Nursery Manager

West Coast Kelp

Area A (Bamfield)

On-site

CAD 55,000 - 80,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

An innovative environmental organization in Bamfield, B.C. is seeking a Nursery Manager to oversee kelp cultivation. The role involves managing production schedules, leading R&D to improve efficiency, and training staff. Candidates should have a background in aquaculture or related fields and be ready to thrive in a dynamic environment. Competitive salary based on experience, and a chance to contribute to significant ecological restoration efforts.

Qualifications

3+ years of experience in seaweed, aquaculture, or related biological production systems.
3+ years of successful applied R&D project experience.
Experience maintaining life-support systems like pumps and chillers.

Responsibilities

Manage kelp cultivation and production schedules.
Lead applied R&D to enhance production efficiency.
Train and supervise nursery staff.

Skills

Experience in seaweed, aquaculture, or biological production systems

Experience in applied R&D projects

Strong analytical skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Proactive mindset

Tools

Life-support systems

Job description

Job Posting: Nursery Manager

Location: Bamfield, B.C. | Employment Type: Full-Time | Salary: $55K-80K CAD (based on experience)

Overview

Ocean-focused leader implementing scalable, real-world solutions to restore marine ecosystems. I build partnerships and drive innovative initiatives…

About Us

West Coast Kelp Ltd. is a leader in kelp cultivation and restoration, proudly operating on Vancouver Island in the traditional territories of the nuučaan̓uɫ First Nations. We collaborate closely with our partners to implement coastal restoration and regenerative kelp farming initiatives that support both ecological and economic goals.

We’re on a mission to regenerate coastal biodiversity and build an organization that delivers lasting impact for ecosystems, communities, and people. Since 2023, we’ve grown to become one of Canada’s largest suppliers of high-quality kelp seed, paving the way for sustainable ocean solutions.

Our Bamfield-based nursery is the foundation of our operations — supplying kelp seed for farmers, Indigenous-led restoration projects, and applied research initiatives across coastal British Columbia.

You Are

Excited and capable of thriving in a mission-driven start-up environment and growing with West Coast Kelp as we expand our operations.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and dedicated to constant improvement.
A vetted, hardworking critical thinker who confidently tackles large projects.
Self-motivated, resourceful, and know how to hustle to achieve big goals.
Excited to help build systems and processes for a growing company.
Interested in blending biology, engineering, and sustainability.
Curious, resilient, and adaptable — comfortable working independently in a remote, close-knit environment.
A natural leader who enjoys teaching and empowering others to take ownership of their work.

Your Responsibilities

Reporting to and collaborating with the President of West Coast Kelp, the Nursery Manager will:

Oversee and manage all kelp cultivation and production schedules at the WCK nursery.
Lead applied R&D to improve propagule quality, cultivation methods, and enhance production efficiency.
Refine existing and create new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Develop and implement nursery data-management systems for evidence-based decision-making.
Train and supervise seasonal or part-time nursery staff, ensuring work meets WCK’s quality standards.
Collaborate with project partners to align nursery output with project needs.
Identify and apply for grant funding and other financial resources to support nursery operations, restoration projects, research initiatives, and organizational growth.

What You Bring to the Table

3+ years of experience in seaweed, aquaculture, or related biological production systems.
3+ years of experience designing and conducting successful applied R&D projects.
Experience maintaining and troubleshooting life-support systems (pumps, chillers, lighting, etc.).
Strong analytical and record-keeping skills to support data-driven improvements.
Experience contributing to or managing research or funding proposals.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
A track record of meeting or exceeding goals and delivering consistent high-quality results.
A proactive mindset that thrives in a fast-paced environment where problem-solving and innovation are daily tasks.
A desire to work in a performance-driven environment where KPIs are measured and celebrated.

Work Schedule & Location

Nursery work doesn’t always align with a typical Monday–Friday, 9–5 schedule. Occasionally, this role requires late evenings, early mornings, or weekends during busy production periods.

West Coast Kelp is located in Bamfield, B.C., a small but vibrant coastal community surrounded by old-growth forests, rocky intertidal zones, and pristine beaches — a place for those who dream of living and working at the edge of the world.

You Will Succeed If You Align with WCK’s Values

First Principles: You seek to understand the root causes of a problem before taking action.
Candour with Care: You value open, honest communication and are willing to have hard conversations.
Curiosity: You are eager to learn and explore new possibilities and opportunities.
Resourcefulness: You find creative solutions to challenging problems.
Evidence-Based Decision Making: You rely on data to guide your actions.
Continuous Improvement: You have a growth mindset and embrace feedback.
Accountability: You take ownership of your work and follow through on commitments.
Collaboration: You work well across disciplines and with partners from diverse backgrounds.
Drivers, Not Passengers: You take initiative and make progress instead of waiting for others to do so.