Research Assistant (unpaid internship, volunteer opportunity)

The North Coast Cetacean Society (BC Whales) is a non-profit, charitable whale-research organization that has dedicated the last 20 years towards research, education, and the protection of cetaceans along the north and central coasts of British Columbia (BC). Our objective is to better understand the seasonal distribution, abundance, social dynamics, and threats currently faced by cetacean species at risk through interdisciplinary and specialized research projects focusing on visual and acoustic data collection, and in collaboration with coastal First Nations communities. For more information, please visit us on our website at bcwhales.org

The Role:
We are looking to hire 1 – 2 research assistants to join us in the field at a very remote land-based whale research station. During this placement interns and volunteers will receive project-specific training and will contribute to valuable data collection and the ongoing monitoring of the frequency, movements, and behaviours of whales and vessels in our research area. Specific duties will include hourly visual surveys, photo-identification, hydrophone monitoring, and the potential to assist on marine surveys. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about marine conservation and research, and are extremely comfortable in remote, back-country locations and in all weather conditions.

Requirements:
 All applicants MUST be available to commit to at least one of the following placements:

June – August 2022
August – October 2022

 Strong observational skills, note taking abilities, and careful attention to detail
 Ability to respectfully live in extremely close quarters and tenting in a communal setting with up to 6 people
 Ability to follow pre-determined procedures and methods for data collection
 Ability to carry heavy loads up a rugged shoreline
 Comfortable on open vessels in all weather conditions, and comfortable in a remote wilderness setting in all weather conditions

Assets:
 Experience with remote fieldwork and data collection
 Knowledge of marine mammal species local to British Columbian waters
 Experience with photo-identification of humpback whales and orca

Certifications (assets):
 Marine Radio Operator (ROC-M)
 Marine Emergency Duties (MED-A3/SDV-BS)
 Active First Aid certification (Wilderness & Remote First Aid preferred)

To Apply:
Please email a resume and cover letter as one document to janie@bcwhales.org AND egbaer@gmail.com with subject line “Research Assistant 2022 – Application”. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the application deadline for an interview.
Application Deadline: March 25th 2022

Please note that this is an unpaid internship/volunteer opportunity. Successful applicants will be responsible for their own travel from their home to either Prince Rupert or Kitimat, B.C. All food, transport to and from the research station from one of these locations, and all necessary supplies will be provided throughout the placement. Thank you for your interest!