Current Employment Opportunities

Region: Saskatchewan, Regina
Position Title: SHELL CONSERVATION INTERN
Number of Positions: 2

View PDF of this Job Description

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 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 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 122,000 acres of habitat, consisting of 150 conservation easements and 50 owned properties, including Old Man on His Back Prairie & Heritage Conservation Area (OMB).

Primary Responsibilities

This 7 month (28 weeks) internship position will assist the NCC Saskatchewan Stewardship Program in delivering stewardship activities including:

• Training, planning and organizing for the Conservation Intern Program, including the development of a workplan for the Program during summer/fall 2012
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with landowners and partners working with NCC through various conservation programs including Conservation Easements and NCC Owned Properties
• Compliance monitoring of Conservation Easements including preparation of Monitoring Reports, Mapping, and Compliance Letters
• Updating Land Information Systems, project files, and other reporting systems
• Developing Baseline Documentation Reports for Conservation Easements and Baseline Inventories for NCC owned properties
• Implementing priority actions identified in Property Management Plans for NCC owned properties, which may include: invasive species control, site clean-up, effectiveness monitoring, fence removal
• Working with Volunteers at Conservation Volunteer Program events
• Ecological and effectiveness monitoring of NCC owned properties
• Extensive travel throughout southern Saskatchewan and independent fieldwork

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 Agriculture, Environmental or Biological Sciences with a focus in Range, Animal, Plant Science or closely related field.
• Knowledge of Saskatchewan’s ecosystems including ecological monitoring
• Knowledge Saskatchewan agriculture and land use practices, specifically ranching
• Excellent plant, wildlife and ecological community identification skills
• Proficient  in the use of digital cameras, GPS, aerial photos, topographic maps, and Rural Municipality maps;     
• Proficient in computer usage, including data entry, internet, MS Office applications, and ArcGIS 9.3 (would be an asset).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and excellent technical writing skills;
• Able to interact and communicate effectively with landowners and volunteers;
• Experience in a leadership role;
• 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;
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License;
• Able to work under adverse climatic conditions, physically demanding terrain, and potentially long hours in the field.

Terms of Employment

• This is a full-time 28 week (May 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012) position. Salary is $17/hour ($595.00/week).
• This position is based in Regina; requires the ability to travel throughout southern and central Saskatchewan to field sites and overnight stays.  Occasional weekend work maybe required.  Vehicles will be provided and travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Applications

Interested applicants should forward their cover letter and resume to:

Joseph Kotlar
Stewardship Coordinator - Conservation Easements and Volunteers
Saskatchewan Region, The Nature Conservancy of Canada
Reference position title: “SK – Shell Conservation Intern”
Closing date: February 24, 2012
Email: Joseph.Kotlar@natureconservancy.ca
Phone: 1-866-622-7275, ext. 229

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.