowledge into programming.
- Support the care and maintenance of live marine organisms used in educational programming, including daily feeding, habitat upkeep, and health monitoring, in compliance with Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) standards.
- Contribute to ongoing environmental monitoring and biodiversity data collection initiatives in collaboration with research partners such as Ocean Networks Canada.
- Assist with the creation and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for field and lab activities.
- Operate small vessels carrying up to 12 passengers, when holding valid SVOP, ROC-M, and SDV-BS marine certifications.
Qualifications & Experience
- Sc. or M.Sc. in marine biology, ecology, environmental science, zoology, or a related field is required.
- Experience delivering youth or public education programs (outdoor/environmental or STEM preferred).
- Basic knowledge of marine flora/fauna, intertidal ecosystems, and coastal environments.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for diverse audiences.
- Comfort working outdoors in challenging weather conditions.
- Ability and experience handling marine animals.
- Experience with data collection, field notes, and student science programs, including place-based learning.
- Familiarity with boat operations (especially in coastal waters). SVOP, ROC-M, and SDV-BS certifications preferred.
- Standard first aid or marine basic first aid certification preferred.
- Physically able to lift gear, hike in variable terrain, and work in wet/cold environments.
Other Requirements
- Valid driver’s license.
- Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as operational needs dictate.
How to Apply
Applications, including CV and Cover Letter, can be sent to BMSC Human Resources at: hr@bamfieldmsc.com.
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.