Environmental science, Coastal ecology

Position: Coastal Waters Monitoring Assistant
Organization: Loon Foundation
Location: In-person, ḵalpilin (Pender Harbour), Sunshine Coast, BC. Applicants must live on the Sunshine Coast.

Start Date: As soon as possible
Term: One year. Extension likely depending on future funding availability.

Hours & Wage: This position may be full-time or part-time, depending on the right candidate. The two potential scenarios:

• Full time: 37.5 hours per week, $50,000 - $60,000 per year, depending on skills and experience with benefits.
• Part time: A minimum of 15 hours per week at $25 - $30 per 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 Coastal Waters Monitoring Manager 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:

• Work in person and commute to monitoring sites around ḵalpilin (Pender Harbour)
• 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

Application Details:

The posting will remain open until the right candidate is identified, but we aim to hire in October so applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Applicants must live on the Sunshine Coast. Please email applications to administrator@loonfoundation.org . Applications should include a resume, cover letter, and list of references.

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