Environmental science, Coastal ecology

Hiring: Coastal Waters Monitoring Assistant
Organization: Loon Foundation
Location: In person, ḵalpilin (Pender Harbour), Sunshine Coast, BC

• Start Date: Planned June 1, 2026 (subject to grant funding confirmation)
• Term: Approximately 7 months. Extension may be possible depending on future funding availability.
• Hours & Wage: 30-hour work week at $30/hour

Job Description:

The Loon Foundation invites enthusiastic applicants for the position of Coastal Waters Monitoring Assistant to support hands-on ecological monitoring and environmental stewardship. The Assistant will work with the Field Research Supervisor to conduct surveys of Pacific salmon (juvenile and spawning stages), forage fish spawning activity, intertidal invertebrate communities, larval crabs, European green crab, eelgrass beds, coastal waterbirds, pinnipeds, environmental DNA, and freshwater quality. The role also involves processing samples, organizing and managing ecological data, contributing to analysis and reporting, and engaging with volunteers, community members, and partner organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct ecological field monitoring across freshwater and coastal environments
• Collect, process, and identify biological and environmental samples
• Manage monitoring data and contribute to data analysis, interpretation, and reporting
• Support community-based freshwater monitoring programs and community science initiatives
• Assist with the coordination and support of volunteers participating in field monitoring activities
• Participate in outreach, education, and communications activities, including community events, presentations, and digital content sharing our monitoring results and conservation work
• Work collaboratively, both independently and as part of a team of staff, volunteers, and partner organizations

Desired Qualifications:

The candidate must have a strong interest in ecology, conservation, and coastal ecosystems. A degree or diploma in biology, environmental science, or a related field is preferred, but not required.

Ideally, the applicant will have knowledge or experience in some or all of the following:

• Ecological field methods, including species surveys and habitat assessments
• Collection, management, and basic analysis of environmental or scientific data
• Technical or scientific writing (e.g., lab reports, course projects, or monitoring summaries)
• Use of field tools and technologies such as GPS or GIS
• Working outdoors in varied terrain and weather conditions
• Supporting volunteers, community programs, or environmental stewardship initiatives
• Experience communicating and delivering education or field-based learning activities
• Interest in Indigenous knowledge systems and collaborative approaches to conservation

Eligibility: This position will be partly funded through a Youth in Natural Resources wage subsidy grant. Eligible candidates must be aged 15-30 years, and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person with refugee status who is legally entitled to work in Canada.

Application Details:

The application deadline is May 8, 2026. Please email applications to administrator@loonfoundation.org . Applications should include a resume, cover letter, and list of references.

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.