Job Type: Permanent, Regular Full-Time, CUPE 401

Salary Range: $54,000 – $64,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience

Start Date: September 2, 2025

Application Deadline: Open until filled

About Us

The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) is a leading ocean research and education facility located on the traditional territories of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations on the west coast of Vancouver Island. BMSC is governed by the Pacific Marine Science Alliance (PMSA), a consortium including the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University, and University of Victoria.

PMSA’s mission is to inspire transformational relationships with the ocean through impactful
research and education. As part of its new strategic vision, PMSA has launched EMPOWER: Ecocosms and Mesocosms Predict Ocean Weather and Ecological Response, supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. This initiative aims to enhance our understanding of nearshore ocean weather and its effects on biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Research Operations Manager, the Ocean Technologist plays a critical role in supporting BMSC’s oceanographic research infrastructure. This position is responsible for maintaining instrumentation, assisting researchers, training users, and contributing to field data collection. The Ocean Technologist will collaborate closely with the Research Services team to ensure seamless, high-quality technical support for research and education programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Instrumentation & Equipment Maintenance: Manage and maintain oceanographic equipment and other specialized instruments, including temperature loggers and/or arrays, continuous flow through systems, CTDs, hydrophones, current profilers and a variety of oceanographic sensors.
• Repairs & Servicing: Conduct repairs, calibrations, coordinate off-site servicing and maintain accurate service logs and quality assurance protocols.
• Procurement: Identify and source parts or new equipment as needed.
• SOP Development: Create and implement standard operating protocols for equipment use and maintenance.
• Research Support: Assist visiting researchers with lab and field equipment setup.
• Training: Provide training on the proper use and maintenance of equipment.
• Fieldwork and Data Collection: Conduct fieldwork to collect oceanographic data using various sampling techniques and equipment.
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with researchers, faculty, and students on research projects and ensure technical information is communicated effectively to nontechnical staff and stakeholders.
• Boat Operations & Safety: Operate small vessels and ensure compliance with safety standards during fieldwork.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in a relevant science discipline (e.g., Oceanography), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three years’ experience maintaining scientific and oceanographic instrumentation.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in troubleshooting both mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Familiarity with instrumentation such as CTDs, hydrophones, current profilers, and acoustic sensors.
• Strong data analysis and management skills (e.g., MATLAB, R, GIS).
• Basic familiarity with electronics and micro-controllers (e.g. relays and serial port communications)
• Experience with, or willingness to learn, small vessel operations (SVOP certification preferred).

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as operational needs dictate.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Commitment to promoting safety, inclusion, and environmental stewardship.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and the names of three references to Tao Eastham, Head of Programs, at teastham@bamfieldmsc.com. Please submit documents as PDFs and label them clearly with your last name, the position you are applying for, and a short description (e.g., “Lastname_OT_CoverLetter” or “Lastname_OT_CV”).

For further information about the BMSC and our research initiatives, please visit our website at https://bamfieldmsc.com. We look forward to receiving your application.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

BMSC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

As we are located in a remote area, we understand that additional considerations may be needed during the hiring process. We’re committed to providing accommodations at every stage, in accordance with the British Columbia Employment Standards Act (ESA). If you need any support or adjustments during the process, please reach out to our Human Resources team. All requests will be handled with care and confidentiality.