Senior Marine Conservation Specialist

David Suzuki Foundation — Canada

Salary: CA$73k - CA$75k · Schedule: 4-Day Week · Work model: Hybrid

Skills: Community Engagement, Fisheries Science, Government Relations, Marine Biology, Policy Analysis, Presentations

Job Description

Company Description

ABOUT US

The David Suzuki Foundation is a Canadian environmental non-profit organization, founded in 1990. We operate in English and French, with offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. We are a Canadian settler organization working to advance climate solutions, help nature thrive and build sustainable communities, respecting the rights, title and sovereignty of Indigenous nations. We believe Indigenous leadership is key to our collective future. We aim to work with a broad spectrum of people and organizations throughout Canada, including Indigenous communities, all levels of government and people who care about environmental justice, to find solutions to create a sustainable Canada.

We use scientific research, traditional ecological knowledge, innovative policy and legal solutions, communications and public engagement to pursue our mission to protect nature’s diversity and the wellbeing of all life, now and for the future. We envision a world where we all act every day on the understanding that we are interdependent with nature and with each other.

To address the intersection of the climate and biodiversity crises with social justice and equity, the David Suzuki Foundation is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. As an organization, we are on a transformative journey to embed these values, decolonize our practices and become an anti-racist organization. Join us in creating a socially and environmentally just world, where diverse identities, lived experiences and world views are valued as essential to our collective future.

In this job description, the French translation appears under the English version for each section.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1990, the David Suzuki Foundation is a Canadian non-profit environmental organization. We work in English and French, and we have offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. We are a non-Indigenous Canadian organization that works to deploy climate solutions, a thriving nature and sustainable communities, while respecting the rights, title and sovereignty of Indigenous nations. In our view, Indigenous leadership is vital to our collective future. In order to find pathways to a sustainable Canada, we aim to work with a wide range of actors across the country, including Indigenous communities, all levels of government and people who care about environmental justice.

To pursue our mission, which is to preserve the diversity of nature and the wellbeing of all forms of life, now and for the future, we draw on a variety of resources and approaches: scientific research, traditional ecological knowledge, innovative political and legal environmental solutions, communications and public engagement. We imagine a world where, every day, we act with an understanding of our interdependence with nature and with one another.

In light of the intersection of the climate and biodiversity crises with social justice and equity, the David Suzuki Foundation is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion by engaging in a transformative process to embed these values, decolonize its practices and become an anti-racist organization. Join us in creating a socially and ecologically just world, where the plurality of identities, lived experiences and worldviews is recognized as crucial to our collective future.

Job Description

TITLE: Senior Marine Conservation Specialist

TERMS: Permanent full-time position (34 hours per week, Monday to Thursday). Some travel, weekend and evening work may be required.

LOCATION: Hybrid. Based at our Vancouver (məθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ territories) office.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The position is hybrid, with a combination of remote work and 4/month required in-office days.

REPORTS TO: Manager, Marine Program

SALARY: $73,215 - $75,412

TYPE: Unionized Role

CLASSIFICATION: Senior Specialist

THE ROLE

The purpose of this position is to provide science and policy expertise and strategic input to support DSF’s marine program work, with a focus on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. You have a strong background in marine biology and ecology and have a working understanding of major issues and threats facing the marine environment, as well as policy and management tools commonly used to address them. You will be able to apply your scientific expertise to support projects, partnerships, and the delivery of major grants. Your work will involve networking and partnering with relevant non-governmental organizations, governments, industry, stakeholders (including communities) and researchers, and participating in selected scientific and management forums. Experience working on marine issues in British Columbia will be an asset.

