The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is a private, non-profit organization that prides itself on its entrepreneurial, science-based approach to achieving conservation success 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:

The Conservation Leaders of the Future is a partnership initiative between the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and Shell Canada Limited. The Program goal is to provide aspiring conservationists with practical experience in the conservation field. In 2014, the Program will engage developing biologists from across BC in stewardship and management work on NCC properties, and in other career-related activities that advance the work of NCC. This partnership builds on the successful history of Shell Canada and NCC working together to conserve many of our country’s most important natural places.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada protects areas of ecological importance in British Columbia. NCC has conserved nearly 1 million acres in BC and is responsible for the ongoing stewardship of many important conservation holdings in the Canadian Rockies. Interns play an integral role in stewarding these properties by assisting BC staff with stewardship activities.

Extensive travel and independent fieldwork are important elements, as is liaising with landowners, staff, volunteers and partner organizations.

The Canadian Rockies Stewardship Intern will be responsible for assisting in the stewardship of NCC’s Canadian Rockies conservation properties (~100,000 ha of land). This involves biodiversity monitoring, collection and analysis of field data, hands-on management of NCC properties throughout out the region, and working collaboratively with a variety of partners, stakeholders and the general public. The interns will ideally be based in Invermere.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Inspect NCC properties for any required maintenance such as signage, fencing, etc;
• Assist with collection of baseline data for new securement projects.
• Assist NCC regional staff and contractors with:
• Noxious weed management activities;
• Collection of baseline inventory data for new securement projects;
• Covenant monitoring;
• Community weed pulls;
• Wetland and grassland health monitoring;
• Installation of property perimeter signage; and
• Other stewardship tasks as required.

• Participate in communications, volunteer and outreach projects as directed by NCC staff:
• Act as NCC ambassadors in the field including liaising with members of the public to inform them about NCC, its mandate and property management activities.
• Submit photographs, videos and stories for NCC’s blog, Facebook page, Twitter account or other media as requested.

Required Skills and Attributes:

• Ability to work independently and in team environments;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills;
• Exceptional report writing skills;
• Field work skills (navigation, plot layout, GPS mapping etc.);
• Familiarity with the B.E.C. system and Describing Ecosystems in the Field;
• Familiarity with the plants, plant communities and wildlife identification of the Canadian Rockies Ecoregion;
• Computer skills associated with mapping and writing – GIS mapping skills are an asset;
• Manual labour skills (e.g. fence maintenance) are an asset;
• Backcountry travel skills;
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.

Terms of Employment

• This is a full-time 16-week (May 5 – August 22, 2014) position.
• Salary is $17.00/hour.
• Work on weekends will be required occasionally.
• This position will report to the Canadian Rocky Mountains Conservation Operations Coordinator, as well as other contractors as required.
• A vehicle for NCC purposes will be provided.
• The selected individual must be based in Cranbrook, Kimberley or Invermere.
• The selected individual must be physically fit and prepared to camp for short durations in remote locations.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume (as word documents) and e-mail them to:

Conservation Operations Coordinator, Canadian Rocky Mountains, BC Region
bcoffice@natureconservancy.ca

Reference position title “Canadian Rockies Stewardship Intern” in e-mail subject line

Closing Date: March 5, 2014.

NCC is a non-profit, non-advocacy organization that takes a business-like approach to preserving Canada’s natural heritage. Our focus is on conservation through private action, and we have a strong track record of partnering with individuals, corporations, community groups, conservation groups and government bodies to create win-win solutions that benefit nature.

We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.