Vancouver Jobs, Social Media

Position: Science Communications & Social Media Assistant
Organization: Nature Trust of British Columbia
Location: Vancouver, BC

This is a part-time, contract, and hybrid position based in our Vancouver office.

About Us

The Nature Trust of British Columbia (NTBC) is a leading non-profit land conservation organization dedicated to conserving BC’s biodiversity through securement, restoration, and management of ecologically significant lands. Since 1971, we have secured over 180,000 acres of ecologically significant land. The treasured landscapes we have protected forever include the Xwésam (Salmon) River on Vancouver Island, Boundary Bay in the Lower Mainland, White Lake Basin in the Okanagan, and the 10,000-acre Hoodoos conservation complex in the Kootenays. The Communications & Marketing team is seeking a creative, scientifically minded, and social media savvy Science Communications & Social Media Assistant in the Lower Mainland for a six-month contract, with the possibility of extension.

About the Role

You’re a science-minded content creator who believes in NTBC’s mission to protect nature in BC for future generations of wildlife, plants, and people. As our Science Communications & Social Media Assistant, you will report to the Communications & Engagement Specialist – ideating, capturing, and editing captivating content across NTBC’s social media platforms. You’re passionate about conservation and transforming scientific material into easy-to-digest content – from reels to carousels – with the goal of teaching the public why British Columbia’s biodiversity is so important to protect. This role is perfect for someone who lives on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and who understands trends in real-time and knows how to apply them to our conservation work.

In this role, you'll work closely with the Communications & Marketing team to execute our strategic social media plan, with opportunities for content creation in the field throughout the South Coast region. Your day-to-day will vary – with some days working outdoors with Conservation Field Crew to capture content, some days editing short-form videos in your home office, and other days meeting with your team in Vancouver Office to plan and brainstorm strategic content.

Responsibilities

• Ideate, capture, and edit short-form vertical video content and engaging carousels for all NTBC social media channels, optimized for each channel.
• Monitor social trends, sounds, formats, and cultural moments, and pitch and execute associated content ideas.
• Collaborate with Communications & Marketing team to strategically plan content in alignment with fundraising campaigns, topical holidays, partnership announcements, and other key moments.
• Community management of social media channels, including responding to comments, DMs, commenting on relevant or partners’ social media posts, and maintaining community presence on target Facebook groups.
• Conduct monthly analytics reports of content performance across channels.
• Assist with copywriting for external communications projects, including social media captions, web content, and digital newsletter.
• Represent and promote NTBC and land conservation efforts in a respectful and professional manner.

Role Requirements

• Expertise in creating social media content, with strong hands-on video content creation and editing skills.
• Knowledge of science communications or interpretation best practices.
• Proficiency with video editing tools such as CapCut, Instagram Edits, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Da Vinci, etc.
• Thorough understanding of social media platforms’ best practices, especially those that optimize short-form video content (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts).
• Strong creative instincts for hooks, pacing, and storytelling, with a keen eye for social media trends that translate well to NTBC’s conservation work.
• Ability to self-direct within a quick-paced environment, with a focus on leveraging social media trends to maximize reach and impact of content.
• Ability to consistently communicate and engage with colleagues and community partners in ways that uphold dignity, prevent harm, and support both physical and psychological safety.
• Eligibility: Must be legally entitled to work in Canada, and willing to provide a Criminal Record Check.
• Bring your own devices, including smartphone and laptop.
• Willingness to travel throughout Lower Mainland to capture content with the South Coast Conservation Field Crew and other NTBC staff members.

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• One of the following or combination of:
  • Education (enrolled or recent graduate) in fields such as Biology, Ecology, Communications or Marketing.
  • Work or volunteer experience in science communications, interpretation and/or social media management.
• Familiarity with the conservation and environmental landscape in British Columbia.
• Familiarity with social media scheduling tools such as Sprout Social, and design platforms such as Canva, Adobe InDesign, etc.
• On-camera confidence and public speaking ability.
• Experience working with Indigenous Groups and First Nations, community partners, and other stakeholders in a collaborative environment.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and willingness to provide a Driver’s Abstract.

What We Offer

• Work Term: 6 months from hire date, with potential extension depending on funding availability.
• Schedule: 16 – 20 hrs/week, flexible schedule with attendance (remote or in-person) to weekly team meetings Tuesdays 10-11 AM.
• $25 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay
• Stipend for cell phone use throughout work term.
• Opportunities to expand your professional network and mentorship opportunities with Marketing, Communications and Development staff members.

How To Apply

Please submit your résumé and cover letter at our BambooHR Portal by April 6th to Dominique Bowden. In your letter, please address how you meet the qualifications identified above and the following questions:

• How do you approach translating science content into easy-to-digest communications material for the public?
• What excites you about working in social media management and content creation?

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

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity; short listed candidates will be contacted by the end of April.

The Nature Trust of BC is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of BC. We encourage applications from underrepresented communities in the environmental sector, including racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+, and all those who contribute to a diverse society. NTBC will facilitate accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, such as contact outside of regular work hours or low-stimulus interview environments.