Scientific Support Technician
Location
Campbell River, BC
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications for this position to careers@tula.org
About the Tula Foundation
The Tula Foundation is an independent charitable foundation based in British Columbia with global interests and outreach. We use our facilities and resources to create a network of collaborators from academia, government agencies, and First Nations. Our collective efforts have catalyzed an enormous quantity of science, education, and stewardship. Our divisions include:
The Hakai Institute is an active, engaged BC-based science organization, best known for its Coastal Observatories on Calvert Island and Quadra Island. We are celebrated for our long-term multidisciplinary research, our scientific publications, our compelling media, and our contribution to programs ranging from resource management to natural hazards.
Tula supports its sister organization, TulaSalud, which delivers public health programs in Guatemala, with a particular focus on rural, remote, Indigenous communities.
Everyone at Tula is a member of a team that supports our work and partnerships with like-minded organizations.
Who We’re Looking For
We seek highly dedicated individuals who embrace our scientific and service mission, welcome challenges and opportunities to learn, like to work as a team that is doing great work collectively, and are willing to pitch in wherever needed.
Current Position
This full-time position is based between our site on Quadra Island, BC and our remote field station on Calvert Island, BC.
At the Tula Foundation, we value flexibility, initiative, and a proactive mindset as essential qualities for thriving in our dynamic and diverse work environment.
We support a wide range of activities, including:
Scientific research by visiting Hakai teams specializing in oceanography, nearshore ecology, genomics, watersheds, etc.
Technicians and tradespeople visiting to address specific development or maintenance tasks.
Meetings and other visits from partner organizations and community groups, particularly those from Central Coast communities, many of which are Indigenous. Also, periodic visits by Coast Guard, DFO, RCMP, various inspectors, etc.
Our facilities are open to visiting boaters. We are the de facto headquarters for the provincial conservancies on Calvert Island. Particularly during peak summer months, hundreds of visitors pass through our facilities each day. We need to ensure that these visits are orderly and safe. We also use these visits as an opportunity to engage with the public and promote the work we do.
Your Role
You'll be part of a small team ensuring the smooth operation of the observatory, balancing day-to-day upkeep with responding to emerging needs. Maintenance tasks in general require a mixture of on-site capability backed up by expert support provided via remote consultation or visits as required. We realize that no candidate will be an expert in all the skills needed for operations, but we look for general aptitude, ability to learn quickly, and sound judgement.
Training and responsibilities will include:
Monitor and maintain critical resources such as generators, solar energy, water treatment, heating, sewage treatment, kitchen and housekeeping equipment, telecommunications, etc.
General upkeep of buildings, docks, trails, and grounds
Operating and maintaining equipment: Boats, ATVs, tractor, excavator, bobcats, trailers
Operating small vessels (SVOP certified or willing to be)
Managing dock operations and supporting safe vessel/aircraft arrivals
Acting as First Aid Attendant (Level 3 or Advanced First Aid)
Engaging with visitors to ensure productive, positive, and informative experiences
Qualifications
3–5+ years in a relevant technical or operational role
Technical or trades training preferred, but not required
Level 3 or Advanced First Aid (or willingness to complete training prior to employment)
Skills & Attributes
Independent, resourceful, and solution-oriented
Quick to learn and apply new technologies
Comfortable in remote and rugged environments
Strong communication and organizational skills
Physically fit and able to work in varying weather
Technologically proficient (tools, systems, troubleshooting)
Why Join Us
Competitive wages
Food & lodging are provided when located on Calvert Island
Travel between Campbell River & Calvert Island is covered
Opportunities for training and professional development
Work alongside a dynamic, passionate team
Explore stunning natural surroundings with world-class hiking, beaches, and paddling
Contribute to meaningful science and community partnerships on BC’s coast
Location & Schedule
Based between Quadra Island, BC & Calvert Island, BC
Fly-in/fly-out from Campbell River for up to 2-week shifts, when needed
If this opportunity sounds like a fit, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $65,000.00-$75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental care
Disability insurance
Extended health care
Life insurance
Paid time off
RRSP match
Vision care
Experience:
similar: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person