Sub-Arctic Volunteer Adventure (2015 summer, mid-May through August)
Type: volunteer (36 hours per week) includes meals, accommodations,
training (see below)
Organization: Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Location: Churchill, Hudson Bay, Manitoba, Canada
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre, (CNSC), in a not-for-profit
facility located in the sub-arctic on the shores of Hudson Bay. The
closest town, Churchilll, Manitoba is located 23 km away.
We are currently looking for volunteers to fill positions in July and
September, 2015.
The positions are for 4-6 weeks at a time. In exchange for your
dedicated help at our facility, the CNSC will provide accommodation
(up to a max of 4 people per room), and food (we are known for our
generous table)! Our volunteers work hard, but are encouraged to
become part of the CNSC community by joining in with outdoor
excursions and evening activities. This is an excellent way to learn
more about life in the north and there are wildlife and northern
lights viewing opportunities at various times of the year.
One thing all our volunteers have in common is a sense of adventure!
They come from many countries and for many reasons: some are students
on a gap year looking to broaden horizons, adults on career breaks
looking for a different perspective and retired folks looking for an
adventure! Our volunteers are mostly independent travelers but we do
accept couples and friends who want to share this unique northern
adventure. Our minimum age is 19 years of age and fluency in reading
and speaking English is essential.
Spring and Summer (mid-May until the end of August). Spring in
Churchill comes quite late and we often still have snow in May. May
sees an influx of researchers as well as migratory birds as our busy
field season begins. By around July 1st we are well underway and
filled to capacity. The summer brings birds, wildflowers, caribou,
beluga whales and the occasional polar bear! There is much to see and
do in this season and we need the largest number of volunteers at this
time. The CNSC conducts several education programs for the general
public that cover a variety of natural history topics (flowers, birds,
belugas and general ecology). Our volunteers join in some of the
activities and presentations to learn more about the area which covers
the Town of Churchill and area, the Eskimo Museum, and Parks Canada.
Volunteers will also be treated to a beluga whale watching excursion.
What we provide:
In exchange for working 36 hours per week (6 hours per day with one
day off per week) the CNSC provides meals and accommodation. This
includes linens, towels and all bedding. There is WiFi throughout the
facility. Laundry facilities are available free of charge to
volunteers. We provide training and a comprehensive information
package prior to arrival. We regret that we are not able to provide
for any travel costs but train travel is very economical. Duties
revolve around the kitchen and mostly involve dish-washing and general
kitchen cleaning but may also include salad and dessert preparation.
Other duties could include work in some of the following areas: gift
shop, office, or housekeeping.
We would like to be very clear that this position is not a research
position, although you will have every opportunity to interact with
researchers and scientists that call the CNSC home while they are
conducting research.
Please visit our website for further information at
http://www.churchillscience.ca where you can take a virtual tour of
the facility and learn more about our organization. Click on any of
the “volunteer” links to and learn more about the volunteer duties,
responsibilities, and application procedures.
Would you like to know more? Please contact Heidi den Haan the
Assistant Director and Volunteer Coordinator at:
volunteer@churchillscience.ca
and she will send you updated information. You can find out more about
us at http://www.churchillscience.ca