NIEFS posts employment opportunities submitted by employers free of charge. NIEFS has not in any way assessed or evaluated the jobs posted nor the employers submitting the job postings or the applicants. It is the responsibility of the employer and the applicant to review and research each employer and job candidate.
Need help finding work? Connect with an Employment Counsellor for more information on NIEFS services, resumes, cover letters, training and more. For more information call 250-286-3441 or toll free: 1-866-286-6788.
Show me:
/ hour (
$23/hr
) Details
The Whale Interpretive Centre (WIC) is a land-based education centre operated by the Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Interpretive Centre Society, a registered charitable society. The mandate is promoting public awareness of marine mammal conservation. The WIC operates out of Telegraph Cove, BC, a remote coastal community on northeastern Vancouver Island. The Johnstone Strait/Blackfish Sound Archipelago is an ecologically important feeding area for many marine mammals including killer whales and humpback whales.
We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Interpreter and Collections Assistant to join the WIC’s team this summer!
The two key responsibilities of the Interpreter and Collections Assistant are:
• To present educational information in a manner that excites and inspires visitors of different ages and backgrounds from around the world. This will be done through one-on-one discussions and structured group presentations (up to 30 persons).
• To catalogue the WIC’s collection of marine mammal specimens. This will include inputting data on biological specimens (e.g., whale bones, baleen), whaling artifacts, and marine mammal literature, as well as the proper handling and labelling of specimens.
Additional responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:
• Working with staff and volunteers to set up the WIC (e.g., hanging skeletons, organizing the gift shop, setting up displays);
• Greeting visitors and processing gift shop transactions;
• Maintaining the cleanliness of the WIC (e.g., sweeping, cleaning exhibits, disinfecting surfaces, dusting skeletons); and
• Opportunities to contribute to social media posts and text for the monthly newsletter, as well as contribute to future exhibits and educational displays.
Compensation and Hours: $23/hour
40 hours per week
Location: Telegraph Cove, Northeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Start Date and Time Frame: May 19, 2026 to September 7, 2026 (16-week position)
Qualifications & Experience
• Passion for the marine environment
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail and self-motivation
• Willingness and a passion for learning
• The ability to explain concepts to a wide range of experience and education levels
• Customer service or cash handling experience preferred but not required as training is provided
• An understanding of marine mammal biology, anatomy, and conservation is an asset (not required as training is provided)
• Experience cataloguing biological material in a museum environment is an asset
• Must be available to attend training May 29 to June 1 in Port McNeill, BC (4 day, in-person course; cost covered by the employer)
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
• Must have own transportation to site and accommodation within the North Island.
The successful candidate must meet the criteria set forth by Young Canada Works:
• Are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada;
• Are legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid social insurance number);
• Are between 16 and 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment; and
• Are a high school, college, CEGEP, or university student.