We are accepting applications for a Student Conservation Steward to assist us with our amphibian-related projects this summer. The successful candidate will work alongside our Junior Biologist to learn and help with:
- Recovery of the highly endangered Oregon Spotted frog in locations throughout the eastern Fraser Valley. This includes: bullfrog surveys and control, data entry and management, field equipment care and maintenance, trapping amphibians in restored habitats, as well as educational outreach to landowners and the general public.
- Juvenile Western Toad migration monitoring, participating in the installation of fencing to direct migrating amphibians, as well as coordinating and supporting the volunteers assisting with the Ryder Lake Amphibian Protection Project.
- Management of the FVC conservation properties including invasive species control and maintenance, helping with community outreach events, and promoting conservation values to the community.
This position is a great opportunity to gain experience in the conservation field. This type of work often involves slogging through wetlands, where you will be muddy and wet all day. Alternatively, sometimes the weather is fabulous, which means long hot days working in areas with little or no shade, and lots of bugs! Amphibians like to be out at night, so that means we often work all hours of the day as well. While we ensure our staff are well prepared and have all the field gear they need, this type of work requires someone with good stamina, and an optimistic attitude and a strong sense of humour.
While we do not require extensive previous work experience, we will be seeking candidates that have some experience (work, volunteer or academic) in the following areas:
- Physically fit and comfortable working outside in all weather conditions
- Keen interest in local conservation issues
- Native flora and fauna identification knowledge
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Must have access to a reliable personal vehicle as you have to be able to get to the daily meeting locations in both Mission and Chilliwack (areas where public transportation is not an option)
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule (which can include evenings and weekends) to coincide with amphibians’ activities and public events
Additional qualifications that will be considered an asset:
- 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
- GIS knowledge and basic mapping skills
- Experience coordinating volunteers and hosting events
- Experience with construction projects (such as fence building)
This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program; therefore, all candidates must meet the following qualifications in order to be considered:
- 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 2016)
- Be between 15 and 30 years of age (as of June 13th, 2016)
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred and be legally entitled to work in Canada
The amphibian assistant will be hired as a term employee starting after June 13th and ending August 27th, 2016. The rate of pay will be $14.00 per hour, 40 hours per week. Due to the short-term, timing-dependent nature of this work, the assistant is expected to be available 5 days a week for the entire work term.
To apply please email a resume and cover letter clearly outlining how you meet the above requirements through the link on the FVC website or directly to joanne (at) fraservalleyconservancy.ca (please ensure you put Student Conservation Steward Application in the subject line). Resumes will be accepted until 8:00 am Monday 30th, 2016. Applicants who meet the criteria for an interview will be contacted by June 1st and interviews will take place the week of June 6th.
