Summer job: Tree Protection Policy Intern
If you are a self-starter who understands the role efficacious public policy plays in conservation, this may be the position for you. Raincoast Conservation Foundation (Raincoast) is seeking a summer student to support the policy aspect of the Gulf Islands Forest Project.
Job description
This position will be largely desk-based, involving significant literature review and policy research with the possibility of doing some mapping using ArcGIS. The ultimate outcome of this work will be an operational report supported by a policy database. Your efforts will help us to further forest conservation objectives on the Gulf Islands, so if you are looking for a position that will have tangible impacts, look no further.
This position is COVID-safe as it can be performed remotely. Candidates from across Canada are welcome to apply, though local knowledge will be a significant asset (see “Desired skills & qualifications” for more info).
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or gender identity. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring. Preference will be given to those identifying as a community member of a W̱SÁNEĆ or other Coast Salish Nation.
Dates and wage
This is a full-time (30 to 35 hours/week), two month (8-weeks) term position. Schedule can be flexible (i.e. work times/work days), with possibility for some extended time off to enjoy the summer. There may be a few opportunities to travel to Pender Islands to assist with fieldwork; however, this is not guaranteed and will be more likely if you have a valid BC drivers license and access to a vehicle.
The start date is flexible, but preferred on June 1, 2021.
Application deadline is May 14, 2021.
Wage: $15.20/hour
Desired skills & qualifications
- In accordance with funding requirements, the successful applicant must be a Canadian citizen between the ages of 15 and 30.
- Must be highly self-motivated with regular access to a computer and internet service.
- Degree (achieved or in progress) in Environmental Studies/Science, Environmental Law, Resource Management, Public Policy/Political Science, Library Science, or International Development Studies.
- Experience in data management.
- Experience conducting literature and/or legislative reviews.
- Understanding of environmental policy in BC especially as it pertains to forests and forestry.
- Understanding the unique governance structure of the Islands Trust is an asset.
- Understanding of the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) system used in BC is an asset.
- Proficiency using ArcGIS mapping software is an asset
To apply
Send your resume and cover letter, explaining how you meet the above requirements, to jobs@raincoast.org with the subject line: “Tree Policy: Last Name, First Name”.
About the Gulf Islands Forest Project
Approximately 30% of British Columbia’s (BC’s) Coastal Douglas-fir (CDF) forests and associated habitats
occurs in the Gulf Islands region. The smallest of 16 biogeoclimatic zones (“zones”) in the province, the CDF zone is characterized by towering conifers like Western redcedar, and Coastal Douglas-fir; diverse and rare ecosystems like Garry oak meadows; and many threatened native bird and animal species. These ecosystems are among the most biodiverse, rare, and endangered in Canada, and as the unceded traditional territory of Coast Salish people, hold significant social and cultural value. Located in the “rainshadow” region of coastal British Columbia, the CDF has been dramatically fragmented by increasing industrial, commercial, and residential development. In recent years this development pressure has been exacerbated by the progressively tangible impacts of climate change along with unregulated deer browsing, natural fire suppression, and invasions of non-native species, together posing a significant threat to an assemblage of ecosystems unravelling from former levels of diversity and abundance. In response to these challenges, Raincoast Conservation Foundation launched the Gulf Islands Forest Project (GIF Project) in 2019 with the ultimate objective of securing long-term protection of CDF forests and associated habitats across the Gulf Islands with a preliminary focus on North and South Pender Islands, the Traditional Territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.
The GIF Project is multi-faceted and innovative, employing multiple strategies to ensure long-term
forest protection on the Gulf Islands. Activities generally fall under four umbrellas, and include:
- Working toward policy change: establishing precedent for improving forest management and maintaining tree cover on private land.
- Ecological investigation: noting forest cover changes; tree mortality; extent of herbaceous groundcover, etc. to better understand baseline forest conditions & inform conservation strategies.
- Education and engagement: creating awareness about the importance of maintaining contiguous forest cover and biodiversity, and introducing citizen science initiatives to aid in the development of skills and tools to protect and conserve important ecological areas.
- Land acquisition: securing permanent protection of CDF forests and associated habitats.
About Raincoast
Raincoast Conservation Foundation is a charitable environmental NGO dedicated to protecting the lands, waters, and wildlife of coastal BC. Led by a team of conservationists and scientists, Raincoast’s projects are rooted in research, and informed by community and cultural engagement, reflecting our organizational mandate: “Investigate. Inform. Inspire”. We call this unique approach informed advocacy.
