Biodiversity Campaigner
GSA is the only organization with a focus on the health of the marine environment of the entire region of the Strait of Georgia (the northern arm of the Salish Sea). Our focus is on building awareness of the fragility, complexity and importance of the natural world in this region, and working with others to advocate for its protection. Our mission connects the health of the natural environment with the health of the people who live here, building power in diverse communities so that this rich environment supports everyone for generations to come.
GSA’s work is built on principles of collaboration, using the best available science and being solution oriented. We work with others to identify threats to the region, develop the solutions to those threats, and work over the longer term with others to mitigate that threat. The spirit of ‘alliances’ that our founders nurtured is still present within GSA and in the way we work to protect this region.
Most of the staff at GSA work from their home offices on the unceded territories of many Coast Salish Nations. We also have 2 offices, one on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) people (known as Vancouver) and one on the territories of the Snuneymuxw people (known as Nanaimo).
About the position
GSA is hiring for a Biodiversity Campaigner, who will lead and be responsible for our advocacy campaigns on the protection of Southern Resident killer whales, and other species at risk (with a particular focus on the threat of contaminants); our campaign to support the transition of open net cage fish farms to closed containment systems; our opposition to projects that threaten local habitat such as the T2 Deltaport expansion; and, support the development of our growing work to engage communities on the protection of the Lower Fraser River and on marine spatial planning in the Salish Sea.
This work involves independent and collaborative strategic planning, with frequent meetings and gatherings, and creating different ways to mobilize the community. You will work independently, as well as with stakeholders and changemakers around the Salish Sea (virtually and in-person when it is safe to do so) and be an advocate for species at risk and habitat protection. You’ll need to stay up to date on evolving current events and relevant research as it relates to your campaigns, and be able to communicate their significance through various mediums. The work can be fast paced as advocacy campaigns can be very dynamic.
This position works closely with other team members, and reports to the Executive Director.
You will succeed in this role if you have a deep understanding of the natural world, have the ability to engage in discussions with experts on topics related to marine and freshwater conservation, in particular in areas of habitat protection and pollution related issues. You should be comfortable engaging with scientific research and communicating the results in an accessible way. This work is very collaborative and coalition-based, so you should have experience working closely with others who have different perspectives, and be comfortable leading conversations and campaigns that can be adversarial.
Compensation: $48,000, plus health and other benefits
Preferred start date: as soon as possible
Location: The position can work from our Vancouver or Nanaimo offices, or anywhere with easy ferry access to major centres. Even prior to the pandemic, most of our staff work from their homes throughout the region, so this position can also work from a home office. GSA provides systems and tools to create a rich team environment in our geographically distributed structure. However, regular travel is significant in this position, and will be required post-pandemic.
Experience and Qualifications
We understand that not all experience looks the same, and encourage applicants to share how their experiences relate to the qualities below:
– Knowledge and understanding of the natural world, and the ability to speak to scientific issues
– Ability to build and implement strategic advocacy campaigns and capitalize on key advocacy moments
– Planning and project management experience, in particular managing multiple projects
– Building, supporting and working in alliances and coalitions across sectors, groups and communities
It would also be helpful if you have any of the following skills, qualifications or equivalent experiences, though they are by no means required:
– Experience with databases or CRMs, in particular Salesforce
– Grassroots organizing
– Comfort in connecting and working with colleagues online, in an organization where staff are not all located in one office
Application process
We are accepting applications until January 21st at midnight (Pacific) through the online form on our website. Please submit information about yourself, your lived experience or any information that is important for this application via this form.
Georgia Strait Alliance is strongly committed to equality, diversity, anti-racism, and to being a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, members of racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities to advance the mission of GSA. GSA will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities upon request.
Because we’re a small staff with limited capacity, please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.
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To apply for this job please visit georgiastrait.org.