Associate Director, Operations

Organization: Bamfield Marine Science Centre (BMSC) is a registered charity owned and operated by the Western Canada Universities Marine Science Society (WCUMSS, a consortium of University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria). BMSC consists of a 70 hectare waterfront property on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Facilities include over 30,000 square feet of laboratories, teaching and meeting spaces, offices, a large student residence, cabins for faculty and graduate student researchers, a commercial kitchen and dining hall, boat fleet and full diving operations.

The primary activities at BMSC are research and undergraduate teaching. Research programs (mainly with NSERC funding) run throughout the year. BMSC was recently awarded $8m for infrastructure renewal from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

BMSC has approximately 55 regular and seasonal staff. The facility hosts hundreds of researchers, students and partners annually. Position Summary: Reporting the Director, the Associate Director of Operations works closely with the Director to plan, direct and oversee all activities of operations at the Bamfield property, ensuring strategic coordination and support of the WCUMSS’s primary goals and objectives as expressed in the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.

The Associate Director is part of a leadership team that includes the leads of guest services, foreshore, education, research services, animal care, kelp rescue initiative and directs the work of the leads of guest services (food services, housekeeping & Maintenance), foreshore (vessels and diving), IT and Administration and liaises closely with the local community, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations and the five partner Universities. Duties and Responsibilities: Operations Management Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and serve as the catalyst for the environmental health, safety and compliance of all operations. Through Team Leads, manage the maintenance of all Bamfield physical infrastructure and services.

In concert with the Strategic Plan and Facilities Condition Report, make recommendations for and implement approved upgrades and modifications. Through support staff, manage many aspects of the Bamfield budget and administrative systems. Oversee liaison to external agencies and partners on matters relating to the operations and day-to-day activities.

Client Service · Demonstrated ability to lead and develop an excellent client service culture in a multi- faceted operation in the hospitality, education, or service sectors · Foster a culture of collaboration and solutions-oriented support in all aspects of the operation and associated programs. · Maintain and enhance relationships with community partners, including Huu-ay-aht First Nations and the Bamfield community. · Support inclusive science-based excellence in research and education through collaboration with those Team Leads in achieving international standard in discovery, innovation and training in the marine sciences. Human Resources establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, and establish work priorities for teams. In collaboration with the Union, administer the Collective Agreement and through delegation and training, apply WCUMSS policies and regulatory obligations to lead, support and develop a high-performing team, to empower and enhance ownership of all employees while fostering a service and safety culture.

Perform other duties as required by the Director. Equity Diversity and Inclusion · Working with EDI consultants, advance training, education and EDI goals for WCUMSS. · engage and consult with Huu-ay-aht First Nations partners, including the Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses, in associated and emerging partnerships. · Provide, within operational and legal obligations, first opportunity of employment and business partnership to local community members. Qualifications: Required: Significant leadership experience in managing physical operations (e.g., electric, mechanical, IT, waste management) at a multi-purpose facility.

Demonstrated organizational skills. Demonstrated experience in project management, coordinating major capital improvements, and working with multiple contractors. Demonstrated experience supporting management of a risk register.

Demonstrated bias towards customer or client service. Superior leadership, communication, and people management skills in a unionized environment. Demonstrated effectiveness at diagnosing and correcting work-flow issues and problems; always striving for continuous improvement.

Demonstrated conversance with and support promoting EDI in the workplace Demonstrated experience developing and managing maintenance schedules. Preferred: BSc of MSc in Marine Science, or any scientific or engineering field. Knowledge of marine or field station operations (or equivalent remote lodge/resort).

Knowledge of BC Worksafe regulations. Experience working alongside First Nations. Working Conditions Bamfield remains a relatively remote community with a permanent population of approximately 200 people, offering a vibrant coastal community with a strong tradition of volunteerism.

Recent investments by the Huu-a-aht First Nations are adding to the vibrancy of the community. There is also an elementary school and a health centre. Outdoor recreational opportunities are outstanding.

The road between Bamfield and Port Alberni has been recently paved. The incumbent will be provided accommodation on Bamfield station and, in collaboration with the Guest Services Manager, is expected to be available to their staff and others at Bamfield outside normal work hours to deal with urgent matters as they arise. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion : We value equity and diversity, and strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply.

Application process: please submit a cover letter and CV as a PDF document, with your last name in the file name, via email to directorbamfieldmsc.com with “Associate Director Operations” in the email subject line.