Position: Associate Specialist, Conservation & Shipping
Location: Hybrid – Working from any WWF-Canada office
Department: Conservation - Wildlife & Industry
Reporting to: Lead Specialist, Conservation & Shipping
Position Type: Permanent, Full-time
Starting Salary: $55,000 - $59,000 (commensurate upon related experience and skills)
Position Description
The Associate Specialist, Conservation & Shipping supports initiatives aimed at reducing the impacts of shipping on wildlife and the environment.
The Associate Specialist contributes to conservation projects by conducting research, gathering and analyzing information, identifying emerging issues, and supporting the development of recommendations to inform program activities. They assist in the development of tools, resources, and communications materials that advance conservation objectives.
The Associate Specialist helps build and maintain relationships with experts, advocates, Rights holders, and other stakeholders, supporting WWF-Canada's conservation efforts and ongoing work with Indigenous communities, industry, government, academia, and civil society.
Working collaboratively across the organization, the Associate Specialist liaises with internal teams to support shared priorities and participates in external partnerships, working groups, and fora, as appropriate and under the guidance of the Lead Specialist, Conservation & Shipping.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the implementation of WWF-Canada's conservation strategy and initiatives related to reducing the impacts of shipping on wildlife and the environment.
- Conduct research, information gathering, and analysis to support conservation strategies, policy development, program planning, and organizational positions.
- Maintain awareness of developments in the shipping sector, marine conservation, and related policy and regulatory issues, and provide regular updates to the Lead Specialist, Conservation & Shipping.
- Help build and maintain relationships with Indigenous and local communities, industry, government, academia, and other stakeholders to advance conservation objectives.
- Contribute to the development of reports, briefing notes, presentations, proposals, communications materials, and other tools and resources that support conservation outcomes.
- Support project delivery by coordinating activities, maintaining records, assisting with agreements and contractor relationships, and tracking deliverables, budgets, and work plans as required.
- Collaborate with internal teams and participate in external meetings, workshops, conferences, partnerships, and working groups as appropriate.
- Respond to internal and external inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
- Assist the Wildlife & Industry team, as required, with other related duties contributing to the mandate and successful operation of the department and organization.
What We Are Looking For
- 1-3 years of experience supporting research, policy, conservation, environmental, or related initiatives, including conducting research, analysis, and information synthesis to support projects, programs, policy development, or advocacy efforts.
- Post-secondary education in Marine Resource Management, Conservation Biology, Environmental Studies, Geography, Public Policy, or a related discipline, or an additional 2+ years of related work experience.
- Experience working collaboratively with diverse partners, stakeholders, and/or Indigenous and local communities, with an understanding of Indigenous rights, interests, and perspectives in conservation considered an asset.
- Knowledge of, or demonstrated interest in, marine conservation, marine shipping, environmental policy, wildlife conservation, or related fields.
- Strong organizational, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and prepare reports, presentations, briefing materials, and other communications products.
- Familiarity with First Nations Principles of OCAP®, the BC First Nations Data Governance Initiative, or other Indigenous data sovereignty frameworks is an asset.
- Experience in the charitable or non-profit sector is an asset.
- Demonstrated alignment with WWF's core values of Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.
- Identify & align with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration
Other Information
- Occasional local or national travel may be required to attend meetings and events
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this exciting opportunity, please apply online at https://wwf.ca/careers , and ensure that your application is received on or before November 10, 2026.
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we may close this posting before the advertised date if we identify a suitable candidate pool. We encourage you to apply early and thank you for your interest in working for WWF-Canada.
Every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team. While technology may help organize applications, hiring decisions are always made by people.
Please note that this position is being recruited directly by WWF-Canada's People & Culture team. We are not partnering with external recruitment agencies for this search. If approached by a third party claiming to represent WWF-Canada, we encourage you to use your discretion.
Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility
Our vision is a Canada with abundant wildlife where nature and people thrive and we value and rely on diversity of thought, knowledge, expertise, and lived experience to help bring our vision to life.
We recognize that experience comes in many forms and skills are transferable. If you feel that your unique experiences can enhance our vision, we encourage you to apply – even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements.
We encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
We are committed to a barrier-free and equitable recruitment & selection process. If you are contacted in relation an opportunity to join our team and require an accommodation at any point in the process, please advise the recruiter of your specific needs. We commit to managing these requests in a confidential manner.
