Current Employment Opportunities

Region: Atlantic, Newfoundland & Labrador
Position Title: NL STEWARDSHIP FIELD INTERN
Number of Positions: 1

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 2010, 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 to conserve many of our country's most important natural places.

The stewardship intern will assist in the implementation of the stewardship program for Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) properties in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Fieldwork will occur in western Newfoundland in the Grand Codroy Estuary Ramsar site and the Sandy Point natural area. The intern will work independently and with NCC staff to engage local volunteers, to assist with the organization of NCC events, to supervise summer students, to monitor NCC natural areas, compile fauna, flora and ecosystem inventories, and write natural area management plans.

Specific Responsibilities

• Complete inventories of plants, animals, communities and physical features of NCC sites in the Grand Codroy Estuary Ramsar site and Sandy Point;
• Map property features and community and rare plant locations;
• Assist with the coordination and delivery of stewardship volunteer activities (including the identification and engagement of new conservation volunteers);
• Organize NCC events in the Codroy Valley and Bay St. George areas;
• Assist with preparation of baseline reports and/or management plans for natural areas; and
• Assist with the supervision of summer students engaged on these properties.

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;
• Superior communication skills, especially with respect to speaking with volunteers
• Demonstrated interest in natural history and land conservation;
• Excellent plant, animal and vegetation community identification skills for Newfoundland and Labrador, ability to key out unknown plant species;
• Experience working outdoors in various terrains and under various weather conditions;
• Backcountry camping experience a plus;
• Ability to use a GPS;
• Map reading skills to find and navigate properties;
• Ability to work independently, self motivated, superior time management skills, ability to meet deadlines;
• Familiarity with common computer software (word processing, spreadsheets, graphics programs), GIS skills a plus;
• Excellent writing skills;
• 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 10th – August 27th) position. Salary is $14.25/hour ($498.75/week).
• The intern will be based out of the St. John's office, however, the position requires travel in western Newfoundland for fieldwork. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Applications

Interested applicants should forward their cover letter and resume to:

Douglas Ballam
Program Manager, NL
Atlantic Region, The Nature Conservancy of Canada
Reference position title: “ATL – NL Intern”
Closing date: January 29, 2010
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.