Location

CWR’s ORCA SURVEY Outreach & Education Center, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Anticipated Start Date: May

 

Roles and Responsibilities

• Interface with the public in a friendly and enthusiastic manner conveying information about CWR (our research, etc.), Southern Resident (SRKW) and Bigg’s orcas, the Salish Sea ecosystem, and its inhabitants.

• Work in collaboration with other CWR staff and volunteers.

• Assist in maintaining operational hours for the education center.

• Assist with the sales of CWR merchandise.

• Maintain good customer service skills.

• Take inventory of merchandise when needed.

• Help maintain the cleanliness and safety of the education center.

• Use the technology and tools in the education center to help engage the public more meaningfully.

• Stay up to date on the latest relevant orca research and communicate this to the public.

• Help to foster a continuing relationship between CWR and the public through the use of membership recruitment.

• Assist in ensuring all technology is up to date (software updates, etc.) and in good working order.

• Occasionally lead educational talks/demonstrations for students or other interested parties, which includes potentially working in partnership with other organizations (e.g., Salish Sea School). This could be in person or virtually, depending on needs and location.

• Help support equality and diversity within the organization and be committed to helping create an inclusive culture.

 

Person Specification and Qualifications

Applicant Qualifications

The ideal applicant will have a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in marine science, communications, business, public relations, or a related field. While this is important, it should not prevent an individual from applying if they meet the other essential skills and feel like they would be a great fit.

 

Skills and Understanding

Essential

• Have a good working knowledge of the Southern Resident (SRKW) and Bigg’s orcas, and the Salish Sea ecosystem.

• Confidence in public speaking.

• Ability to provide excellent customer service.

• Ability to work with people of all ages, including children.

• Have a good understanding of the CWR.

 

Desirable

• Familiarity with Square.

 

Prior Experience

Desirable

The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following settings:

• Have previous experience working in an environmental education setting.

• Experience in working with teams of people.

• Prior retail experience.

 

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Passion for marine wildlife and conservation.

• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work well with colleagues and volunteers.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Punctual and dependable.

• Willingness to learn new systems and processes.

• Have creativity and imagination, and a commitment to promoting the work done by the Center for Whale Research.

 

How to Apply

Please fill out this Google Form and upload a resume with 3 references and a cover letter.

 

Interviews

We will contact you to let you know whether you have been shortlisted for an interview. We expect to conduct interviews online the week beginning April 14th, 2025.

 

Informal Enquiries

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact Katie Jones at: katie@whaleresearch.com