Program Coordinator

About Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society:

Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society (SIMRS) is a non-profit organization based in Tofino, British Columbia. We are dedicated to conducting long-term marine research and monitoring, providing marine mammal response, and educating the public about marine ecosystems on the west coast of Vancouver Island. SIMRS has been monitoring marine species in Clayoquot Sound since 1991, primarily focusing on collecting sightings reports and photo-identification of Bigg’s Killer whales in the area. We also monitor for Sea Star Wasting Syndrome by conducting sea star surveys at various field sites during the summer months. SIMRS, as part of the BC Marine Mammal Response Network, helps facilitate rescue and response to marine mammal incidents in the region. Lastly, we aim to educate the public on important marine issues through various education and outreach events. Our Build-A-Whale program is an interactive exhibit that travels around British Columbia to markets, schools, festivals and more, educating participants on the role of killer whales and the threats that face them.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Program Coordinator will assist in the development and delivery of a variety of marine species-related programming. This position will fulfill administrative duties in developing, organizing, and planning education and outreach events, including creating and distributing communication documents. The Program Coordinator is primarily responsible for delivering an engaging and flexible Build-A-Whale program to a wide variety of audiences, and must be comfortable speaking in public and working with children and youth. This role requires travel around British Columbia, where the candidate may be away from home for a number of days or weeks.

The successful candidate will also assist in our research and monitoring projects by conducting field work, entering/analyzing data, coordinating volunteers, report writing, and collaborating with local businesses and organizations. Applicants should be familiar with marine life of British Columbia (marine mammals and intertidal ecology) and have a deeper understanding and current knowledge of issues affecting ocean ecosystems and threats to marine mammals.

Term of Employment: Jan 15th – March 31st 2020, with possibility of extension until September (Flexible start date)