Summer jobs, Student jobs, Youth jobs

Job Title: Natural Sciences Manager (Bayside Astronomy)

Also Hiring: 

• Conservation & Community Engagement Coordinator (part-time & full-time positions; 4-8 months; age 30 & under)
• Environmental Technician (2 posititons; 4-8 months; age 30 & under)
• Environmental Technician - Alternate Watering Systems (full-time; 8 months; age 30 & under)
• Digital Marketer (full-time; 2.5 months; age 30 & under)
• More: BPBA.ca/employment
• Please mention you found it through GoodWork.ca.

---

(1) Natural Sciences Manager (Bayside Astronomy Program)

Type: age 30 & under / summer
Organization: Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association
Location: Position is remote, at 4 locations on the Bruce Peninsula. Candidates with access to a cottage north of Wiarton preferred but we can assist with accomodations.

• Rate of Pay: $20.00
• Hours per Week: Full-time (37.5hrs/week)
• Positions Available: 3
• Contract: Approximately 11-12 weeks beginning in mid June with program delivery in July & August
• Start Date: Mid June Summer 2026

About the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association

The Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (BPBA) is a non-profit, community-based registered charity dedicated to achieving a healthy environment. From its creation in 2000, the Association has been implementing the concepts of UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves. The mission of the Association is to build community commitment and capacity in conservation and sustainable development while achieving concrete environmental goals.

The Northern Bruce Peninsula has one of the highest concentrations of rare species in all of Canada. It is also blessed with some of the darkest skies in Southern Ontario and in 2004 declared itself a dark sky community. A natural night sky is an important natural asset for the region as many biological processes are light-triggered. Excess artificial light interferes with these biological processes and harms wildlife.

Bayside Astronomy Program

The BPBA received a $35,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation in 2011 to encourage our community to preserve the natural night sky through dark-sky-friendly lighting practices. In 2012, we launched the Bayside Astronomy Program to celebrate the night sky and inspire people to protect it. As part of this initiative, a viewing platform was constructed in Lion’s Head, the site for the Bayside Astronomy Program. This project was led and funded by the BPBA in partnership with Bruce County and the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula. Since its inception, Bayside attracts more than 2,600 visitors each summer from around the world, helping to establish stargazing as a major tourist attraction in the region. The program was even featured in the September 2013 issue of Air Canada’s enRoute magazine, which reaches an audience of more than one million readers. For more information: BPBA.ca/Bayside-Astronomy | BPBA.ca/Dark-Sky

Position Summary

The Natural Sciences Manager (Bayside Astronomy) will support the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association’s dark sky initiatives through the delivery of high-quality public programming and community outreach. This role involves leading summer evening astronomy sessions five nights a week while managing digital marketing, local media contributions, and partnerships with regional tourism associations. Given the nature of outdoor programming, this position requires operational flexibility; during inclement weather or as needed, the Manager will maintain their hours by supporting broader BPBA initiatives, such as facilitating EcoAdventures tours (with training) or participating in field-based conservation projects like phragmites mitigation and tree planting.

Key Responsibilities

Program Delivery

• Deliver a Bayside Astronomy Program to the general public that features summer evening events five nights a week
• A brief talk (about 20 minutes) covering the stars, planets, and constellations currently visible as well as an item of current interest, such as discovery of exo-planets, current NASA missions, etc. These will be prepared in advance on a weekly basis and approved by the program mentors.
• A tour of the night sky – featuring the major constellations and planets and viewing of key objects, using telescopes owned and provided by Bayside Astronomy.
• Participate in other BPBA programming, such as EcoAdventures Outdoor Escape Rooms as needed or local environmental projects such as phragmities fighting or tree planting if bad weather justifies making up some hours.

