Queensnake Conservation Interns

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

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 Queensnake Conservation Interns (CIs) will work closely with Conservation Biologist – Amphibians and Reptiles to support inventories and monitoring of two at-risk reptile species in south-western Ontario.  The CIs may also work closely with other NCC Conservation Biologists and partners to inventory historic or current reptile locations, assess habitat, conduct crayfish counts and implement conservation actions.  The positions will also assist with data quality control and deliver education and outreach programs.

Type of Position: Seasonal (2 months starting in early April 2014, with potential for extension to end of September)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct surveys and inventories of rare reptiles and crayfish species using standardized techniques
• Collect habitat data including important microhabitat features
• Aid in the manage data including habitat and species data.  Ensure data records are submitted in the appropriate format to the Ontario Nature – Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas and/or the Natural Heritage Information Centre
• Other duties as assigned by the Conservation Biologist Associate, the Conservation Science Manager or the Conservation Biologist– Reptiles and Amphibians.

Required Skills and Attributes:

This posting is targeted to someone possessing the following skills and abilities:

• Either be enrolled in or graduated from a college or university in a biology, environmental sciences or a related discipline
• Proven ability to conduct fieldwork, particularly of amphibian and reptile species, in a variety of conditions and terrains
• Ability to identify all of Ontario’s amphibians and reptiles by sight or sound
• Plant identification skills or crayfish identification skills an asset
• Able to spend long periods of time away from home, either camping or staying at remote locations
• Able to follow a flexible schedule, including weekend hours, and to work in outdoor conditions
• Proficient with word processing, database management, and spreadsheet software
• Experience with data management
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Highly motivated, analytical and detail oriented
• A creative, pro-active thinker
• Self-motivated with superior time management skills and ability to work to meet deadlines
• Certification in first aid and CPR or willingness to attend training
• Track record of working well within team structure
• Demonstrated ability to write successful funding proposals is an asset
• Class G unrestricted drivers license
• Committed to the mission of The Nature Conservancy of Canada

Terms of Employment:

• Minimum of 2 months starting in early April 2014 with potential for extension to end of September (funding dependent)
• $16.00/hour
• Positions will involve travel to and from field sites including overnights away from the home office location. Some weekend and evening work will be required.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume combined as one document. In the body of your submission email, please indicate if you are available to work out of the Goderich location. Late applications will not be considered.

Applications should be submitted to:

Email: ontario@natureconservancy.ca

Email subject line should read: “Queensnake Conservation Intern Application”
Applicant deadline: Friday, February 21, 2014

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