Description
The Deep Bay Public Education Summer Student worked in the education aspect of VIU's Deep Bay Marine Field Station's operations including the following roles:
- Assisted in the interpretation of marine sciences, the shellfish aquaculture industry, and other marine science topics for members of the public and tour groups.
- Assisted in delivering educational programs for K-12 students to promote the understanding of marine biology and shellfish aquaculture.
Position Overview
- Assist with the development and delivery of new interpretation and educational materials to better educate visitors on local marine species and local threats to biodiversity with a strong emphasis on threats to the shellfish population and industry.
- Deliver and lead activities that focus on science and hands-on outdoor learning for events, school groups, and summer camps.
- Learn how to structure information for public delivery by weaving science communication into great storytelling.
- Refine communication skills and how to interact appropriately with a wide range of people who are interested in marine sciences and the shellfish aquaculture industry.
- Read and become familiar with a wide variety of topics in marine biology and maintain current knowledge of the state of the shellfish aquaculture industry.
- Handling marine life safely and respectively and according to animal care procedures.
- Assisting with front desk operations including admissions and acting as the first introduction to DBMFS for visitors.
- Learn all about how a shellfish hatchery operates in terms of spawning, water temperature importance, pH importance, and life cycle of the pacific oyster.
Position Requirements
VIU Deep Bay Public Education Summer Students must:
- be registered in a VIU program in Science and Technology, RMOT, Education (with a science focus) or similar.
- have a satisfactory criminal record check
- have strong communication skills
- be organized, mature, and timely
- be flexible in terms of working days
- knowledge of fisheries, aquaculture, marine biology, or K-12 education are desirable
Graduate Attributes Associated
- Scientific Literacy
- Active Learning
- Collaboration
- Safe and Ethical Practices
- Disciplinary Expertise
- Capacity to Engage in Respectful Relationships
Sign-up Directions
To sign up or find out more information please contact Marnie Branfireun, Public Education Coordinator, STEMantics Program, Faculty of Science and Technology at stemantics@viu.ca.