Opportunities

Biodiversity Monitoring and Data Science Coordinator

The Institute for Multidisciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish Sea (IMERSS) seeks a highly motivated individual for the position of Biodiversity Monitoring and Data Science Coordinator. This part-time seasonal contract position offers engaging work and an opportunity to gain career skills working remotely in the Salish Sea bioregion from May through August. In this position you will work closely with the IMERSS team, Dr. Mary O’Connor (UBC Biodiversity Research Centre), and a Biodiversity Conservation Technician stationed on Galiano Island, BC, to support a regional biodiversity change assessment, including field surveys aimed at detecting local change in a variety of ecosystems. In these capacities, you will play a leadership role modeling what a future British Columbian / Canadian Biodiversity Observation Network might look like as a consortium of regional academic, government and non-profit partners. Outcomes of this internship role will inform the development of broader provincial and national assessments, protocols and policy.

Start date: May 6, 2025 (negotiable)

Wage: $30 / hour (+ 4% Vacation Pay)

Hours: 280 hours

Anticipated End Date: August 30, 2025 (negotiable)

Duration: 8 weeks

Apply by 11:59pm PST on February 3, 2025

Email CV and Cover Letter to info@imerss.org

Job Details:

As Biodiversity Monitoring and Data Science Coordinator, you will lead several biodiversity monitoring projects under the supervision of the IMERSS team and Dr. Mary O’Connor (UBC), in coordination with other institutional collaborators and partners. In this role, you will develop a framework and set of best practices for biodiversity data mobilization, demonstrating the potential for community organizations to engage with a provincial Biodiversity Observation Network (BC BON) and greater Canadian BON. Your primary responsibility will entail data synthesis, visualization and analysis in support of a preliminary assessment of biodiversity change on the south coast of British Columbia. This will result in a report including: 1) an assessment of local and regional biodiversity change; 2) identification of threats and priorities for future monitoring; and 3) recommended protocols and best practices for community-engaged biodiversity monitoring. Toward this end, you will mentor and support the activities of a Biodiversity Conservation Technician located on Galiano Island, BC, with a focus on data science and technical support. You will also plan and execute field surveys on Texada Island, BC, focusing on a population assessment of Woodwardia fimbriata, as well as other ferns and allies. This position offers a flexible work week, based remotely from your place of residence, with field activities on Galiano Island and Texada Island, BC.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

  • Synthesis, curation and analysis of biodiversity data 
  • Biodiversity change assessment and field surveys, including population assessments and data-driven evaluations of regional and local extirpation risk
  • Consultation with regional and local authorities, knowledge-holders, and community scientists to identify biodiversity monitoring concerns and priorities
  • Supporting Biodiversity Conservation Technician with data synthesis and analysis
  • Development of online reporting framework for analysis and visualization of biodiversity change
  • Preparation of report documenting regional and local biodiversity assessments, including protocols and best practices for community engagement with a BC / Canadian Biodiversity Observation Network

Skills and experience gained may include:

  • Biodiversity data science, visualization, modeling and analysis
  • Field data collection, species identification
  • Science communication
  • Understanding threats to ecosystems and biodiversity, including climate change, recreation, and land conversion
  • Using a Global Positioning System (GPS) for mapping, navigation and data collection
  • Using GIS (e.g., ArcMap, QGIS) for mapping and data analysis
  • Programming skills (e.g., R, Javascript) for data analysis and visualization
  • Scientific report writing

Requirements:

This position will require physical, social, and intellectual work. The candidate must demonstrate a capacity for leadership, the ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team, and a willingness to learn and engage in hard work. Applicants must be available to work and travel in the region of the southern Gulf Islands and Texada Island, BC. The applicant must have current Standard First Aid, or be willing to obtain it. This position requires a class-5 driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle/transportation in order to conduct field surveys. 

Assets:

Experience with project management, teaching and mentorship is an asset. A background in Environmental Studies, Biology, Geography, Restoration of Natural Systems, Conservation, Forestry, Environmental Education or another complementary field is desirable. Direct experience in any of the skills mentioned for this position, particularly a demonstrated capacity for data science, familiarity or expertise in biodiversity research (marine biology, botany, etc.), and/or working in remote field conditions, is an asset.