Job description
Project DescriptionThe Whale Interpretive Centre (WIC) is an
initiative of the Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Interpretive Centre Society
(JSKWICS), a non-profit society.
The Whale Interpretive Centre
(WIC) was established in Telegraph Cove, BC in 2002 and is committed to marine
ma
mmal education and conservation. It aspires to be a ‘world class’
interpretive centre that inspires and involves the local community as well as
many international visitors.
The Whale Interpretive Centre is
housed in a historical building on the boardwalk of Telegraph Cove and contains
displays that feature the marine biodiversity of the local area, the importance
of the Michael Bigg Ecological Reserve at Robson Bight, and marine conservation
issues. The highlight of the museum is the articulated skeletons of marine and
terrestrial mammals (killer whale, minke whale, Pacific white-sided dolphin,
harbour seal, pygmy sperm whale, sea otter, river otter and Steller sea lion
etc), including a 20m fin whale that is suspended from the ceiling of the
building.
The museum is open from May
through October each year. Staff deliver a variety of educational programs and
provide interpretation to the visitors. Structured school programs that focus
on marine interconnectedness, adaptations, and marine mammal biology are
offered during May, June and September. Specialty tours, evening lectures and
special events are also offered throughout the season. The WIC is perfectly
situated to reach a large audience, as Telegraph Cove is the main launching
point for kayak expeditions, whale watching tours, and is a popular day trip
for many north island locals.
See website for more information
at www.killerwhalecentre.org
Our Interpreters are front-line staff at the WIC,
providing engaging education to visitors about marine mammals and marine
conservation.
Their duties include:
- Meet and greet local and international visitors
- Deliver one-on-one interpretation of displays to
visitors - Provide structured presentations and tours to highly
diverse audiences from around the world (groups of 30+) - Maintain museum, displays and salt water aquarium
- Deliver programs to school groups (K-Grade 12)
- Clean and articulate skeletons (as needed)
- Facilitate evening events, lectures etc (as needed)
- Update websites and social media (Facebook, Twitter) for
up to 2 hours a week - Special projects and duties as required
Successful Candidates:
- Are easily approachable, welcoming, and have excellent
interpersonal skills - Are comfortable speaking to large groups
- Are driven to deliver environmental education
- Are practical, resourceful and self-motivated workers
- Work well in a goal-oriented team environment
- Possess knowledge of marine mammal biology and a strong
conservation ethic - Are willing and able to participate in menial labour
when required - Can tolerate cold, damp working conditions
Formal training in interpretation
or environmental education is an asset.
Candidates must be
available from May 1 to September 30, 2015 **
Realities
- Nearest town with accommodation is in the community of
Port McNeill – own vehicle is a necessity. - The WIC is an un-insulated building above the water and
is often drafty and cold. - Physical and, at times, dirty work in addition to the
academic. - Need for great independence and initiative.
- Repetitive nature of interpretive tours.
- Invaluable “hands-on” learning potential and
the opportunity to contribute to marine education. - Spectacular location and opportunities to experience
beautiful northern Vancouver Island.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a
‘research’ position
How to apply
Application Procedure
Please submit your cover letter,
resume and 3 references (2 of which must be work references) to Mary Borrowman by Friday, February
20th, 2015. Please be sure to indicate period of availability. Preferred that
candidates apply via email.
We thank all those who
apply but only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Contact Information:
Mary Borrowman
JSKWICS – Whale Interpretive
Centre
P.O. Box 2-3 Telegraph Cove, B.C.
V0N 3J0
society@killerwhalecentre.org
www.killerwhalecentre.org