Job Posting: Swimmable Water Specialist

ABOUT FRASER RIVERKEEPER

Fraser Riverkeeper (FRK) is a non-profit registered charity, and a proud member of Canada’s Swim Drink Fish community.

Based in Vancouver, FRK was first incorporated in 2004 and officially launched in 2007 by Executive Director Lauren Hornor with the leadership of environmental advocate and legendary trail-blazing prosecutor, the late Doug Chapman. Our programs bring together law, science, digital media, and culture to empower residents of the Fraser River watershed and coastal B.C. We provide tools for water literacy and leadership, enabling local citizens to restore polluted places, protect human health, and promote swimmable, fishable, drinkable water.

SWIMMABLE WATER SPECIALIST RESPONSIBILITIES:

As Swimmable Water Specialist you will support Fraser Riverkeeper's recreational water protection programs and build connections with people, groups, and businesses who use and love BC’s Waterways. You will assist with launching a local water quality testing program and disseminate vital information about recreational water quality to Vancouver-area communities. Additionally, you will be responsible for keeping our Swim Guide app and website up to date with current water quality as well as sampling and testing as necessary. And, finally, you will represent Fraser Riverkeeper at water-related events throughout Metro Vancouver and across the watershed, collecting water stories from community members as part of the Watermark Project.

Our work is focused in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, so extra emphasis will be placed on activities that strengthen the region's community of recreational water users and promote our recreational waters locally.

This is a four month, full time position beginning in mid-May. Please apply ASAP.

 

Primary Responsibilities

• Collect water samples for analysis in the field;

• Prepare test solutions and process water samples;

• Calibrate and maintain testing equipment;

• Analyze and interpret results, producing monthly reports to be presented to a non-scientific audience;

• Connect and share water quality information with stakeholders impacted by recreational water quality across BC.

• Engage citizens, organizations, and businesses in issues related to recreational water quality;

• Delight booth and table attendees at events from mid-June to September (evenings and weekends required) with information about the Fraser River and its watershed;

• Act as an in-person ambassador for Fraser Riverkeeper, Swim Guide, and the Watermark Project;

• Provide on-site and from the field pictures and videos for our social media profiles;

• Update Swim Guide in the morning, seven days a week, to provide thousands of people with up-to-date beach water quality information in BC;

• Collect personal water stories, or "Watermarks" from community members across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser River watershed.

You are an ideal candidate for this position if:

• You are a current student or recent graduate of one of the following post-secondary programs (or equivalent): Environmental Science, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, Marine Sciences and Pure and Applied Sciences.

• You have experience testing and monitoring fresh and marine waterbodies, making certain water is safe for recreational and drinking purposes.

• You are well-versed on urban water issues pertaining to sewage, storm water run-off, and the health issues related to contaminated water.

• You would love to spend your summer talking to the community about swimmable water.

• You have a great work ethic and are able to accomplish tasks on time and independently.

• It’s important to you to help people understand how recreational water activities can impact their health, both positively and negatively.

• You are articulate and outgoing.

• You are happy and able to work evenings and weekends when required for public events.

• You love spending time on the Fraser River and Vancouver waterfront (swimming, paddling, sailing, fishing, etc)

• You have a working knowledge of GIS and are comfortable using Excel spreadsheets.

• You have a proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• You have strong Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram skills.

• You have a full, valid Class 5 licence (access to a vehicle is a bonus but not required).

• You’re based in Metro Vancouver. 

To Apply:

Each application must include 1 copy of the following documents:

• A cover letter that describes why you would make a great Swimmable Water Specialist (Note: This is our favourite part of the application - we look for style, personality, spelling, grammar, and your perspective on the job description.)
• Your resumé.
• Names and contact information for two references.

 

Please submit your application as soon as possible to: 

Charly Caproff

[email protected]

Re: Swimmable Water Specialist Position

 

The position is available mid-May and applications will be reviewed as they arrive.

Sorry, but we can only respond to those candidates selected for an interview.

Fraser Riverkeeper is committed to having a skilled, diversified workforce reflective of the Metro Vancouver, and to the equitable representation of women, aboriginal peoples, and members of a visible minority group.

Other Information:

This position is a 4-month contract at a salary of $2,500/month, minus taxes and liabilities, with a possibility of extension depending on available funding.

Hours: 35 hours/week. Must be available some evenings and weekends.

Start and End Date: mid May - September 31, 2017.

Location: Based in Vancouver with possible travel to other communities on the BC coast and within the Fraser River watershed.