Outdoors jobs in Nanaimo, BC

Job Description

Malatest is one of Canada’s largest social research companies with offices in Victoria, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Toronto.

Malatest is currently seeking Data Collection Specialists to administer surveys and collect data as part of a marine transportation research project across Greater Victoria, Nanaimo, and Greater Vancouver.

This is a great opportunity to gain field research experience while working in a dynamic and public-facing environment.

About the Role

While aboard BC Ferries, Data Collection Specialists will engage members of the public to administer surveys about their travel experience and satisfaction.

Role Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to engage the public in a friendly, professional manner
• Adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Proficiency in English (additional languages are an asset)
• Comfort using tablets and mobile devices
• Ability to travel independently to assigned ferry terminals
• Availability to work a range of sailings (including weekdays, evenings, and weekends) from your assigned ferry terminal is required. Partial availability (e.g., specific days only) may not meet project needs
• Ideal candidates are outgoing, reliable, and comfortable approaching members of the public

Working Conditions

• Must follow all safety protocols, including WorkSafeBC, BC Ferries, and Malatest health and safety policies
• Ability to stand for extended periods on a moving vessel
• Work may involve outdoor exposure in various weather conditions
• Must wear neutral clothing (Malatest vests/jackets are provided) for visibility and identification

Compensation

$25.00 per hour, plus a $19.00 meal allowance per shift.

Employment Type

Temporary, short-term contract (August 2026).

Hours and Location

Shifts will vary based on project needs and may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Work will take place at various BC Ferries terminals, including Swartz Bay (Victoria), Departure Bay and Duke Point (Nanaimo), Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen (Greater Vancouver), and Langdale (Sunshine Coast).

Fieldwork is scheduled to take place in August 2026, with training planned for the first week of August 2026.

Malatest is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant from employment because of physical or mental disability, race, colour, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or creed regarding any position for which the employee or applicant is most qualified. We are committed to ensuring employment equity within our workplaces. You are welcome to identify within your application if you belong to one of the four designated equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and/or members of visible minorities.

Please note: Completion of all application questions is required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Application question(s):

• In a full and complete sentences, describe your availability for this role. Please include any limitations to working early mornings, evenings, weekends, or multiple sailings from your assigned terminal.
• You are scheduled to work on a BC Ferries sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay departing at 1:00 PM. The scheduled sailing duration is 1 hour and 35 minutes, but the departure is delayed by 20 minutes. In full and complete sentences, answer the following two questions:

What time will the ferry arrive in Swartz Bay?
How would you communicate this delay to your manager?

Work Location: In person