Science/ Nature/ Environmental Education 

Position: Education Program Coordinator
Organization: BC BlueAct Marine Society
Location: Gibsons BC (Sunshine Coast) (in person)

Reports to: Curator, Nicholas Sonntag TidePools Aquarium
Term: Regular Full-Time; 37.5 hrs/week

Compensation: Salary - start range $42,900 - $48,750 ($22-25/hr), based on experience
Benefits: based on experience on-call supplement, $100/month health and wellness supplement, 3 weeks paid vacation

Application Deadline: Ongoing until filled
Start Date: June 2025

Job Summary:

Assisting Curator to coordinate and facilitate educational programming for school-aged children, including camp programs, and adult and aquarium interpretive programs. Performing duties including delivery of programs, interpretation, event support, volunteer orientation and coordination relating to educational programs, and working with the public.

BACKGROUND

The Gibsons Community Building Society (GCBS) is a not-for-profit organization operating the Gibsons Public Market and is the sole member of BlueAct Marine Society, operator of the Nicholas Sonntag Tidepools Aquarium, and an emerging conservation program. Our mission is to build a healthy, caring, thriving community through vibrant community events, programs, public gathering spaces, a bustling local market, an inspiring collect-and-release aquarium, and a robust conservation program. We connect people to foster a healthier, more social, and caring community. We inspire sustainable behaviour for the health of our oceans. We create opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs to cultivate community economic development.

BlueAct Marine Society operates Nicholas Sonntag Tidepools Aquarium housed within the Gibsons Public Market. It is a unique collect-and-release aquarium with over 70 local species collected from the pristine waters of Átl'ka7tsem | Howe Sound and Sechelt Inlet, providing an awe-inspiring experience to connect visitors with the wonders of the local marine environment. The centre also conducts educational programs for school-age children and environmental conservation projects, with regional environmental partners. We are focused on educating the public about the local marine ecosystems and encouraging our community to become stewards for the health of our ocean. Individuals working with us must value environmental stewardship and love the marine world.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development
● Assist with development, and be lead facilitator of educational school programs that align with BC K-12 school science curriculum requirements and core competencies
● Assist with development, and lead educational camp programs for Pro-D Days, spring break, and summer break
● Assist with the development and facilitation of education initiatives for adults (e.g., speaker series, coordination of post-secondary courses in environmental sustainability, etc.)
● Assist with the development of teaching materials to support educational programming
● Assist with the development, implementation, and updating of risk management documentation and procedures, as needed for educational programs
● Develop promotional material, as needed, for educational programming
● Develop survey material for educational programs to inform future decision-making
● In collaboration with the Curator, develop, execute and report on a 6 – 12 month plan for each education program offered by TidePools Aquarium

Program Coordination and Facilitation
● Communicate and collaborate with schools, teachers, parents, and community
● Schedule and conduct program registration
● Coordinate education-related events
● Collaborate with the Curator and Gibsons Public Market staff on the use of shared resources (material, human, events and space)
● Coordinate, train, and supervise support staff and volunteers for educational programs
● Promote educational programs to schools, organizations, social media, etc.
● Collect and summarize feedback on educational programming and adapt it for future years
● Carry out the delivery of educational programs with support, as necessary, of volunteers and staff

Strategy and Outreach
● Foster working relationships with teachers and education stakeholders
● Maintain and update education program content on the TidePools Aquarium website and social media
● Contribute program-related content to the TidePools Aquarium monthly newsletter

Professional Development, Research and Education
● Maintain a working knowledge of topics of marine biology, ecology, and conservation to assist in the development and delivery of educational programming
● Maintain and working knowledge of BC School curriculum standards to assist in the development and delivery of educational programming
● Maintain a working knowledge of regulations and standards regarding outdoor education and childcare programs
● Interface with colleagues from organizations in collaborative educational efforts

Organization Support
● Support the Curator and Senior Aquarist with the supervision of staff, animal care, interpretation, collections and releases, and on-call duties, as required

RELATIONSHIPS

● Establishes and maintains relationships and alliances
● Maintains effective communications
● Shares information and readily determines to whom to go for relevant information
● Seeks assistance and feedback in the problem-solving process
● Partners with others to achieve expectations
● Respect cross-functional accountabilities within the organization

QUALIFICATIONS

● Education background or related experience in biological sciences, marine biology, environmental studies, environmental education, outdoor education, or a related field
● Experience working with children and youth
● Supervisory experiences such as with volunteers or other projects
● Current First Aid Certification
● Open-water diving certification is an asset
● Knowledge of local intertidal and subtidal marine species and ecology
● Must be a team player with excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills are required
● Must be creative, flexible, and proactive in problem-solving
● Excellent interpretive and teaching skills
● Solid organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills
● Able to communicate effectively with audiences of all ages, personalities and learning abilities
● Self-motivated and able to work well under minimal supervision
● Keen awareness of surroundings for safety reasons
● Customer-oriented and receptive to feedback
● Ability to learn, adapt, and multitask in a constantly changing environment
● Job requires the ability to stand, walk, and be on your feet for extended periods
● 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 and commute to Gibsons Public Market
● This role will require weekend work and possible evenings for event and on-call requirements
● A clear criminal record check for working vulnerable populations (may be received after employment)
● A vehicle & driver's license is an asset

Please submit cover letter and resume to:

Christina Wilson, Curator & Programs Manager, Nicholas Sonntag TidePools Aquarium via email admin@blueact.org or drop off your application package at 473 Gower Point Road, Gibsons, BC, V0N 1V0

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Gibsons Community Building Society is committed to equity for all prospective employees regardless of national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.