Program Specialist, Ocean Bridge

Hartleynature; Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization is seeking a Program Specialist to support a national youth service initiative focused on developing young leaders and promoting ocean health. Responsibilities include coaching youth ambassadors, managing service initiatives, and fostering community engagement. The position offers a unique opportunity to inspire young professionals while contributing to conservation efforts.

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering educational programs or volunteer management with youth aged 15-30.
• Bilingual skills (French and English) are mandatory for Quebec-based positions.
• Knowledge of experiential education and ocean issues is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Coach youth ambassadors during their Ocean Bridge service placement.
• Support youth in planning and delivering ocean service projects.
• Collaborate with communication teams to feature youth achievements.

Skills

Effective communication

Project management

Coaching

Flexibility

Engagement

Education

Relevant degree

Two years of related work experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online learning tools

Job description

Ocean Wise Conservation Association is looking for a Program Specialist to support the delivery of an innovative and engaging national youth service initiative focused on youth leadership & development, instilling conservation ethics, and inspiring a culture of service for ocean health. The Program Specialist works directly with young professionals (aged 18-30) and empowers them through 1:1 coaching calls, resources, knowledge, and skills to take action for a healthy, flourishing ocean.

Position Objective:

This position supports the delivery of a national youth service initiative focused on youth leadership & development, conservation ethics, and fostering a service culture for ocean health. The Program Specialist works directly with youth and young professionals, including marginalized and racialized communities, providing bi-weekly coaching to empower youth ambassadors with resources, knowledge, and skills. The role ensures youth-led activities are well planned, delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with Ocean Wise values. The Program Specialist also facilitates distance-learning activities and co-leads immersive learning journeys based on experiential and place-based education.

We are recruiting four full-time contract positions starting April 1st and ending October 29th, 2022, with possible extension depending on funding. While Ocean Wise headquarters are in Vancouver, BC, work location will be determined by program needs, and applications are welcomed from across Canada.

Position Outcomes:

• Coach 12 to 20 youths per cohort during their 6-month Ocean Bridge service placement, guiding goal setting, project ideation, planning, and delivery.
• Support ambassadors in engaging 50 local volunteers in ocean service initiatives.
• Ensure youth ambassadors log 300 personal service hours and 200 collective hours with peers.
• Coordinate communication of youth achievements, successes, stories, and reflections in ocean conservation.
• Assist in facilitating immersive learning journeys, including two 10-day remote trips and one 5-day urban trip.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized coaching to youth ambassadors, supporting their skill development and ocean service goals during their placement.
• Guide youth in planning and delivering ocean service projects aligned with Ocean Wise’s values and conservation priorities.
• Co-lead remote and urban learning journeys, applying best practices in experiential and place-based education.
• Collaborate with communication teams to feature youth achievements and ensure initiatives follow brand principles.
• Model safety culture by adhering to health & safety policies, risk management, and conduct standards.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Qualifications, Skills, Education, and Experience:

Personal qualities include engagement, patience, respect, positivity, independence, flexibility, effective communication, and passion for ocean conservation. Required experience includes delivering educational programs or volunteer management with youth aged 15-30, a relevant degree or two years of related work experience, proficiency in online learning tools and Microsoft Office, and bilingual skills (French and English) are mandatory for Quebec-based positions. Knowledge of experiential education, ocean issues, social justice, coaching, and facilitation is beneficial. Candidates should be willing to live in specified remote locations if applicable.

Ocean Wise values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an online application process.