Overview

Wardens will be based out of a rustic field camp in Boat Bay on West Cracroft Island located near Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This position is a seasonal contract running from late June to early September 2021.

Responsibilities include:

  • Individually responsible for safely operating a small rigid hull inflatable vessel daily to patrol the study area in Johnstone Strait, BC
  • Contacting other vessels to educate boaters, kayakers and park visitors about the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, the marine mammal viewing guidelines, marine species at risk and the conservation issues they face
  • Collecting and entering data on marine mammals and vessel activity
  • Public presentations: either as informal, individual interpretations or scheduled, formal community presentations
  • Initiating local beach clean-ups
  • Supervising volunteers and involving them within the daily responsibilities of the programs while ensuring a safe, productive and memorable work environment
  • Camp duties including cooking, cleaning, and general maintenance

Knowledge, skills and ability required:

  • The ability to safely operate small rigid hull inflatable vessels in coastal waters, including rough waters with limited visibility
  • The mental stamina to work on the water in a professional manner for several days at a time
  • Knowledge of boat/motor maintenance and repair (preferred)
  • The aptitude to multi-task and work in a fast paced, quickly changing environment
  • The ability to work for 8-11-hour shifts in all weather conditions
  • Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays
  • Effective communications skills and the ability to stay calm in tense situations
  • Observant and timely with an ardent attention to detail
  • The ability to live and work comfortably in a remote coastal wilderness camp setting with co-workers and volunteers
  • Background knowledge of the marine mammal species in the area and current marine conservation issues
  • The ability to carry 45 lbs of gear to and from the vessel to base camps (this varies from across the street to down a rocky slippery shoreline)
  • The ability to hike from the base camp to the observation site on a rugged hiking trail (3.2 km each way) if required

Required Certifications:

  • Class 5 BC Driver’s license
  • First Aid & CPR ticket (Wilderness & Remote First Aid is preferred)
  • Marine Radio Operators license (ROC-M)
  • Marine Emergency Duties A3 certificate (MED-A3) or Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDV-BS)
  • Small Commercial Vessel Operators Proficiency Certificate (SVOP)

Additional Information: Wardens work a rotating schedule of 2-weeks-on, 1-week-off. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, we are looking for someone local (Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland/Sea to Sky) with access to a vehicle (preferred). Compensation is 17$/hour plus communal dinners.