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About the David Suzuki Foundation

We find solutions for living within the limits of nature. Through a combination of sound science and active public engagement, we seek to motivate Canadians to take action on the environmental challenges we collectively face. Our Foundation is an independent charity, supported by over 30,000 donors from across Canada and abroad. With headquarters in Vancouver and offices in Toronto and Montreal, we address issues from coast to coast to coast, in both official languages. With the support of scientists, academics, progressive businesses, governments, non-governmental organizations and tens of thousands of Canadian we aim to achieve this vision: That within a generation Canadians act on the understanding that we are interconnected and interdependent with nature, and with each other. 

You can learn more about us at www.davidsuzuki.org

The David Suzuki Foundation hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equality and diversity within its community and to a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, women, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Help the David Suzuki Foundation work with coastal communities to conserve and recover nature, support reconciliation and build an economy in balance with ecology!

Position Title: Marine Conservation Specialist  

Terms: Two-year term contract with the possibility of extension (34 hours/4-day week) 

Location: Based at our Vancouver office 

Reporting to: Western Region Science Projects Manager

Salary: Dependent on experience

This role supports the Western Region team in marine use planning, marine protected areas designation and management, indigenous conservation areas, and other spatial conservation outcomes. You have the technical skills to succeed and would be responsible for: 

• building and managing relationships
• public communication and engagement 
• and related activities that support organizational and project goals.

You would work with indigenous, federal, provincial and local governments, as well as scientists, community members and business stakeholders to help put into practice the DSF vision that people understand and act on their interconnectedness with nature.

The core responsibility for this position lies within the Pacific Eco-Region project, reporting to the Western Region Science Projects Manager. Other duties related to your expertise may be assigned as appropriate from time to time by the Regional Director-General, Western Canada.

Specific roles and responsibilities:

Marine Planning

• In coordination with the Science Projects Manager, plan for and participate in the Marine Planning Partnership (MaPP) implementation process and the Howe Sound/Atl’ka7tsem Marine Conservation area planning process to achieve:
  • conservation outcomes
  • support indigenous governance
  • engage communities in sustainable practices.
• Help coordinate DSF activities and achieve campaign outcomes with ENGO allies who are engaged in MaPP advisory or implementation processes and the Howe Sound/Atl’ka7tsem conservation planning process
• Monitor and identify opportunities to participate in First Nations, provincial, federal and international processes and studies relevant to marine planning and protection. Provide briefings and recommendations to the DSF team.

Marine Protected Areas

• Help ensure the timely designation and quality of marine protection designations in the Northern Bio-shelf MPA Network process, Howe Sound/Atl’ka7tsem, the Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area, and the Pacific Offshore Protected Area process. 
• Key responsibilities include vetting and providing technical inputs and coordination with several regional or national coalitions

Research

• Monitor, assess, and brief the DSF project team on marine science research and on legal and policy initiatives that will lead to the implementation of MaPP, the Howe Sound/Atl’ka7tsem conservation plan, and the BC MPA Network
• Work with partners on definition and implementation of initiatives that will support Indigenous governance and co-governance of protected areas and the recognition of these protected areas by federal, provincial, and local governments
• Undertake specific literature reviews and consolidate information for use in planning processes, outreach materials, and meetings or webinars as required in project-specific plans

Campaigning and Team Coordination

• Participate in planning and execution of goals, strategies and tactics to achieve coastal conservation, recovery and protection targets. This includes scientific, public engagement and government relations-oriented activities.
• Build, maintain and leverage relationships to advance assigned goals
• Coordinate with the Regional Science Project Manager and other team members to ensure coverage of, and report backs from, all relevant internal and external meetings
• Participate in an annual performance planning and review process and maintain administrative and financial reporting, as required

Required:

• Undergraduate degree in Marine Science, Marine Environmental Management, or Environmental Policy
• Strong written communication and interpersonal skills
• A work background in marine planning and/or marine protected area research
• At least 3 years’ experience working with provincial and federal government agencies, or similar experience

Assets:

• Experience working with First Nations
• Experience in a non-profit environment in the field of marine conservation
• Masters or PhD in marine management and conservation
• Experience working with a broad range of stakeholders on interdisciplinary issues

Application Process 

Please submit your cover letter and your resume online by going tohttp://www.davidsuzuki.org/about/employment/. The position will remain open until filled. Only qualified applicants will be contacted. 

We recognize the importance of a diversified workforce, and we encourage women, First Nations, Inuit and Metis candidates, members of visible minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.