Current Employment Opportunities

Region: Atlantic, New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island
Position Title: NB & PEI STEWARDSHIP FIELD INTERN
Number of Positions: 2

View PDF of this Job Description

The Shell Conservation Internship Program is a partnership initiative between the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and Shell Canada Limited to provide university/college students with practical experience in the conservation field. Launched in 2002, the Shell Conservation Internship Program will, in 2012, engage students from across Canada 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 over the past 29 years to conserve many of our country’s most important natural places.

The stewardship field interns will assist in the implementation of the stewardship program for natural areas protected by NCC in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The interns will work independently and with NCC staff, partners and volunteers, to monitor NCC properties across the provinces, compile fauna, flora and ecosystem inventories, engage local residents as conservation volunteers and write and implement property management plans.

Specific Responsibilities

• Complete inventories of plants, animals, communities, physical features and anthropogenic influences of NCC sites in NB & PEI;
• Complete monitoring of NB & PEI properties where NCC owns land or holds conservation easements;
• Map property features and community and rare plant locations as well as incidental wildlife observations;
• Assist with the coordination and delivery of Conservation Volunteer events in PEI and NB;
• Prepare baseline reports and monitoring reports for NCC properties;
• Enter field data into NCC’s Land Information Database;
• Assist NCC stewardship staff with ongoing stewardship activities as needed.

Skills and Abilities

This posting is targeted to students possessing the following skills:

• University student entering 3rd or 4th year, or recent graduate with a biology or forestry degree or equivalent experience;
• Demonstrated interest in natural history and land conservation;
• Demonstrated excellent plant, animal (bird) and vegetation community identification skills for NB & PEI, ability to key out unknown plant species;
• Experience working outdoors in various terrains and under various weather conditions;
• Experience using a GPS for taking tracks and points, and mapping the data;
• Navigation experience with both map and compass and GPS;
• Ability to work independently, be self motivated, display superior time management skills, and the ability to meet deadlines;
• Familiarity with common computer software (Microsoft Office Suite, graphics programs);
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) an asset;
• Photography skills an asset;
• Excellent writing and organization skills;
• Strong communication skills, including ability to interact with the public to convey a conservation message;
• Fluency in English; bilingual a plus;
• Wilderness or Standard First Aid training;
• Valid Driver’s License, with own car or able to rent a car (must be at least 21 years of age to rent).

Terms of Employment

• This is a full-time, 16-week (May – August) position. Salary is $15.50/hour ($542.50/week).
• Position will be based in Fredericton, NB, with travel throughout NB & PEI for fieldwork, with some overnights and some weekend work. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Applications

Interested applicants should forward their cover letter and resume in English to:

Laurel Bernard
Director of Stewardship
Atlantic Region
The Nature Conservancy of Canada
Reference position title: “ATL – NB & PEI Intern”
Closing date: February 24, 2012
Email: atlantic@natureconservancy.ca

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.