Responsible for ensuring the successful preservation and restoration of a unique 900+ acre site in one of the fastest growing urban areas of the country, rare Charitable Research Reserve is an organization situated in the Region of Waterloo of southwestern Ontario. Our primary goal is to successfully conserve the natural area and improve the ecological integrity of our landscapes. To do that, we need to be a part of a community that values and connects with nature. Our efforts to educate and provide hands-on opportunities to interact with nature have resulted in our Chain of Learning. This initiative connects our research, restoration and education activities in order to ensure maximum sharing of ideas and knowledge between all involved – from visiting school children to the wide array of leading professionals on our advisory committees, including senior scientists and some of the best minds in a wide range of disciplines.

This job opportunity is subject to government funding approval. The successful candidate must be available with an approximate start date on March 16th, 2015 for a maximum period of 20 weeks.

Government Funding Qualifications Require All Applicants To Be

Between 15 and 29 years of age at the start of the employment
Unemployed
Not participating in full time training or education
Resident of Ontario
Legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations

For specific qualification details, please visit:
http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/employmentontario/youthfund/

All applications must be received by 4:00pm on Thursday, March 5th, 2015.

The school-based and youth environmental education program at rare is called Every Child Outdoors (ECO); a name which signifies our belief that all children deserve the opportunity to be active in nature. By working with school and community groups, we have brought thousands children and youth to our property for hands-on environmental learning opportunities tailored to fit with school curriculum. Not only do these opportunities build critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills, they help young people form a bond with the natural world, encouraging them to be better custodians of the landscape.

Day camps are another key in Every Child Outdoors. In the summer of 2014, we offer eight weeks of Summer ECO Camp, allowing children to have a significant time exploring the outdoors.

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic student with a background in environmental/ecological/biological studies and/or outdoor recreation to fill the role of Educator, reporting to our Senior Educator. Preference will be given to applicants who hold an Ontario or equivalent teaching certificate. Fluency in both English and French would be an asset.

Each Educator must possess the skills necessary to successfully lead, coordinate, and design outdoor programs for ECO Camp, visiting school groups, community organizations, and families as part of rare’s leading education programs.

Specific Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

Leading interpretive hikes for community groups, and the general public
Contributing to the development of rare’s environmental education programs for various grades involving the Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-12
Participating in the development and delivery of eight weeks of Summer ECO Camp
Helping with administrative tasks associated with accommodating schools, community groups, and families
Occasionally providing and hosting special events and workshops at rare during evenings and weekends
Providing assistance at Springbank education and demonstration gardens. Duties may involve planting thematic gardens, spring clean-up, watering gardens, at times with children’s groups
Working with the Senior Educator to further link ongoing research at rare to the education programs
Working with the land steward and volunteer land stewards to foster and coordinate restoration opportunities for school groups
Attending staff meetings and report on ongoing activities
Assisting the Senior Educator in strategic planning to further the Every Child Outdoors education program

Required Qualifications

Completed university or college undergraduate degree or diploma with a focus on the environment and/or education
Demonstrates an interest in natural history, ecology, and environmental interactions as they relate to education
Demonstrates a passion for educating students about the natural world
Strong leadership skills and the ability to work as part of a team
Current police Vulnerable Sectors check

Preferred Qualifications

Standard First Aid/CPR
Familiarity with The Ontario Curriculum Grades 2-12
Fluency in French

To Apply

All interested candidates should submit by email, a cover letter, telephone number, resume and three references to the attention of rare’s Senior Educator,Gerrit Kamminga:
gerrit.kamminga@raresites.org