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.

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 April 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 2024 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 with the delivery of community engagement events on an ad hoc basis if required.

Required Skills and Attributes:

This posting is targeted to someone possessing the following skills and abilities:

• 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, loppers, 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.

Terms of Employment:

• Full-time (37.5 hrs / week), 4 - 6 month position (May 1 – October 31).
• Salary is $19 - 22/hour.
• This position is based out of Edmonton but requires some travel throughout Alberta and overnight stays away from home (expenses covered).
• Weekend work will be required approximately twice/month, a lieu time system is used.
• Ability to work remotely or from NCC’s office in Edmonton.
• Subject to funding this is a 4 or 6-month contract starting in May - end of October 2023

To Apply:

If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your application through our Career Centre.

Application Deadline: March 12, 2023 11:59pm EST

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

NCC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We value and incorporate diverse traditions, heritage, knowledge and experiences in our mission and in our workplaces. We celebrate the full participation of people from all walks of life as we work towards common goals. We strive for a conservation movement in which equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. This is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet for everyone.