Current Employment Opportunities

Region: Manitoba
Position Title: MANITOBA REGIONAL LEAD STEWARDSHIP INTERN
Number of Positions: 1

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The Shell Conservation Internship Program (SCIP) 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 Nature Conservancy of Canada protects critical natural areas of ecological importance in southern Manitoba’s grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. NCC Manitoba is responsible for the stewardship of over 33,500 acres of habitat, including 31 conservation easements and 76 properties that we own. Interns will play an integral role in stewarding these properties by assisting Manitoba staff with several stewardship activities that the Region has committed to carry out in its business planning, including some activities that are currently behind schedule due to a shortage of staff resources. These activities include ecological monitoring, baseline report preparation, mapping of biological communities and threats, and the implementation of property management plan recommendations. Extensive travel and independent fieldwork requires liaising with landowners, staff, volunteers and partner organizations.

Specific Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

Implement and coordinate Shell Conservation Internship Program activities as directed by the Manager of Stewardship Programs such as:

• Provide leadership and direction to Summer Stewardship Interns while serving alongside team members on projects;
• Serve as a communication link between the NCC Manitoba Region and Interns;
• Coordinate project and housing logistics for the Stewardship Interns with the support of the NCC Manitoba Region;
• Organize project related administration work, including time & billing, expense claims and project reports with the support of the NCC Manitoba Region;
• Communicate NCC and SCIP policies and procedures to Interns as needed;
• Facilitate and participate in regular meetings with Interns and the Manager of Stewardship Programs and other Regional Staff as required;
• Encourage and empower Interns' personal and professional growth;
• Promote a sense of team, collaboration and cohesion among Interns; and
• Complete and submit all necessary SCIP and NCC reports in a timely manner.

Secondary Responsibilities:

As a team member, the Lead Stewardship Intern will:

• Complete biodiversity inventory of flora, fauna and communities on NCC properties;
• Complete vegetation maps at plant community level;
• Monitor ecological health of NCC properties;
• Utilize GPS and GIS technology to incorporate collected data into reports and the NCC-land information database;
• Prepare Baseline Documentation Reports and Baseline Inventory Reports for NCC properties; and
• Participate in field tours and events.

Skills and Abilities

This posting is targeted to a 4th year student of a Bachelor’s degree (recent university graduate preferred) with experience as a Conservation Intern possessing the following skills:

• 4th year student of a Bachelor’s degree (recent university graduate preferred) from a Natural Sciences Program; with a focus on ecology, plant or animal science or closely related field;
• Knowledge of grassland, forest and wetland ecology and ability to monitor ecological health;
• Excellent plant and ecological community identification skills, as well as bird and mammal identification skills;
• Field experience in Manitoba’s natural areas;
• Working knowledge of GIS software;
• Must be proficient in the use of digital cameras, GPS, aerial photos, RM Maps; proficient in computer usage, including data entry, Internet and MS Office applications.
• Ability to work independently and in team environment;
• Analytical, and detail orientated, creative, proactive thinker;
• Self motivated, superior time management skills, ability to work to meet deadlines;
• Supervisory and project management experience;
• Excellent public relations, communication and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent technical writing skills;
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence, with access to vehicle.
• Able to work under adverse climatic conditions

Terms of Employment

• This is a full-time 24 week (April 26 to October 8, 2009) position. Salary is $15/hour ($525/week).
• This position is based in Winnipeg, but requires the ability to travel throughout southern Manitoba. Extended overnight stays are required frequently. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Applications

Interested applicants should forward their cover letter and resume to:

Julie Sveinson Pelc, Manager of Stewardship Programs
Manitoba Region, The Nature Conservancy of Canada
Reference position title: “MB – Lead Stewardship Intern”
Closing date: January 29, 2010
Email: julie.pelc@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.