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 2.8 million acres (1.1 million hectares) of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

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 Assistant, 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. Events include such things as conducting butterfly surveys, making wildlife-friendly improvements to fences, and planting native species to help revegetate ecologically significant habitats.

Working under the Conservation Engagement Program Manager, and collaboratively with the Conservation Program Assistant, 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:

Intern will work closely with the Conservation Engagement Program Manager to:

Assist with logistical coordination of 25-30 CV events between May and October;
Work with interns & staff to 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;
Generate communication materials to promote the program (blogs, web content, video, etc.);
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, monitoring records and management issues;
Recommend follow-up stewardship projects for 2017 based on observations and work in the field;
Act as an ambassador for NCC at internal/external events and when speaking to media (where appropriate).

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 multiple weekends;
Enjoys working with people of all ages in an outdoor setting;
Has demonstrated experience leading and managing large groups of people of varying demographics;
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/experience 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 setting;
Can communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing;
High level of comfort with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.);
Photography/videography experience is an asset;
Graphic design experience is an asset;
Must have a valid certificate in Standard First Aid – Level C CPR;
Possesses a valid Non-Probationary (Class 5) Driver’s License.

Terms of Employment:

Full-time (37.5 hrs / week), 6 month position (May – October) with possibility of extension. Salary is $16/hour. End date is flexible.
Position is based out of Calgary but requires extensive travel throughout Alberta with overnight stays away from home, as well as some weekends in remote or rural areas (expenses covered).
Applicants must reside within the Calgary area.

To Apply:

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

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

Application Deadline: Sunday, February 21st, 2016

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.