Director, Science Services - (990573.1)

Ocean Networks Canada
Ocean Networks Canada

Victoria, BC, Canada

USD 126,886-182,400 / year

Posted on Jul 9, 2026

Organizational Unit

University of Victoria -> VP Research -> Ocean Networks Canada

Location

University of Victoria - Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 CA (Primary)

Posting Close Date

30 July 2026

Please note that positions will close at 4 p.m. on the closing date.

FTE

1

Salary Grade

$126,886.00 - $182,400.00

Additional Posting Information

N/A

Salary posted will be pro-rated based on FTE and achieved as per the collective agreement, if applicable.

Classification

ME13

Employee Group:

Management Excluded - Continuing

# of Hires Needed

1

Category

Science

About this Opportunity

In this position ONC is seeking a passionate and experienced leader and ocean science expert to drive the development and delivery of ONC’s Science division. Responsible for ONC’s scientific direction and national and international partnerships, the Director steers ONC in the scientific excellence and innovative thinking necessary to maintain ONC’s leadership at the forefront of ocean observing.

Reporting to the President & CEO of ONC and as a member of the Executive team, the Director of Science provides strategic, executive, and operational leadership and oversight to the science division. The Science Director provides leadership and direction to a team of staff scientists who bring expertise across many scientific disciplines and serve as the essential interface between the global community of scientific researchers and the ONC observatory infrastructure capabilities. The staff scientists contribute to and support the publication of research results; collaborate directly with internal and external scientists and stakeholders to define data requirements for research projects; advise on uses and data interpretation; plan future initiatives; coordinate workshops; build collaborations; and support research teams in preparing experiments, including but not limited to funding proposals.

An employee in this classification is excluded from the bargaining unit as defined in the Labour Relations Code

The salary range for this position is: 

  • Recruitment range:  $126,886 - $158,608 maximum starting salary is determined through knowledge, experience and internal equity.

  • Performance range: $182,400 salary range ceiling is available through annual performance increases. 

Job Summary

Mandate/Core purpose of the role:
Reporting to the President & CEO of ONC, the Director of Science provides executive leadership for ONC's scientific mission, with accountability for the long-term scientific direction of the organization and the performance of the Science Services division.

The Director of Science is responsible for national and international partnerships while serving as the ONC scientific lead in the development of monitoring programs for marine protected and ocean conservation areas in collaboration with Provincial and Canadian partners.  The Director leads ONC in the scientific excellence and innovative thinking necessary to maintain ONC’s leadership at the forefront of ocean observing and is the liaison with ONC’s International Science Advisory Board and with the Ocean Observatory Council. 

This position is a member of ONC's Executive Team, providing Science with a formal voice in organizational strategy and decision-making. The Director ensures that scientific priorities are integrated into operational and infrastructure decisions across ONC, and that the Science Services division has the leadership, resources, and culture to deliver on ONC's mission.

This position provides counsel to the President & CEO and ONC’s Board of Directors, and reports to the ONC Board on a range of science issues and projects. 

This position requires travel nationally and internationally. 

Objective:
The Director of Science role involves advancing and supporting current and new scientific disciplines utilizing the ONC ocean observatories to advance scientific research in support of ONC's 2030 Strategic Plan and the goals therein.  The Director reports directly to the President & CEO, provides counsel to the Board of Directors, and is a member of the Executive Team. This role is accountable for the strategic leadership and organizational health of the Science Services Division, including setting annual direction, budget and HR management, and ensuring the Science Team has the conditions to deliver on ONC's science mission.  Additionally, the Director initiates and leads special projects, and mitigates operational and strategic risks by contributing scientific knowledge.

The Director will raise ONCs profile as a national and global leader in ocean observation and represents and promotes ONC science capabilities through international collaborations, at both the national and international level.

Unusual working conditions:

  • The Director may be called upon to lead offshore expeditions.

  • During ONC field excursions or 24/7 expeditions, the Director is required to be on call to respond to urgent matters.

  • Work involves travel nationally and internationally to promote ONC, meet with stakeholders, coordinate with related projects, and explore new areas of research.

  • Due to the many priorities and deadlines that the Director must accommodate in their work, a necessary high level of quality assurance, and crisis management skill is required for this position and can be a source of significant mental stress particularly in the lead up to field excursions or expeditions.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience:

  • Doctoral degree in a relevant field of study 

  • 10 years of scientific leadership and/or senior-level research experience in a research program of national and international standing 

  • Demonstrated experience leading and developing a team of scientific professionals

  • Experience in developing, managing and directing research programs

  • Experience in writing scientific proposals 

  • A record of publishing in academic journals

Competencies include:

  • Excellent critical thinking 

  • Skilled and confident spokesperson and facilitator in scientific discussions

  • Ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders

  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including conflict management

  • Strong team leadership and strategic thinking 

  • Ability to apply project management best practices to achieve program and project goals on time

  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities

  • Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills 

  • Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships

  • Commitment to diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment

Condition of Employment: 

  • The ability to obtain a Government of Canada Secret Level II security clearance is a requirement of this position.

Territory Acknowledgement: We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Equity Statement: UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups.

Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.

Accessibility Statement: If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact: uviccareers@uvic.ca Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

What UVic Offers: To learn more click here

Additional Information

990573-ONC-2026-JD-Director Science-ME13

Ocean Networks Canada is an equal opportunity employer.
See more open positions at Ocean Networks Canada