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Robson Bight Warden Program (Vessel Operator / Research Observer) 

The vessel operator/research observer will be based out of a rustic field camp in Boat Bay on West Cracroft Island located near Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This position is a seasonal contract running from late June to early September 2025.

Responsibilities include:

  • Individually responsible for safely operating a small rigid hull inflatable vessel daily to patrol the study area in Johnstone Strait, BC

  • Contacting other vessels to educate boaters, kayakers and park visitors about the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, the marine mammal viewing guidelines, marine species at risk and the conservation issues they face

  • Collecting and entering data on marine mammals and vessel activity

  • Public presentations: either as informal, individual interpretations or scheduled, formal community presentations

  • Initiating local beach clean-ups

  • Supervising volunteers and involving them within the daily responsibilities of the programs while ensuring a safe, productive and memorable work environment

  • Camp duties including cooking, cleaning, and general maintenance

Knowledge, skills and ability required:

  • The ability to safely operate small rigid hull inflatable vessels in coastal waters, including rough waters with limited visibility

  • The mental stamina to work on the water in a professional manner for several days at a time

  • Knowledge of boat/motor maintenance and repair (preferred)

  • The aptitude to multi-task and work in a fast paced, quickly changing environment

  • The ability to work for 8-11-hour shifts in all weather conditions

  • Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays

  • Effective communications skills and the ability to stay calm in tense situations

  • Observant and timely with an ardent attention to detail

  • The ability to live and work comfortably in a remote coastal wilderness camp setting with co-workers and volunteers

  • Background knowledge of the marine mammal species in the area and current marine conservation issues

  • The ability to carry 45 lbs of gear to and from the vessel to base camps (this varies from across the street to down a rocky slippery shoreline)

  • The ability to hike from the base camp to the observation site on a rugged hiking trail (3.2 km each way) if required

Required Certifications:

  • Class 5 BC Driver’s license

  • First Aid & CPR ticket (Wilderness & Remote First Aid is preferred)

  • Restricted Operator Certificate - Maritime (ROC-M)

  • Marine Emergency Duties (MED-A3) or Small Domestic Vessel-Basic Safety (SDV-BS)

  • Small Commercial Vessel Operators Proficiency (SVOP)

Additional Information: Compensation is 19$/hour plus communal dinners.

To apply: Please email the following as a single file (PDF or MS Word) to robsonbight@cetussociety.org with the subject line “Robson Bight Application 2025”:

·      A cover letter describing how you meet the requirements outlined above

·      A resume that includes your relevant skills and certifications

In the body of your email, please clearly indicate that you are applying for Marine Warden position. Application deadline is May 2, 2025.

Successful applicants will be contacted and asked to provide contact details for two references. Thank you for your interest!

 

Robson Bight Warden Program Volunteer

Volunteers are based out of a rustic field camp in Boat Bay on West Cracroft Island located near Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada. We require a commitment to the full season, which runs from approximately late June to early September 2025.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be involved with a variety of tasks ranging from community outreach and education to marine mammal response and data collection. Our programs focus on protecting British Columbia’s marine mammal populations and encouraging others to do the same. Interns will have the opportunity to work aboard our monitoring vessels where they will participate in data collection, on-the-water boater education, and local beach clean-up projects. Interns will also monitor vessel traffic and killer whale presence from our land-based observation platform on West Cracroft Island.

Responsibilities include: 

  • Educating boaters, kayakers, park visitors, and members of the public about the marine mammal viewing guidelines, marine species at risk, the conservation issues they face and the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve

  • Collecting and entering data on marine mammals and vessel activity

  • Public interpretation and participation in community events

  • Observing and recording cetaceans for the BC Cetacean Sightings Network

  • Potentially helping to respond to injured, sick or dead marine mammals in support of the BC Marine Mammal Response Network

  • Assisting with general administrative duties

  • Camp duties including cooking, cleaning, and general maintenance

What skills and experience will you gain? 

  • Experience working aboard a monitoring vessel in coastal BC

  • Experience participating in land-based marine conservation efforts

  • Data collection and data entry using Microsoft Access

  • Interpretive skills and techniques

  • Experience with educating the public on marine conservation issues

  • Experience with fundraising and community outreach

  • Potential for experience in marine mammal response

  • Extensive remote field work experience

Essential Requirements: 

  • Interest in marine wildlife and conservation

  • Flexibility

  • Strong observation skills and careful attention to detail

  • Ability to work long hours, outdoors, in all weather conditions

  • The ability to live and work comfortably in a remote coastal wilderness camp setting with staff and volunteers

  • The ability to carry 45 lbs of gear to and from the vessel to base camps (this varies from across the street to down a rocky shoreline)

  • The ability to hike from the base camp to the observation site on alternate days on a rugged hiking trail (3.2 km each way) which takes approximately 1 hour each way)

Additional Information: Please note these positions are unpaid and carry a cost of $150/week to cover accommodations, fuel and dinners (volunteers are responsible for their own breakfasts and lunches). Volunteers will need to bring their own tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag. Tent pads and tarps are provided as well as cooking equipment etc. Communal dinners are prepared by the field team each evening.

To apply: Please email the following as a single file (PDF or MS Word) to robsonbight@cetussociety.org with the subject line “Robson Bight 2025”:

·      A cover letter describing how you meet the requirements outlined above

·      A resume that includes your relevant skills and certifications

In the body of your email, please clearly indicate that you are applying for one of the volunteer positions. Application deadline is May 2, 2025.

Successful applicants will be contacted and asked to provide contact details for two references. Thank you for your interest!