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:

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. Past events include such things as conducting butterfly surveys, making wildlife-friendly improvements to fences, and planting trees to help revegetate non-native habitats.

Working under the Conservation Volunteers Coordinator, 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:

Interns will work closely with the Conservation Volunteers Coordinator to:

• Assist with logistical coordination of 18-25 CV events between May and October;
• 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;
• 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, and management issues;
• Recommend follow-up stewardship projects for 2015 NCC properties based on observations and work in the field

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 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;
• Can communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and written;
• Must have (or be willing to obtain on their own time) a certificate in Standard First Aid – Level C CPR
• Possesses a valid Non-Probationary (Class 5) Driver’s License

Terms of Employment

• Two intern positions available
• Each is a full-time (40 hrs / week), 6 month position (May - October). Salary is $16.00/hour. End date is flexible.
• Positions are based out of Calgary but requires travel throughout Alberta with overnight stays away from the home office, as well as some weekends in remote or rural areas.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should forward their cover letter and resume quoting “AB – Conservation Volunteers Intern” to:

Attention: Kailey Setter, Conservation Volunteers Coordinator
Email: kailey.setter@natureconservancy.ca

Application Deadline: Sunday February 23^rd, 2014

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.