Current Employment Opportunities

Region: Saskatchewan, Regina
Position Title: SASKATCHEWAN 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 Saskatchewan’s grasslands and aspen parklands. NCC Saskatchewan is responsible for the stewardship of over 110,000 acres of habitat, consisting of 132 conservation easements and 33 owned properties, including Old Man on His Back Prairie & Heritage Conservation Area (OMB). This 6 month internship position will assist the Saskatchewan staff team with stewardship activities including: summer field staff training and preparation, ecological monitoring, baseline documentation report preparation, mapping of biological communities and threats, data entry, and the implementation of property management plan recommendations. The job will involve extensive travel and independent fieldwork and requires liaising with landowners, staff, volunteers and partner organizations.

Primary Responsibilities

Implement and coordinate Shell Conservation Internship Program activities as directed by the Stewardship Coordinator 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 Saskatchewan Region and Interns;
• Organize project related administration work, including time & billing, expense claims and project reports with the support of the NCC Saskatchewan 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:

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

Skills and Abilities

This posting is targeted to 4th year students (recent university graduate preferred) possessing the following skills/credentials:

• 4th year or recent graduate (B.Sc.) in the College of Agriculture, Environmental or Biological Sciences with a focus in Range, Animal, Plant Science or closely related field.
• Experience in a leadership role;
• Knowledge of Saskatchewan’s grassland and wetland ecosystems and an ability to monitor range condition and riparian health;
• Excellent plant and ecological community identification skills, as well as bird and mammal identification skills;
• Must be proficient in the use of digital cameras, GPS, aerial photos, Topographic Maps, and RM Maps;
• Proficient in computer usage, including data entry, Internet and MS Office applications.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and excellent technical writing skills;
• Able to interact and communicate effectively with landowners;
• Able to work independently and in team environments;
• Analytical, and detail-oriented, creative, proactive thinker;
• Self motivated, superior time management skills, ability to work to meet deadlines;
• Familiarity with Saskatchewan agriculture and land use practices;
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License;
• Able to work under adverse climatic conditions and in physically demanding terrain.

Terms of Employment

• This is a full-time 24 week (April 26 to October 8, 2010) position. Salary is $15/hour ($525/week).
• This position is based in Regina, but requires the ability to travel throughout southern Saskatchewan to field sites. There will be occasional overnight stays away from the base. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Applications

Interested applicants should forward their cover letter and resume to:

Jennipher Karst
Stewardship Activities Coordinator
Saskatchewan Region, The Nature Conservancy of Canada
Suite 100, 1777 Victoria Avenue
Regina, SK S4P 4K5
Reference position title: “SK – Lead Stewardship Intern”
Closing date: January 29, 2010
Email: jennipher.karst@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.