Department Summary:
Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a world-leading organization supporting ocean discovery and technological innovation for science, society, and industry. ONC monitors the west and east coasts of Canada and the Arctic to continuously deliver data in real-time for scientific research and discovery and technological innovation.
ONC is a Major Research Facility funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and is governed as a not-for-profit society that operates world-class innovative cabled observatories on behalf of the University of Victoria.
The observatories supply continuous power and Internet connectivity to a broad suite of scientific instruments located in coastal, deep-ocean, and polar environments. ONC’s digital networks host thousands of sensors distributed in, on, and above the seabed, along with mobile and land-based assets (e.g., ferries, autonomous gliders, moorings, and coastal radars) that provide essential data. ONC makes these data openly available and in real-time through ONC’s powerful online data management system Oceans 3.0, the most visible aspect of ONC and one of the means by which ONC’s diverse user communities can access, analyze, visualize, and present observatory data.
These strategically located instruments and big data management enable evidence-based decision-making on ocean management, public safety, and environmental protection, address key scientific and policy issues and support several large projects (e.g. the New Frontiers Research-funded Solid Carbon project (SC)). Along with national and local governments, ONC also works in collaboration with educators, students, communities, and Indigenous peoples on ocean monitoring initiatives along all three of Canada’s coasts. ONC’s work is guided by three pillars: advance ocean observing; develop and deliver world-leading data and ocean intelligence products and services; and enable ocean-based solutions for climate change and coastal resilience.
ONC’s Impact & Capacity Development unit is responsible for supporting and increasing the ONC user base, developing capacities, maximizing the impact of ONC’s ocean observatory systems and for contributing directly to transforming data into knowledge.
Position Summary:
The Knowledge Mobilization Coordinator (KMC) aids in the development and implementation of ONC’s and SC’s, knowledge mobilization strategies by facilitating translation of research findings, ocean data, climate solutions and technological innovations into societal impact. Reporting to the ONC Impact & Capacity Manager, the role builds connections between researchers, Indigenous and community partners, early career ocean professionals (ECOPs), policymakers, educators, and other ocean and climate stakeholders to strengthen the multi-directional flow of knowledge, enhance capacity, and foster collaboration across sectors. In the context of this multi-way facilitation, the KMC may also support formal research initiatives arising from such facilitation (i.e. through collaboration with researchers). The KMC coordinates programs and workshops and supports the administration of key advisory groups. Additionally, the position advances ONC’s commitments as an Implementing Partner of the United Nations Decade of Ocean
Key responsibility areas include:
- Knowledge mobilization and engagement
- Coordinating contributions to multiparty national and international initiatives
- Workshop planning, coordination, outcomes synthesis and reporting
- Advisory council coordination
- Administrative program support
The role receives guidance from the ONC Director of Engagement & Knowledge Mobilization, Director of Science and works in close collaboration with the ONC Impact Analyst and Solid Carbon project manager. The KMC regularly engages with researchers, highly qualified personnel (HQP), partners and funders regionally, nationally and internationally.
