Lead Shorebird Interpreter

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Lead Shorebird Interpreter to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.

NCC is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its supporters have protected 15 million hectares (more than 35 million acres) of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

Purpose and General Description:

NCC is looking for a passionate person to join the New Brunswick team as a Lead Shorebird Interpreter. They will play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of NCC’s Shorebird Interpretive Centre in Johnson’s Mills. As the Lead Shorebird Interpreter, you will work closely with the Centre's manager to ensure the smooth operation of the facility, including overseeing the interpretive center and delegating tasks in the manager's absence. Additionally, you will take a lead role in training, maintenance, and other centre projects. This unique facility welcomes people who visit every summer to watch the vast flocks of shorebirds that temporarily stop here to rest and feed before their migration south. Johnson’s Mills is a truly special place and can see as many as a quarter of a million birds each year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with all daily operations of the Interpretive Centre, including pre-season facility set up and maintenance projects;
• Collaborate with the Manager to assist in pre-season training of interpreters, providing guidance and support to ensure they acquire the necessary skills and knowledge required for their roles;
• Assume responsibility as a keyholder for opening and closing the interpretive center, ensuring that all opening/closing tasks and security protocols are followed meticulously;
• Interact with the public to ensure that visitors do not disturb roosting birds at high tide;
• Contribute to the development and delivery of interpretive programs, offering expertise and insights to enhance visitor experiences;
• Educate visitors about the ecology of the mudflats and the biology of the shorebirds;
• Conduct daily counts of shorebirds and monitor raptor activity in the area;
• Maintain accurate records and reports pertaining to monitoring programs, delegated tasks, center projects, and other operational activities;
• Assist NCC staff with nature reserve monitoring and stewardship activities as required;
• Stay updated with the latest research, information, and trends related to shorebirds and their conservation, and share this knowledge appropriately with the interpretive team;
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork, creativity, and a strong commitment to conservation.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Attributes:

This posting is targeted to individuals possessing the following skills and traits:

• University or College student entering final years of study, or recent graduate;
• Preference given to candidates with prior experience in supervising and training staff, volunteers, or students;
• Comfortable speaking in front of the public and doing media interviews;
• Experience in interpretation is an asset (park or tourist attraction);
• Excellent communication and time management skills;
• Keen interest in nature, bird identification, and conservation;
• Punctual, responsible, dependable, and organized;
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be self-motivated;
• Able to work with little supervision;
• Ability to work as part of a close-knit team;
• Bilingual (French and English) is considered an asset;
• Standard First Aid - Level C CPR first-aid certification is a strong asset;
• Valid driver’s licence.

Terms of Employment:

• Subject to funding, this is a 16 week position from May 2024 , until September 2024 and will include weekend and evening shifts;
• Compensation: $20.00/hour;
• Position will be based at Johnson’s Mills, approximately 30 km from Sackville/50 km from Moncton, NB, and the intern must be able to commute.
• Funding restrictions for this position may require candidates to be under 30 years of age at the start of employment, or to have been attending university or college in the areas of Science or Technology, and returning to school in the fall.

How To Apply:

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your application through our Internship Program page in our Career Centre.

Application Deadline:

March 7, 2024,11:59pm EST, 9:59pm Mountain Time, 8:59pm Pacific Time, 10:50pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST

NCC hires based on merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We strive for bold conservation achievements in which equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are the norm. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. NCC implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, contact us by email at hr@natureconservancy.ca to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at hr@natureconservancy.ca