Conservation jobs in British Columbia

Job Overview

Join our dynamic Kelp Hatchery Team and be at the forefront of sustainable marine farming! In this role, you will play a vital part in cultivating native kelp species, supporting environmental conservation efforts, and contributing to innovative ocean-based food and soil nutrient solutions. This dynamic position offers hands-on experience in hatchery & nursery operations, emphasizing the development of innovative and novel culture solutions. If your background includes practical, hands on experience with building and maintaining cultivation systems and you possess 3 years or more of laboratory or hatchery experience, this is the perfect opportunity to join our team of passionate Kelp Farmers.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily hatchery operations, including sorus collection, spore release, gametophyte culture, and seedstring production.
• Maintain optimal environmental conditions for kelp cultivation, including water quality, temperature, lighting, nutrient levels, and biosecurity protocols.
• Monitor kelp growth and health, identify potential issues, and implement corrective actions to maximize survival and productivity.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to ensure timely delivery of seedstock for farm deployment.
• Supervise, train, and mentor hatchery technicians and seasonal staff while fostering a safe and collaborative work environment.
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for hatchery production, sanitation, equipment maintenance, and quality assurance.
• Maintain accurate production records, inventory, environmental monitoring data, and operational reports.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance and calibration of hatchery equipment, filtration systems, pumps, tanks, and laboratory instruments.
• Assist in the design, construction and install of expanded nursery and land-based cultivation systems. Work with the sales team and Founder to optimize for product market requirements.

Requirements

• Degree or diploma in marine biology, aquaculture, biology, or a related field, or an equivalent practical experience.
• At least 3 years of practical experience within a laboratory or hatchery environment, rearing marine organisms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with commercial kelp hatchery production.
• Knowledge of seaweed genetics, breeding, or cultivation research.
• First Aid, WHMIS, Forklift and any marine safety certifications.
• Experience working within regulated aquaculture or food production environments.
• Experience managing aquaculture hatchery operations, preferably with seaweed or kelp cultivation.
• Strong knowledge of marine water systems, algal biology, hatchery production techniques, and biosecurity practices.
• Experience leading and supervising technical staff.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with production recordkeeping, data analysis, and Microsoft Office or hatchery management software.
• Ability to lift up to 25 kg (55 lbs) and work in wet laboratory and marine environments.
• Flexibility to work occasional weekends or extended hours during peak production periods.
• Flexibility to join the team in the field and to assist in other departments when needed (no more than 25%).

Join us in shaping sustainable ocean farming. We welcome motivated individuals eager to contribute to our growing team and to our industry's innovative marine solutions.

Let's grow together!

Pay: $28.00-$35.00 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Sooke, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

• laboratory: 3 years (required)
• hatchery: 1 year (required)
• marine organism cultivation: 2 years (required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (required)

Work Location: In person