Engineering Co-op (January – August 2026)

Location: Bamfield, B.C.

Employment Type: Full-Time (8-12 month Co-op)

Wage: $24/hr


About West Coast Kelp

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 and a trusted partner in collaborative coastal restoration projects, paving the way for sustainable ocean solutions. Our Bamfield-based nursery is the foundation of our operations, where we grow the kelp propagules required for regenerative mariculture, ecological restoration, and applied research projects that advance the science and practice of coastal restoration.


The Opportunity

We’re seeking an ambitious Engineering Co-op Student to join West Coast Kelp from January to August 2026. You’ll work directly with our President & Founder and Nursery Manager to lead two strategic engineering projects that advance the company’s technical capabilities and operational efficiency.

Your work will bridge engineering, biology, and ecology, applying design thinking and practical problem-solving to real-world challenges in ecological restoration. This is a hands-on role where your ideas will move quickly from concept to implementation in the field and at our nursery.


Projects You’ll Support

This placement will focus on two high-impact initiatives central to West Coast Kelp’s growth:

  1. Nursery Cultivation Infrastructure Innovation – Developing new systems to support large-scale kelp cultivation and improve production efficiency.
  2. Ecosystem Monitoring – Advancing the design and performance of our biodiversity monitoring technologies to support our restoration projects.

These projects will challenge you to apply creativity, technical rigour, and iterative design in a dynamic marine environment.