Ecosystems Technician Internship 2016
The Mayne Island Conservancy Society (MICS) is looking for 1-2 highly motivated, enthusiastic people to fill 14 – 16 week internship position(s) on Mayne Island. Applicants must be 30 years old or younger and have been a registered full-time student in the previous academic year and intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year; be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person with refugee status; and legally entitled to work in Canada.
MICS works with the community to preserve the ecological integrity of Mayne Island. We do this with the help of volunteers by delivering two major stewardship programs: Mayne Island Community Stewardship and Mayne Island Shoreline Care programs.
Start Date: May 9th, 2016
End Date: August 26th, 2016
Hours: 35 hours a week, expected to work at Saturday markets up to every other Saturday.
Wage: $15/hour
To apply: Email cover letter, resume and 3 references to
Rob Underhill (biologist@conservancyonmayne.com).
Application deadline is March 6th. Interviews will be held March 15th – 18th on Mayne Island. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Visit http://conservancyonmayne.com to learn more about MICS.
Phone: 250-539-5168
Address: 478 Village Bay Rd., Mayne Island, BC.
This position is pending funding through the Canada Summer Jobs Program
Description: This position is approximately 50% office work and 50% field work and will include the following activities:
- Native plant propagation and nursery management (watering, weeding, research, seed collection, potting up, sales, etc.)
- Conduct eelgrass and kelp mapping and monitoring by kayak
- Communicate project goals to the public at the Farmers Market
- Create environmental education materials and deliver interpretive walks
- Assist with the training and coordination of volunteers
- Participate in ecological restoration (invasive species monitoring and removal, planting native species, maintain and repair deer fencing)
- Collect geographic data using Garmin and Trimble GPS units
- Conduct data entry and assist with production of maps using GIS software
- Assist with identifying local species and ecosystems
- Assist with the creation and implementation of small-scale restoration plans
- Other activities and projects as required
Skills Acquired: Intern will learn how to:
- Conduct a mapping survey by kayak
- Collect geographical data and create maps using GIS software
- Learn about terrestrial and nearshore marine ecology
- Coordinate volunteers and work with the public
- Encourage environmental stewardship
- Conduct ecological restoration
- Identify native plants and ecosystems
- Undertake native plant propagation
Skills and Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to work with the public in a professional manner
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and in a group
- Ability to operate a kayak and work in a variety of weather conditions outside
- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills
- Ability to be self-directed, independent, flexible, and creative
- Must have a passion for stewardship and conservation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems
- Preference will be given to applicants currently enrolled in a post-secondary program in the following areas of study: biology, resource conservation, geography, environmental science, environmental studies, or related field
- Preference will be given to applicants willing to reside on Mayne Island for the summer
Asset Qualifications:
- Knowledge of local marine and terrestrial ecosystems
- Knowledge of local conservation issues
- Field survey experience
- Experience coordinating volunteers
- GIS knowledge and experience
- Plant identification
- Native plant propagation or horticulture experience
- Invasive species management experience
- Experience working with youth
- Graphic design
- Valid first aid certificate or willingness to acquire
- Use of own vehicle desirable (reimbursed at $0.50/km