You have the ability to interpret and integrate various sources of information, with an emphasis on technical scientific information, to synthesize conclusions from this information, and to develop both technical and non-technical summaries as well as recommend reforms to marine policy and practice. Your understanding of a conservation challenge and potential reforms is strongly informed by, but not limited by, your scientific background. You will be responsible for the preparation and delivery of presentations, technical and non-technical briefs, reports, academic articles, and communications materials, including media interviews. Beyond core deliverables, there is a significant scope to develop a forward-looking and innovative program of work to help support the marine conservation agenda within Canada.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct scientific analysis and develop recommendations to support regional or national projects, as assigned, with a focus on fisheries and aquaculture.
  • Be responsible for end-to-end delivery and represent DSF in technical meetings and stakeholder consultation bodies via participation (in-person and virtual as necessary), deliberation with partners, and preparation of written submissions.
  • Contribute to the development of integrated strategies for research, communications, campaigning, development, and project delivery in support of the Nature Team’s goals and objectives.
  • Build partnerships with First Nations, conservation organizations, and governments.
  • Work to ensure and encourage information sharing within and across DSF portfolios.
  • Identify opportunities arising from emerging trends and generate options for engaging them.
  • Prepare reports, cabinet submissions, briefing notes, and other government relations materials as required.
  • Develop and deliver presentations to internal and external groups, as required.
  • Identify and report on deliverables.
  • Provide project reports, as required.

JOB TITLE: Senior Marine Conservation Specialist

TERMS: Permanent full-time position (34 hours per week, Monday to Thursday). Some travel, weekend work and evening work may be required.

LOCATION: Hybrid. Based at our Vancouver office (territories of the məθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and səlilwətaɬ Nations).

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The position is hybrid, combining remote work with 4 required in-office days per month.

REPORTS TO: Manager, Marine Conservation Program

SALARY: $73,215 – $75,412

TYPE: Unionized position

CLASSIFICATION: Senior Specialist

ABOUT THE POSITION

The objective of this position is to provide scientific and policy expertise, as well as strategic input, to support the work of DSF’s marine conservation program, with a focus on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. You have strong expertise in marine biology and ecology and a practical understanding of the main issues and threats facing the marine environment, as well as the policy and management tools commonly used to address them. You will apply your scientific expertise to support projects, partnerships and the delivery of major grants. Your tasks will include networking and building partnerships with non-governmental organizations, governments, industry, stakeholders (including communities) and scientists relevant to your projects, and taking part in selected science and management forums. Experience working on marine issues in British Columbia would be an asset.

You have the ability to interpret and integrate various sources of information, with an emphasis on technical scientific information, to synthesize conclusions from this information, to develop technical and non-technical summaries, and to recommend reforms to marine policy and practice. Your understanding of a conservation challenge and potential reforms is strongly shaped by your scientific experience, but is not limited to it. You will be responsible for preparing and delivering presentations, writing and presenting technical and non-technical briefing notes, reports, academic articles and communications materials, and preparing and conducting media interviews. In addition to the main deliverables, a significant part of the work is to develop an innovative, forward-looking work program to support the marine conservation agenda in Canada.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Carry out scientific analyses and develop recommendations to support regional or national projects, as assigned, with a focus on fisheries and aquaculture.
  • Be responsible for full project delivery and represent the DSF at technical meetings and stakeholder consultation bodies (in person and virtually as needed), deliberate with partners and prepare written submissions.
  • Contribute to the development of integrated strategies for research, communications, campaigns, development and project delivery in support of the goals and objectives of the Nature Team.
  • Build partnerships with First Nations, conservation organizations and governments.
  • Ensure and encourage information sharing within and across DSF portfolios.
  • Identify opportunities arising from emerging trends and propose options for engaging with them.
  • Prepare reports, Cabinet submissions, briefing notes and other government relations materials, as needed.
  • Develop and deliver presentations to internal and external groups, as needed.
  • Identify deliverables and write related reports.
  • Provide project reports, as needed.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

We understand that experience can take different forms for everyone. Please tell us about yours as it relates to the following:

