Kelp Nursery Technician

Job summary

Maintain and monitor kelp cultures through laboratory tasks such as water quality testing, microscopy, contamination management, and culture maintenance. Collect kelp and environmental data in the field, maintain equipment and vessels, enter and report data, and participate in community education activities.

Job details

The Tla’amin Nation is a modern, forward-thinking, self-governing nation located on the beautiful upper Sunshine Coast (qathet Region). Position Summary Job Type: Part-time, Temporary (Seasonal Start ASAP, until end of March 2027.) Hours of Work: As Scheduled or needed 4-8 hours per day Reporting to: Fisheries Manager Department: Lands & Natural Resources The Tla’amin Nation Lands & Natural Resources Team is seeking a Kelp Nursery Technician to work alongside the Kelp Cultivation Specialist. This position will perform seasonal field and laboratory kelp nursery work to maintain and optimize macro algae cultures to support restoration and enhancement of bull kelp populations in Malaspina and Okeover Inlets. The working location will be Cannery Bay, Okeover Inlet. These positions are an excellent opportunity to receive training and mentoring in the Lands and Natural Resources department. Key Responsibilities Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Tla’amin policies, standards, practices and procedures as directed by the Lands Manager. Maintains confidentiality as required pertaining to members, clients, employees and general matters of the Nation. Working in a team environment with a flexible schedule. Involved in a variety of daily hands-on tasks including some physical labour, washing buckets, bins and aquariums. Maintains vessel cleanliness and operational maintenance. Tasks requiring hand eye coordination involving daily microscope work and some office work including GIS mapping and data entry. Office Work - entry of daily nursery data into tablets and spreadsheets Office Work - Participate in online meetings and weekly webinars with other groups cultivating kelp Lab Work - daily and weekly tasks to maintain water filtration systems, wearing rubber boots, rain pants, wool socks, sweaters and toques to stay dry and warm in a cold room, followed by time spent in a warm room using a microscope or computer. Lab Work - Cleaning labware similar to washing dishes, cleaning aquaria and bins with hoses and scrub brushes, meticulously. Lab Work - Daily water quality monitoring, performing simple chemistry tests, keeping records. Lab Work - Microscope work, monitor health and growth of microscopic kelp, performed at a comfortable desk, heated office space. Lab Work-Contamination (diatoms and algae) identification and management Lab Work - Maintaining cultures, changing small measured amounts of seawater and replacing with fresh media. Field Work - Collection of kelp seed stock, by boat, setting up a mini workstation on a cooler in the field to process samples as they are collected. Field Work - Monitoring of kelp and water quality with scientific instruments and test kits, collecting data from temperature loggers, salinity and pH measuring instruments, using goPro cameras to collect images and video. Field Work – Data Collection Community Outreach - Participate in a couple of scheduled education activities for school children and the community Community Outreach - Opportunity to present your work at a regional conference Qualifications Training, Education, Experience Grade 12 education minimum. 1-2 years’ experience in a similar role involving fieldwork, data collection, and reporting. A combination of education and experience will be considered. First Aid certification required or willingness to obtain. Willingness to undergo ongoing training, such as GIS mapping online course as required. Interest in Biology is an asset. Experience with computers, data entry, mapping and computer programming is an asset. Experience on the water with boats including knot tying is an asset. Valid Pleasure Craft Operators License is an asset. Valid B.C. Class 5 Driver’s License and acceptable driver’s abstract. Acceptable Police Information Check prior to employment. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Knowledge of Tla’amin Territory, Treaty Lands, and Tla’amin Laws. Knowledge of Tla’amin culture and taʔow (teachings). Knowledge of local wildlife and area. Motivated self-starter, able to work independently and shows initiative when needed. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Safety-oriented in word and action, promotes a safety culture amongst co-workers and passengers. Reliable and responsible. Punctual and conscientious and pays attention to quality of work. Willingness to participate in training, as required. Must follow all safe work procedures including wearing PPE. Knowledge of Tla’amin lands and cultural sites is an asset. Working Conditions Work is performed primarily in an outdoors environment. Must enjoy working in various weather conditions. Some standing, walking and lifting (i.e., loading, unloading of boat.) All work being performed will be under the supervision of the Kelp Cultivation Specialist. How to Apply Please apply online by sending your resume and cover letter to: https://tlaaminfirst.bamboohr.com/careers/348 OR drop-off/mail to Attention: Human Resources Department, Tla’amin Nation, 4779 Klahanie Rd, qathet, BC, V8A 0C4 This posting will be open until filled. *We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

What you’ll do

Maintain and monitor kelp cultures through laboratory tasks such as water quality testing, microscopy, contamination management, and culture maintenance. Collect kelp and environmental data in the field, maintain equipment and vessels, enter and report data, and participate in community education activities.

Requirements

A minimum of Grade 12 education and 1–2 years of relevant experience in fieldwork, data collection, and reporting are required, though equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. First Aid certification or willingness to obtain it, a valid B.C. Class 5 driver’s licence, an acceptable driver’s abstract and police check, and the ability to work safely and independently or as part of a team are required.

Listed skills

• Teamwork · Preferred
• safety procedures · Preferred
• record keeping · Preferred
• Data entry · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Kelp Cultivation
• Laboratory Work
• Fieldwork
• Data Collection
• Water Quality Monitoring
• Microscopy
• Contamination Identification
• Culture Maintenance
• GIS Mapping
• Data Entry
• Boat Operation
• Safety Procedures
• Teamwork
• Record Keeping
• Community Outreach
• Self-Starter
• Conscientiousness
• First Aid Certification
• Valid Driver's License
• Algae
• Scientific Instruments
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Management
• Cleanliness
• Computer Programming
• Confidentiality
• Field Research
• Mentorship
• Operational Maintenance
• Proactivity
• Safety Culture
• Salinity
• Loading And Unloading
• Water Quality
• Coordinating

Job areas

• Environmental & Sustainability
• Science & Research
• Agriculture
• Nursery Technician
• Fish Hatchery Technician
• Aquaculture and Fisheries Production Managers
• Fishing and Hunting Workers