Ocean conservation, Environmental education

Position: Marine Conservation & Environmental Educator
Employer: BlueAct Marine Society | TidePools Aquarium
Location: Gibsons (Sunshine Coast), BC

• Duration: 8 months, January - August, 2027, with potential to extend for additional 4 months
• Start Date: January 4-12, exact date TBD
• End Date: August 21-28, exact date TBD
• Hours: Full time, between 35-40 hours/week, subject to funding approval
• Wage: $21.50/hr + 4% vacation pay

This position is partially funded through a student work placement program, and as such, applicants must be currently enrolled in a Canadian university. It is ideal for a co-op student but enrollment in a co-op program is not essential. Position is subject to funding approval

Submit: Cover letter + resume to admin@blueact.org
Use the email subject heading: Student Work Placement Position
Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.
Application deadline: November 23, 2026
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
• Currently enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution
• Must have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
• A clear criminal record check for working with vulnerable populations (may receive after employment)

About BlueAct Marine Society and Nicholas Sonntag TidePools Aquarium

BlueAct Marine Society is a charitable subsidiary of the Gibsons Community Building Society. The vision of BlueAct is to support an educated community that actively cares for the health of the ocean. BlueAct operates the Nicholas Sonntag TidePools Aquarium.

TidePools Aquarium is a marine education centre and community aquarium featuring a collect and release model of animal husbandry, located in the Gibsons Public Market. Situated in the picturesque town of Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, we are a stone's throw from iconic Howe Sound, Sechelt Inlet and the Skookumchuck Rapids, supporting a rich diversity of marine life.

Individuals who work with us must value environmental stewardship and the marine world. If you have the following qualifications and a willingness to learn, are enthusiastic, positive, motivated and team-oriented, we are looking for you to join our team!

Role Overview

The role of Marine Conservation & Environmental Educator is a dynamic position with a myriad of duties that will include all or some of the following tasks.

1. Support the delivery of our marine science school programs aimed at elementary and secondary grade levels
2. Support the development and delivery of, and co-lead our marine science camp programs for children and youth.
3. Participate in hands-on marine conservation projects and field monitoring, including European green crab invasive species monitoring and eelgrass mapping/surveys, and potential herring spawn surveys and water quality sampling.
4. Deliver community outreach and stewardship initiatives, representing BlueAct in the community and engaging the public in active conservation efforts.
5. Provide secondary support in TidePools Aquarium, including conducting interpretive tours, facilitating floor programs, and occasionally assisting with animal care, feeding, and life support monitoring.

We work as a dynamic and collaborative team to achieve a high level of program delivery. Marine Conservation and Environmental Educators report to the Education and Conservation Manager and are primarily supervised by the Education and Conservation Coordinator.

The typical job duties include:

• Support with the delivery of experiential marine science school programs;
• Lead and/or support with the coordination and delivery of our marine science camps (Pro-D day, spring break, and summer);
• Support with the development of educational programming;
• Monitor campers, students, and visitors to ensure safety procedures are always followed;
• Assist with conservation programs and fieldwork for local marine conservation initiatives, including invasive European green crab monitoring, eelgrass surveys, herring spawn surveys, and water quality testing;
• Assist with volunteer coordination;
• Represent BlueAct in the community at events and in outreach capacities;
• Interact and engage with Aquarium visitors, while sharing knowledge of the aquarium’s collection and ensuring a positive guest experience, as required;
• Occasionally assist with animal feeding (fish and invertebrates), habitat cleaning and maintenance, and providing high-quality animal care;
• Assist with animal collection field work;
• Cash handling and admissions, as required;
• Other duties to support TidePools Aquarium as required.

Qualifications

• A strong passion for the ocean, marine species, and environmental education and stewardship
• A willingness to learn new skills and work cooperatively with a team

Assets

• Currently studying education, environmental education, outdoor recreation, biological sciences, marine biology, environmental studies or a related field.
• Experience working with children and youth
• Knowledge of local intertidal and subtidal marine species and ecology
• Supervisory experience, such as with volunteers or other projects
• Valid driver’s license
• A vehicle
• Current First Aid Certification

Personal Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork and presentation skills are required;
• Must be creative, flexible, and proactive in problem-solving;
• Excellent interpretive and teaching skills;
• Solid communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Able to communicate effectively with audiences of all ages, personalities and learning abilities;
• Strong time management and organizational skills;
• Self-motivated and able to work well under minimal supervision;
• Keen awareness of surroundings for safety reasons;
• Enthusiastic, creative, flexible, and energetic with excellent customer service skills;
• Ability to learn, adapt, and multitask in a constantly changing environment.

Work Conditions

• Requires the ability to stand, walk, and be on your feet for extended periods of time
• An enjoyment of children is essential as you will be working with groups of children that have varied skills and abilities;
• Exposure to variable weather conditions;
• Some work offsite: at nearby beaches, parks, and trails;
• Ability to live on the Sunshine Coast for the duration of the position;
• Flexibility and availability in schedule are necessary;
• A vehicle & drivers license is an asset.

Submit: Cover letter + resume to admin@blueact.org
Use the email subject heading: Student Work Placement Position
Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.
Application deadline: November 23, 2026
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.