Job title: Regenerative Ocean Farming Coordinator
Hourly wage: $22
Hours per week: 32
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible
Anticipated End date: 10 weeks *with possibility for extension*
About Ecotrust Canada
Ecotrust Canada is an enterprising non-profit that works with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities toward building an economy that provides for a healthy and resilient natural environment; sustainable and abundant energy, food, and housing; prosperous and meaningful livelihoods; and vibrant cultures and inclusive societies. We call this approach building an economy that provides for life. Our on-the-ground work and systems approach is entrepreneurial, partnership-based, and relentlessly practical. To learn more visit ecotrust.ca
Project Summary
Ecotrust Canada and Metlakatla Development Corporation (MDC) have been working together since 2021 to build a working regenerative ocean farm. Regenerative ocean farming (ROF) is a zero-input, polyculture model to underwater farming that grows a mix of seaweed and shellfish species which can help clean the water column and enhance marine ecosystems while providing food and jobs for coastal communities.
MDC owns several ocean tenures licensed to farm shellfish and seaweeds, and is also in the process of cleaning up derelict infrastructure from an abandoned scallop farm that operated on their tenures. Our goal is to convert the abandoned scallop farm into a multi-species farming and restoration operation that grows kelp and shellfish. We already started piloting growing sugar kelp, with a harvest of 1,352 lbs in June 2022, and we’re expecting an even larger harvest of sugar and winged kelp this spring!
Position Summary
We’re working on what is best described as a kelp and shellfish farming start-up, which means most of our team members are jacks-of-all-trades. Over the next few months, we’ll be working on licensing applications for local sales of scallops, harvesting kelp and scallops, kelp restoration, ghost gear cleanup, environmental monitoring and data collection, developing a kelp nursery, conducting a feasibility study to restart a shellfish hatchery, and creating engaging community events.
In addition to helping out on the boat occasionally, the ROF coordinator could work with local seafood processors to secure the necessary licensing to sell scallops locally. This would entail researching the relevant regulations under the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program and helping our partners create workflows, processing plans and licensing applications that meet provincial and federal standards.
Our priority is finding a local team member who is interested in joining our team long-term, and we are open to building a position around the skills and interests of the right candidate. We value new ideas and encourage each team member to bring their own perspectives, experiences, and knowledge to help shape the path forward for the project.
This position is being funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program, which means the candidate needs to be between the ages of 15-30 at the start of their position. Priority will be given to applicants who live in Prince Rupert, as well as applicants who identify as Indigenous youth, Black youth and other racialized minorities.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities will vary depending on the skills, experience and interests of the candidate, but may include:
- Regulatory research, compliance and applications
- Scallop and kelp husbandry: Seeding, grading and cleaning, harvesting
- Kelp and environmental data collection and coordination
- Shellfish culturing, hatchery and market research and outreach
- Farm maintenance: Cleaning floatation and longlines, preparing farm equipment for use
- Maintaining and building good, equitable and reciprocal relationships with project partners, stakeholders and communities
- Supporting community events
- Report writing
- Branding and business development
- Administrative duties and/or other related duties within the scope of the position as assigned or requested.
Skills & Qualifications
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively
- Strong research, reading, and writing skills
- Creative and solutions-oriented with the ability to offer improvements
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment (every day will be different)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word (spreadsheets, databases, and word processing) is an asset
- Attention to detail, ability to problem solve effectively and efficiently
- Ability to work independently on their own initiative and as a part of a team.
- Interest in local and sustainable food systems and Ts’msyen food sovereignty
- Demonstrated commitment to supporting resilient rural, remote, and Indigenous communities and a healthy environment through lived, educational, professional, and/or volunteer experiences
- First Aid (MED A3) is an asset
- Experience on marine vessels is an asset
- An ability to lift 50lbs and perform physically demanding work is an asset
- An ability to create diagrams online is a bonus
- Licensing and certification to operate plant and grounds machinery (such as forklift, winch, & truck) safely and effectively is an asset
*There is a potential for this position to be extended to four months or become an ongoing position depending on the candidate.*
Applications being accepted until the position is filled. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to maryw@ecotrust.ca