Current Employment Opportunities

Region: Atlantic, Nova Scotia
Position Title: 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 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 field interns will assist in the implementation of the stewardship program for natural areas protected by NCC in Nova Scotia. The interns will work independently and with NCC staff, to monitor NCC natural areas across Nova Scotia, compile fauna, flora and ecosystem inventories, write and implement natural area management plans, work with volunteer property stewards, and assist with Conservation Volunteer events in Nova Scotia.

Specific Responsibilities

• Complete inventories of plants, animals, communities and physical features of NCC sites in Nova Scotia;
• Complete monitoring of Nova Scotia properties where NCC owns land or holds conservation easements;
• Map property features and community and rare plant locations;
• Assist with the coordination and delivery of Conservation Volunteer events and stewardship volunteer activities;
• Assist with preparation of baseline reports and/or management plans for natural areas;
• Assist the NS Conservation Representative with ongoing stewardship activities as needed.

Skills and Abilities

This posting is targeted to students possessing the following skills:

• University students entering 3rd or 4th year or recent graduates with a biology, forestry, or environmental studies degree or equivalent experience;
• Demonstrated interest in natural history and land conservation;
• Excellent plant, animal and vegetation community identification skills for Nova Scotia, and the ability to key out unknown plant species;
• Experience working outdoors in various terrain and under various weather conditions;
• Backcountry camping experience;
• Ability to use a GPS;
• Navigation experience and skills
• 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 and organization skills;
• Strong communication skills, including ability to interact with the public to convey a conservation message;
• 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 10 – August 27) position. Salary is $14.25/hour ($498.75/week).
• This position is based in Dartmouth, NS, but requires the ability to travel throughout Nova Scotia to NCC sites with some overnights and some weekend work. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Applications

Interested applicants should forward their cover letter and resume to:

Craig Smith
Conservation Representative, NS
Atlantic Region, The Nature Conservancy of Canada
Reference position title: “ATL – NS Stewardship”
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.