Digital Marketing & Community Engagement & Outreach

• Frequent articles in the local newspaper highlighting a featured object (e.g. Saturn, the Moon, or globular clusters), written in an engaging style designed to spark local interest and encourage participation in the program.
• Use social media to attract participation in the program (e.g. maintain and post regularly to Facebook and Instagram pages)
• Ensure brochures are regularly stocked and maintained in tourist outlets
• Assist with fundraising activities, such as collecting “Star Bucks” donations during sessions and supporting raffle ticket sales.
• Communicate with local businesses and organizations—including the Bruce Peninsula Tourism Association, the Tobermory & Northern Bruce Chamber of Commerce, Bruce County Tourism, RTO7 and the Lion’s Head Promotion Group—in creative ways (e.g., hosting a special stargazing session for them). This will help ensure they are aware of the Bayside Program, encourage them to refer their clients, and provide opportunities for them to offer suggestions to strengthen the program.
• Introduce new outreach activities

Program Development

• Review and develop a Complementary Conservation Program that protects the dark sky
• Explain the three key reasons for preserving the natural night sky (dark sky): protecting wildlife, conserving energy, and safeguarding the cultural and personal enjoyment of a star-filled sky.
• Introduce the principles of dark-sky-friendly lighting, including practices that reduce light domes, unnecessary skyglow, light trespass, and wasted energy.
• Describe the features of dark-sky-friendly lighting fixtures and help participants learn how to identify them. The program will also discuss practical tools such as motion sensors, timers, and appropriate bulb types (e.g., high-pressure sodium) that support responsible outdoor lighting.

Skills and Qualifications

• Completed or underway post-secondary degree/diploma in astronomy/ astrophysics, environmental sciences, biology, geography, or a related field
• Field work experience is an asset
• Standard first-aid/Wilderness first-aid and CPR level C certification is considered an asset (training may be possible)
• Valid class G driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong data analysis & interpretation skills
• Proficiency in field sampling procedures and equipment handling
• Excellent communication and report writing skills
• Ability to engage others through presentations and workshops
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Physical ability to transport telescopes and to work outdoors in various weather conditions

Working Conditions

• This position is located on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula with Program delivery at the Lion’s Head viewing platform on Friday and Saturday evenings but also at three area campgrounds during the week.
• This position requires travel to different locations on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, applicants must have their own vehicle.
• Program delivery begins with setup starting about 30 minutes past sunset, and can conclude past midnight. Other work tasks are completed during the day and require a high degree of self-direction and effective time management.
• A combination of outdoor fieldwork with some office or remote tasks.
• Activities may involve hiking, carrying equipment, and working in natural terrain.
• All safety training, field protocols provided.

Learning Opportunities

• Gain hands-on knowledge of astronomy, biodiversity, and dark-sky conservation, including the ecological impacts of light pollution.
• Develop public speaking and science communication skills by leading stargazing tours and delivering presentations.
• Build writing and digital media experience through newspaper articles, social media management, and outreach materials.
• Learn about community engagement and non-profit operations by collaborating with local businesses, tourism organizations, and program partners.
• Strengthen leadership, time management, problem-solving, and outdoor fieldwork skills through program delivery and event coordination.

Requirements

This position is available pending funding from ECO Canada and/or Canada Summer Jobs. Therefore to apply for this position, you must

• Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the job
• Have a valid social insurance number
• 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
• Enrollment in post-secondary education may be required depending on the funding that is sourced.
• Not an existing full-time permanent employee
• Note: International students are not eligible participants.
• Access to a cottage or home north of Wiarton preferred but alternate accommodations can be arranged.

How to Apply

If this opportunity excites you, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter by emailing m_warkentin@rogers.com and copy info@BPBA.ca by April 30, 2026. Tell us what interests you about the role and how your experience aligns. Please also include a one page educational talk for an audience of all ages on any topic of interest (astronomy preferred but can be anything you are passionate about).

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Our Commitment to Inclusion — We believe diverse teams make stronger organizations. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know — we are committed to ensuring an accessible and equitable experience for all candidates.

 

---

Other positions with the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association: BPBA.ca/employment

Please mention you found this through GoodWork.ca.