Location: Halton Region, Ontario
Reports to: Senior Advisor
THE PROJECT
Natural Connections is a collaborative program between FutureWatch Environment & Development Education Partners and Conservation Halton seeking to respond to growing population diversity trends in South-Western Ontario. It takes into account the fact that new immigrants often lack information and social networks which are necessary to enjoy services, programs and facilities operated by conservation authorities. The aim of the project is to connect newcomers living within the Halton Region with their local natural surroundings as a starting point to address social integration issues and pressing environmental concerns. The project’s activities have a strong focus on interventions that increase the understanding of the local biodiversity, the importance of ecological features, and community connections with the natural environment.
ROLE OF NATURAL CONNECTIONS STAFF COORDINATOR:
This position develops a broad-based strategy to start and sustain local interventions, establish a communication framework to a range of environmental service providers, green business, community organizations and local groups/clubs. He/She will facilitate a number of Newcomer Environmental Club (NECs), green community capacity building and naturalization events, local partnerships/networks, data collection and prepares writing reports.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Design and Implement community outreach strategies, in particular to newcomer and immigrant communities within the Halton Region.
• Connect and establish partnerships between FutureWatch EDEP/Conservation Halton, local communities and newcomer serving organizations.
• Seeks out and engage community leaders (youth and adults) within the immigrant community and train them to become green community animators.
• Facilitates and nurtures the creation of the Newcomers Environmental Clubs (NECs)
• Establish relevant partnerships with agencies or private sector companies, and recruit green champions.
• Support and seeks out public relations opportunities (mainstream and ethnic media, etc.),
• Disseminates environmental education and promotional material related to bio-local diversity and the establishment of green interventions at the neighbourhood level
• Assist in the coordination and delivery of green outdoor recreation activities (Halton Eco-Recreation Hikes), naturalization projects (Forest Festival) and Stewardship and Community Naturalization events.
• Liaise with staff of implementing organizations (FutureWatch EDEP and Conservation Halton)
• Provides orientation, information to newcomers on the creation of local Green outdoor activities,
• Keep statistical information and prepares reports to partner organizations
• Handle additional tasks as requested by Supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• A college/university degree in Environmental or Social Sciences,
• 3 years of experience working in community development, the settlement and/or environmental sector.
• Sound knowledge of newcomer and/or environmental issues in South-Western Ontario,
• Organized, self-starter with a strong entrepreneurial and innovative spirit,
• Committed to knowledge sharing and building sound best practices,
• Excellent cross-cultural communication (verbal and written) and relationship building skills,
• Well defined analytical and critical thinking skills,
• Self starter, able to work collaboratively in a fast pace environment with multiple deadlines,
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and in a team based environment.
• Experience in environmental education and coordination of community participation programs
Assets:
• Time flexibility. Availability to work on weekends and evenings,
• Experience working with newcomers through a settlement or community organization,
• Familiarity with visible ethno-specific/newcomers communities, organizations within the Halton region,
• Experience in volunteer coordination and partnership development
• Proficiency in another language other than English/French will be a definite asset.
• Posses a valid driver’s license and have access to own vehicle
Working Conditions: 21 hours per week
Salary: pro-rated to $40,000/year, plus benefits. Three months probation. Part-time Position
Please fax, e-mail or mail your resume and a cover letter by September 23, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.
To:
Hiring Committee
Fax: 416.926.0618
E-mail: greenjobs@futurewatch.net
Mail: 3101 Dundas Street West, Toronto, M6P 1Z9
• No telephone inquiries please.
FutureWatch EDEP is committed to principles of access and equity. We strongly encourage applying to individuals who reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity, women, aboriginal people and people with disabilities. We thank you for your interest in the position; however, we regret that only applicants who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
