Outreach and Research Assistant

Taking action for the ocean today, so we can all flourish.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Whales Initiative is one of the six core initiatives of Ocean Wise's conservation strategy. The initiative aims to conduct research to develop a rigorous scientific understanding of the nature and magnitude of specific anthropogenic threats affecting cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises). Two core pillars make up the Whales Initiative: 1) The WhaleReport Alert System (WRAS) and 2) Cetacean Health and Monitoring (CH&M).

The WRAS pillar focuses on the development and expansion of the WRAS, a marine situational awareness tool which notifies commercial mariners of whales in their vicinity so that they may take mitigation measures to reduce the risk of collision and disturbance. Also included under this pillar is the Ocean Wise Sightings Network (OWSN) - a primarily citizen science-based monitoring program. The OWSN collects sightings of cetaceans and sea turtles from a diverse network of researchers, professional mariners, recreational boaters, and coastal citizens. One of the OWSN's principal activities is to decrease vessel associated impacts to cetaceans through targeted outreach in coastal communities and with both recreational and commercial mariners. The OWSN encourages mariners to follow Marine Mammal Regulations while on the water and solicits real-time cetacean sighting reports via the WhaleReport smartphone application to elicit WRAS alerts.

The CH&M pillar encompasses applied research and tool development to address threats to cetacean health - namely nutritional health, genetic health and overall population health. A core focus area of the CH&M program is the North Coast of BC. Current North Coast projects include leveraging acoustic and sightings data to inform critical habitat and documenting seasonal site fidelity of humpback whales and other cetaceans.

The Outreach and Research Assistant will play a key role in promoting the OWSN throughout the North Coast and Haida Gwaii (75% of time) and support North Coast cetacean research (maximum 25% of time) by:

• Promoting Ocean Wise conservation-based research with local community members through a combination of online and in-person engagement;
• Planning and conducting public outreach events to educate coastal citizens, recreational boaters, and local mariners on marine mammal laws and guidelines, and encourage reporting cetacean sightings using the WhaleReport app when on the water;
• Coordinating a team of 2-3 volunteers at outreach events;
• Assisting with sightings data management and analysis;
• Contributing to the OWSN's online presence by writing blog posts and articles, creating Instagram posts, and conducting outreach events through virtual presentations.
• Assist with data collection during on water marine mammal surveys

Please note the following important information:

• This position is located in Prince Rupert working within a shared office. The incumbent must be willing to conduct this role in person. Remote work requests will not be considered for this position.
• This is a full-time position until August 30^th, 2024 with some flexibility
• Valid BC driver's license and access to a vehicle essential

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Build public awareness of the OWSN and the laws/guidelines for boating around marine mammals by:

• Conducting "Dock Talk" outreach events at marinas around Prince Rupert, Port Edward, Terrace, Kitimat and Haida Gwaii to educate recreational boaters about Marine Mammal Regulations and guidelines;
• Planning, preparing, and attending community events and/or online events to promote the OWSN and build cetacean awareness;
• Overseeing and supporting a team of 2-3 Ocean Wise volunteers during outreach events;
• Developing and maintaining professional connections with government, ecotourism, commercial, and conservation organizations to promote collaboration;
• Responding to enquiries from staff, members of the public and media;
• Writing communications pieces for distribution on various Ocean Wise social and other media platforms.
• Contributing to the management of daily cetacean and sea turtle sightings reported to the OWSN; and
• Maintaining outreach equipment.

Assists with field-based cetacean research projects by:

• Gathering species encounter data aboard a 18-foot research vessel;
• Collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) and biological samples;
• Sterilizing field equipment;
• Collecting and identifying photo-ID images of humpback whales and other cetaceans as requested;
• Visually observing and/or aiding with drone-related operations when weather permits;
• Organizing field data and samples post collection;
• Helping with annual vessel maintenance;
• Maintaining field equipment;
• Other duties as required.

Consciously desires to improve the Ocean Wise and its processes by:

• Promptly aiding in Emergency Protocol;
• Maintaining and supporting organizational safety standards;
• Continually improving our impact on the environment and greening of operations through support of EMS protocols;
• Actively demonstrating Ocean Wise's values and code of conduct;
• Performing additional duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience, and Certifications

• 1-2 years' post-secondary education in biology, natural sciences, environmental studies, marine science, or related field (or equivalent experience);
• Knowledge of local cetacean species and coastal BC geography;
• Experience delivering educational programs or talks;
• Experience with data collection and management;
• Valid BC driver's license and access to a vehicle essential;
• Supervisory experience an asset;
• First Aid certification is an asset;
• Vessel and/or drone experience and certifications an asset.

Skills

• Knowledge of marine mammal biology and ecology;
• Self-motivated and able to work well under minimal supervision;
• Outgoing, energetic, and comfortable with public speaking and engaging the public;
• Strong writing skills, demonstrated ability to disseminate scientific literature into educational blogs and other articles for the general public;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• Field experience and vessel-based data collection;
• Intermediate skills in word processing, database, and spreadsheet software;
• Ability to learn and adapt in a constantly changing environment;
• Resourceful, a problem-solver, skilled in meeting priorities and able to adapt to unexpected situations;
• Ability and maturity to deal with a wide variety of ages and personalities.

Working Conditions

• The incumbent will work in a shared office environment in the Prince Rupert office with the associated ergonomic risks and, at times, work independently while conducting outreach;
• During outreach events, candidate will be exposed to sun, seasonal weather, and rough terrain;
• During on water surveys, candidate will be exposed to sun, seasonal weather, and rough terrain in remote conditions;
• Ability to lift and carry 25kg required;
• Candidate must have access to a vehicle for work-related travel (mileage compensated);
• Candidate must be able to travel within the region, potentially overnight, with many outreach activities occurring on weekends;
• Flexibility and availability in schedule are required during the week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.