  • PhD in marine biology, fisheries science, aquatic ecology or a related degree, or a master’s degree (MSc) or equivalent with more than 3 years of significant and relevant work experience in this sector.
  • Authoritative knowledge of marine biology and ecology.
  • In-depth knowledge of fisheries science and management would be considered a significant asset.
  • General knowledge of Canada’s marine legislation, policy, enforcement and environmental protection practices.
  • Knowledge of and experience with marine issues in British Columbia would be considered a significant asset.
  • Experience working with Indigenous Nations and Indigenous knowledge.
  • Knowledge of local and global threats to marine and aquatic environments.
  • Experience in professional relations with a wide range of stakeholders, including knowledge of best practices in community engagement and community science.
  • Excellent writing skills and extensive experience presenting scientific subjects to scientific, governmental and general audiences.
  • Experience developing campaigns and in government relations would be considered an asset.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

  • Scientific expertise and the ability to collaborate with other scientists at a technical level.
  • An innovative and curious mindset in which scientific expertise informs, rather than dictates, your approach to problem-solving.
  • A collaborative and tactful colleague who values teamwork and works independently. Demonstrates resilience and flexibility.
  • Confident written and verbal presentation skills.
  • Experience and savvy in media and government relations are an asset.
  • Experience in coalition and campaign contexts is an asset.
  • Strong work ethic and project management skills.
  • Proven ability to handle high-stress situations with calm and professionalism.
  • A positive attitude that energizes projects and the team.
  • Sound judgment and progressive leadership skills.
  • Strong personal values aligned with the mission and values of DSF.
  • Strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, with the ability to support intentional change.

QUALIFICATIONS

We know that experience can take different forms. Tell us about yours as it relates to the following requirements:

  • PhD in marine biology, fisheries science, aquatic ecology or a related degree, or a master’s degree or equivalent with more than 3 years of significant and relevant work experience in this sector.
  • Authoritative knowledge of marine biology and ecology.
  • In-depth knowledge of fisheries science and management would be considered a significant asset.
  • General knowledge of Canada’s marine legislation, policy, enforcement and environmental protection practices.
  • Knowledge of and experience with marine issues in British Columbia would be considered a significant asset.
  • Experience working with Indigenous Nations and Indigenous knowledge.
  • Knowledge of local and global threats to marine and aquatic environments.
  • Experience in professional relations with a wide range of stakeholders, including knowledge of best practices in community engagement and community science.
  • Excellent writing skills and extensive experience presenting scientific subjects to scientific, governmental and general audiences.
  • Experience developing campaigns and in government relations would be considered an asset.

YOUR CONTRIBUTION

  • Scientific expertise and the ability to collaborate with other scientists at a technical level.
  • An innovative and curious mindset in which scientific expertise informs, without dictating, your approach to problem-solving.
  • A collaborative and tactful colleague who values teamwork and works independently. Demonstrates resilience and flexibility.
  • Skill and confidence in written and verbal presentation.
  • Experience and know-how in media and government relations are an asset.
  • Experience in coalition and campaign contexts is an asset.
  • Strong work ethic and project management skills.
  • Proven ability to handle high-stress situations with calm and professionalism.
  • A positive attitude that energizes projects and the team.
  • Sound judgment and progressive leadership skills.
  • Strong personal values aligned with the mission and values of DSF.
  • Strong passion for equity, diversity and inclusion, with the ability to support intentional change.

Additional Information

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Four-day workweek
  • Competitive salary and generous benefits package
  • Hybrid work opportunities
  • Supportive work culture
  • Chance to make a difference and help improve the health of our planet and all life on it

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and covering letter at https://davidsuzuki.org/careers/

The David Suzuki Foundation is strongly committed to equity and diversity and to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially encourage applications from equity-deserving groups, specifically Indigenous and racialized people, members of the LGBTQIA2S+, trans and gender-diverse communities, women and people with disabilities, chronic illness and/or neurodiversity.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Four-day workweek
  • A competitive salary and a generous benefits package
  • Hybrid work opportunities
  • A supportive work culture
  • The opportunity to contribute to improving the health of our planet and all forms of life on it.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and cover letter online at the following address: https://fr.davidsuzuki.org/emplois/

The David Suzuki Foundation is strongly committed to equity and diversity and to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially encourage applications from equity-deserving groups, in particular Indigenous and racialized people, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, trans and gender-diverse people, women and people with a disability, chronic illness and/or neurodiversity.

This listing was sourced from 4dayweek.io.

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