Deckhand-Naturalist-Ambassador of the Ocean

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

General job description:  Stubbs Island Whale Watching seeks a highly motivated “ambassador of the ocean” who is able to relay their rich knowledge of the marine environment to our passengers while guarding their safety and comfort.  The Deckhand/Naturalists also prepare, clean and maintain the vessels.  All applicants must understand that there is a considerable degree of manual labour, cleaning and repetitive tasks involved in this position in addition to ensuring the wildlife viewing experience has strong conservation and educational merit. This is not a research position. Deckhands/Naturalists are part of an extremely professional team meeting Transport Canada ship safety standards. 

Company background:  Established in 1980 as the first whale watching company in British Columbia, Stubbs Island Whale Watching has set the standard for ethical whale watching. Under new ownership since 2011, the company’s goals remain to provide guests with an experience that is highly enjoyable, as well as having high educational and conservation value.

It is a great privilege to be in an area that is frequented by members of the northern community of fish-eating killer whales (aka “northern residents”), mammal-eating killer whales (aka “Bigg’s” and “transients”), humpback and Minke whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall’s and harbour porpoise, Steller sea lions, Pacific harbour seals and an absolute wealth of sea birds.  The invertebrate life of the “Emerald Sea” is also awe-inspiring.  Please refer to the webpage for a further profile of the company.

Location: Telegraph Cove on Northern Vancouver Island, BC, CANADA; 4-hour drive from Nanaimo; 1/2 hour drive from Port McNeill. 

 

Successful candidates must be Canadian or have a Canadian work permit and will:

• Guard the safety and comfort of passengers
• Accept cleaning and maintenance duties as being a mandatory part of the position
• Possess an outstanding work and environmental ethic
• Ensure recycling and other environmental practices are carried out to optimum
• Be driven in their commitment to marine and environmental education
• Have a post-secondary background in biology and/or environmental studies
• Have a broad knowledge of marine life including sea birds
• Have a superior knowledge of marine mammals (note that while it is not necessary that a successful applicant already possesses full knowledge of local marine mammals, there must be the willingness to undertake the training and studying needed to posses this knowledge)
• Have excellent interpersonal/communication skills with successful public speaking experience
• Supply their own accommodation in Port McNeill (30-minute car commute)
• Have their own, reliable car to commute between Port McNeill and Telegraph Cove (no exceptions as there is no public transport nor opportunity for carpooling)
• Be very flexible, recognizing the need for work schedule amendment 
• Be able to work weekends and up to 12-hour shifts
• Be able to work independently but be very receptive to supervision and feedback
• Undergo marine safety training (MED A2) and recognize safe procedure
• Have current first aid training

Further assets: Knowledge of an additional language and boat experience

 

Salary: Starting wage is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Applications: 

Apply to: Jackie Hildering, Education and Conservation Advisor; Stubbs Island Whale Watching; reservations@stubbs-island.com

 

Application format: Cover letter specifically addressing position requirements; resume to include names and contact details (including email addresses) of 3 references, ensuring references include a minimum of 2 employment contacts; indicate period of availability. 

Application deadline: February 22nd, 2013. 

Work term: Position begins mid May / beginning of June, must be able to continue to the end September.

 

Selection procedure: 

1. References of short-listed candidates contacted
2. Short-listed candidates interviewed via telephone
3. Final interviews must be held on site in Telegraph Cove in March 2013.  

Only applicants considered for interviews will be contacted.  Contact would occur only after February 22nd, 2013.