The Fraser Valley Conservancy (FVC) is looking for two university students to work as Conservation Stewards on various FVC projects this summer.
The projects will include the Ryder Lake Amphibian Protection Project (RLAPP), McKee Peak conservation property surveys, Windebank Creek restoration, and community outreach events. The students will work under the supervision of FVC staff and will work alongside volunteers.
Duties will include: assisting with the monitoring of the juvenile Western Toad migration; participating in the design, installation and monitoring of an amphibian crossing structure in Ryder Lake; and assisting with baseline surveys of FVC conservation properties. Baseline surveys will include vegetation, gastropod, and mammal surveys and the establishment of photo monitoring points. The students will also play a key role in organizing and hosting outreach events, engaging youth volunteers, and promoting conservation values to the community. This job may also involve physical control of invasive plants, planting native species, report writing, and data entry.
These positions are funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program; therefore candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in post-secondary education (must have been registered full-time in the previous academic year and returning to full time studies in September 2014)
- Be between 15 and 30 years of age (as of June 2nd, 2014)
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred and be legally entitled to work in Canada
In addition, successful candidates should have:
- Keen interest in local conservation issues
- Demonstrated ability to work independently
- Physically fit and able to work outside in all weather conditions
- Native flora and fauna identification knowledge
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Access to a reliable personal vehicle to use for work (the FVC office and most of the project sites are not on a bus route)
- Willing and able to work a flexible schedule (which will include evenings and weekends) to coincide with toad migrations and public events
Additional qualifications that will be considered an asset are:
- Knowledge of amphibian biology, wetland ecology and species at risk issues (especially local species and ecosystems)
- Field work experience; including monitoring methods, data collection, data analysis and technical reporting
- Streamkeeper or other related volunteer experience
- GPS knowledge and basic mapping skills
- Experience coordinating volunteers and hosting events
- Experience with construction projects (such as temporary fence building)
- Experience with media relations
Two student stewards will be hired as term employees from June 2, 2014 to August 22, 2014. The students will be paid $12 per hour up to 40 hours per week.
To apply please email a cover letter clearly outlining how you meet the above requirements and resume to applications@ fraservalleyconservany.ca.
Applicants who meet the criteria for an interview will be contacted by May 19th and interviews will take place the week of May 20th, 2014. Resumes will be accepted until midnight, Sunday May the 18th.
