Volunteer Program Inten

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Volunteer Program Intern 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:

Share your passion for the environment with Albertans of all ages! Inspire others to take part in meaningful, hands-on conservation work with the Nature Conservancy of Canada by joining the Volunteer Program team in Alberta. As an Alberta Volunteer Program Assistant, you will assist with the coordination of volunteer-driven stewardship projects and community engagement events on NCC conservation lands and take a lead role in program delivery on the ground.

These volunteer activities are designed to engage individuals of all ages in priority conservation work, such as habitat restoration, biological inventories, and infrastructure improvement, while providing a fun and educational experience for participants in nature. Volunteer activities include such things as conducting amphibian surveys, making wildlife-friendly improvements to fences, and planting native species to help revegetate ecologically significant habitats. Volunteer Program Intern

Working under the Alberta Volunteer Program Manager, you will have the opportunity to explore new ways to effectively engage the public in environmental conservation, while gaining both office and field experience with a leading national environmental non-profit organization.

This is an ideal position for graduates of Natural or Environmental Sciences who are interested in the human side of conservation. The position offers a dynamic mix of hands-on restoration work, environmental communications, and public engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assistant(s) will work closely with the Volunteers Program Manager to:

• Assist with logistical coordination and run up to 20 volunteer events between May and September;
• Assist in the creation and implementation of property steward programming;
• Work with staff to lead volunteers through hands-on work projects on remote NCC properties throughout Alberta;
• Ensure a high level of safety during events;
• Develop program-specific communications materials (posters, factsheets, etc.) and promote Volunteer Programming to media outlets across the province;
• Generate communication materials (blogs, web content, video, social media, etc.);
• Collect, enter and track volunteer data and event metrics (paperwork, evaluations, outcomes);
• Ensure volunteers are recognized and thanked for their support;
• Collect, enter and track field data collected, including weed/plant inventories, wildlife observations, monitoring records and management issues;
• Recommend follow-up stewardship projects for 2025 based on observations and work in the field;
• Act as an ambassador for NCC at internal/external events and when speaking to media (where appropriate);
• Assist in creating strong partnerships with other conservation organizations and Indigenous-led groups; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Attributes:

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

Works well in a dynamic setting, including both office and outdoor environments under various weather conditions (e.g. temperature and precipitation extremes) and in variable terrain;

• Is flexible and open to working long days and weekends;
• Enjoys working with people of all ages in an outdoor setting;
• Has demonstrated experience leading and managing large groups of people of varying demographics;
• Has basic plant and wildlife identification skills and an understanding of conservation issues/concepts;
• Has some familiarity with basic hand tools (hammers, pruning tools, fencing tools, etc.);
• Has an interest/experience in public engagement and communicating environmental topics;
• High attention to detail with excellent time management and organizational abilities;
• Self-starting, proactive and capable of working both independently and in a team setting;
• Can communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• High level of comfort with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.);
• Photography/videography experience is an asset;
• Graphic design experience is an asset;
• Must have a valid certificate in Standard First Aid – Level C CPR;
• Possesses a valid Non-Probationary (Class 5) Driver’s License and have access to a reliable vehicle.

The following additional skills and abilities would be assets in this position but are not required to apply.

Basic knowledge of invasive species, plants, wildlife, and birds in Alberta;

• Experience using iPads, mapping applications, and inReach devices;
• Experience reviewing aerial photographs;
• Experience engaging with members of the public or volunteers;
• Experience using hand-held tools such as weed removal and fencing tools.

Terms of Employment:

• Subject to funding, this is a 4 to 6 month position starting May 6, 2024;
• Compensation: $19 to $25 per hour based on experience;
• Work week will consist of 37.5 hours per week;
• The position is based out of Edmonton but requires some travel throughout Alberta and overnight stays away from home (expenses covered)
• Evening and weekend work may be required; a lieu time system is used.
• Positions will include “office work” that will be completed in a work from home setting. Reliable internet connection is required.

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:

April 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