Background:

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 to promote 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.

 

The WIC is a driving force for marine and environmental education, welcoming thousands of local and international visitors each summer. The WIC displays a collection of marine mammal skeletons, artifacts, and signage related to the marine environment and marine mammal conservation. The WIC also has a small gift shop with branded merchandise and marine mammal inspired gifts.

The WIC was devastated by a fire on December 31, 2024, resulting in the loss of its entire collection of marine mammal skeletons. The WIC anticipates re-opening in summer 2026 in a new facility and with its new collection.

We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Interpreter and Collections Assistant to join the WIC's team this summer. The successful candidate will work to educate guests, catalogue the WIC's collection of marine mammal specimens, and be part of this exciting new chapter in the WIC’s history.

Job Description:

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 (e.g., scrimshaw), and marine mammal literature and 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 WIC (e.g., sweeping, cleaning exhibits, disinfecting surfaces); and
• Opportunities to contribute to social media posts and text for the monthly newsletter, as well as contribute to future exhibits and educational displays.

Qualifications:

• Passion for the marine environment
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Willingness and 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 with costs covered by employer)
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
• Must have own transportation to work site (Telegraph Cove) 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.

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)

How to Apply:
Interested to join the WIC's team? Please send a resume, cover letter, and references to the following email: society@killerwhalecentre.org, attention: Tyra Bain, Manager. Subject line: Interpreter and Collections Assistant - First & Last Name.

Applications will be considered only if sent to the above email. Please be specific in your application whether you meet the requirements for this position. We discourage the use of AI in applications - we want to hear in your own words why you are a good fit for this role. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Whale Interpretive Centre is committed to employment equity. We strive to be a safe space for everyone and we value and encourage diversity in our staff team. The WIC strongly encourage candidates who self-identify as Indigenous, members of racialized communities and visible minorities, Persons with disabilities, or members of the Two Spirit (2S) and LGBTQIA+ communities.

We look forward to meeting you!