Conservation Volunteers Intern
Organization: Nature Conservancy of Canada
Website: http://www.natureconservancy.ca
Location: Calgary, Alberta
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is a private, non-profit
organization that prides itself on its entrepreneurial, science-based
approach to achieving conservation succ
ess through direct action.
Since 1962, NCC and its supporters have protected more than 2.6
million acres (1 million hectares) of ecologically significant land
across Canada. NCC has experienced dramatic growth in recent years,
and is now listed as the 13th largest non-profit organization in
Canada, with a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices
across the country.
Purpose and General Description:
This summer share your passion for the environment with Albertans of
all ages! Inspire others to take part in meaningful, hands-on
conservation work with the Nature Conservancy of Canada by joining the
Conservation Volunteers (CV) team in Alberta. As an Alberta CV Intern,
you will assist with the coordination of volunteer-driven stewardship
projects on NCC conservation lands and take a lead role in program
delivery on the ground.
These volunteer events are designed to engage individuals of all ages
in priority conservation work, such as habitat restoration, biological
inventories, and infrastructure improvement, while providing a fun and
educational experience for participants in nature. Events include such
things as conducting butterfly surveys, making wildlife-friendly
improvements to fences, and planting native species to help revegetate
non-native habitats.
Working under the Conservation Volunteers Coordinator, and
collaboratively with a partnering intern, you will have the
opportunity to explore new ways to effectively engage the public in
environmental conservation, while gaining both office and field
experience with a leading national environmental non-profit
organization.
This is an ideal position for undergraduate students studying Natural
or Environmental Sciences who are interested in the human side of
conservation. The position offers a dynamic mix of hands-on
restoration work, environmental communications, and public engagement.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Intern will work closely with the Conservation Volunteers Coordinator to:
• Assist with logistical coordination of 18-25 CV events between May
and October;
• Work with interns & staff to lead volunteers through hands-on work
projects on remote NCC properties throughout Alberta;
• Ensure a high level of safety during events;
• Develop program-specific communications materials (posters,
factsheets, etc) and promote volunteer events to media outlets across
the province;
• Generate communication materials to promote the program (blogs, web
content, video, etc.)
• Collect, enter and track volunteer data and event metrics
(paperwork, evaluations, outcomes);
• Ensure volunteers are recognized and thanked for their support;
• Collect, enter and track any field data collected, including
weed/plant inventories, wildlife observations, monitoring records and
management issues;
• Recommend follow-up stewardship projects for 2015 NCC properties
based on observations and work in the field
• Act as an ambassador for NCC at internal/external events and when
speaking to media (where appropriate)
Required Skills and Attributes:
This posting is targeted to someone possessing the following skills
and abilities:
• Works well in a dynamic setting, including both office and outdoor
environments under various weather conditions (e.g. temperature and
precipitation extremes) and in variable terrain;
• Is flexible and open to working some long days and multiple weekends;
• Enjoys working with people of all ages in an outdoor setting;
• Has demonstrated experience leading and managing large groups of people;
• Has basic plant and wildlife identification skills and an
understanding of conservation issues/concepts
• Has some familiarity with basic hand tools (hammers, loppers,
fencing tools, etc.)
• Has an interest in public engagement and communicating environmental topics;
• High attention to detail with excellent time management and
organizational abilities;
• Self-starting, proactive and capable of working both independently
and in a team setting;
• Can communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and written;
• Photography/videography experience is an asset
• Must have a valid certificate in Standard First Aid – Level C CPR
• Possesses a valid Non-Probationary (Class 5) Driver’s License
Terms of Employment:
• Full-time (40 hrs / week), 6 month position (May – October). Salary
is $16/hour. End date is flexible.
• Position is based out of Calgary but requires extensive travel
throughout Alberta with overnight stays away from home, as well as
some weekends in remote or rural areas (expenses covered).
To Apply:
Interested applicants should forward their cover letter and resume
quoting “AB – Conservation Volunteers Intern” to:
Attention: Kailey Setter, Conservation Volunteers Coordinator
Email:
alberta@conservationvolunteers.ca
http://www.natureconservancy.ca/ab
http://www.conservationvolunteers.ca
Application Deadline:
Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
No telephone calls please. Late applications will not be considered.
We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature
Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an
interview will be contacted.
