Conservation Governance and Policy Intern
Job oppotunity.
Raincoast Conservation Foundation is seeking a summer student to support the governance component of the Lower Fraser Salmon Conservation Program. This position will be desk-based, and will predominantly involve research into Nature-based Solutions projects being implemented by organizations in the Lower Mainland of BC. Other duties include researching current policies, governance structures, and funding mechanisms that are embedded in organizations around the world working to advance conservation initiatives. The successful candidate will be directly supervised by Raincoast’s Lower Fraser Salmon Conservation Program Coordinator, and will participate in weekly program meetings with the broader Raincoast Salmon Team.
Wage and details
Job Type: Full time 12 week term
Anticipated hours: 32 hours per week
Wage: $21/ hour
Application deadline: May 23rd midnight
Start date: June 1st-June 15th, 2022
Schedule can be flexible (i.e. work times/work days), with possibility for some extended time off to enjoy the summer.
Position requirements
Funding for this position is provided through the Canada Summer Jobs Program. To be eligible, you must meet the following funding criteria:
- Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment*,
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment**; and,
- have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
- Access to a personal computer and reliable internet connection.
*The youth must be 15 years of age at the beginning of the employment period. The youth may be more than 30 years of age at the end of the employment period as long as the youth was 30 at the beginning of the employment period.
**International students are not eligible participants. International students include anyone who is temporarily in Canada for studies and who is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada. Youth awaiting a refugee status ruling, as well as those who hold a temporary visitor visa, youth visa or work visa are ineligible.
Desired skills & qualifications
- Experience or a degree (achieved or in progress) in Environmental Studies/Science, Environmental Law, Resource Management, Public Policy, Geography, Government Relations, or a similar field.
- Familiarity with the Lower Mainland Region, the Fraser River, its importance to Pacific salmon, and conservation or Nature-based Solutions projects that are currently taking place in the region.
- A self-starter that is disciplined and can work efficiently and effectively in a remote setting.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience conducting literature research/reviews, examining public policy or governance strategies.
- Understanding of Nature-based Solutions, climate adaptation, and aquatic conservation in coastal environments (preferably British Columbia).
- Understanding of the granting structure of non-profit organizations, and conservation funding/finance.
- Data management
- Understanding of the governance structure of Metro Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley Regional District and member municipalities.
- Understanding of salmon watershed ecology and life histories of salmon species.
Position background
Lower Fraser Salmon Conservation Program
Fraser River salmon are important ecologically, culturally and economically, and given the intensity of development pressures in the Lower Fraser Region, Raincoast initiated a Lower Fraser River Salmon Conservation Program in 2016. The program takes a multi-faceted approach to advance our goal of seeing healthy populations of wild salmon returning to the Lower Fraser River. Our work on the Lower Fraser is focused on both scientific research and on the ground restoration in the estuary. We also collaborate with Nations, organizations and multiple levels of governments to co-create a vision that can guide work within the region.
We identified the need for a long-term vision for salmon habitat supported by legislation and a governance structure that puts a priority on the ecological health of the Lower Fraser River and Estuary. Our March 2020, Vision for Salmon Habitat in the Lower Fraser River identified important recommendations for advancing the restoration and recovery of salmon populations and their habitats. These include: 1) Implementing fish-friendly policies and Nature-based Solutions, 2) Supporting habitat protection and restoration 3) Implementing a co-governance structure and watershed planning, 4) Rebuilding monitoring and research capacity, and 5) Providing salmon education for all ages.
To advance these recommendations, we will work to identify the current strategies that are in place among regional decision-making bodies (e.g Metro Vancouver, member municipalities, etc.) to address outdated freshwater policies that negatively affect salmon habitat, and their plans and long-term commitments to advancing the implementation of Nature-based Solutions/Green infrastructure. We will do this through research of legislation, regulations and plans, as well as with individual engagement with Metro Vancouver.
About Raincoast
Raincoast is a team of conservationists and scientists empowered by our research to protect the lands, waters and wildlife of coastal British Columbia. We use rigorous, peer-reviewed science and community engagement to further our conservation objectives. We call this approach informed advocacy. As a charitable, non-profit conservation science organization that operates a research lab, research field station and a research/sailing vessel, we are unique in Canada.
Raincoast welcomes applications from all interested and qualified candidates. Our organization is the product of diverse visions and perspectives and we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring. Raincoast is committed to fostering and maintaining a workplace culture that is inclusive and does not tolerate or accept discrimination or harassment.
How to apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to kristen@raincoast.org.
Email applications with “Conservation Governance and Policy Intern” in the subject line. Attach a single PDF file for your one-page cover letter and your resume – name it your first and last name (e.g. Mark Smith.pdf).
The cover letter should express why you are interested in this position and clearly outline how you meet the required qualifications. Your supporting resume should outline all relevant work experience and identify two references.
We thank all applicants but only those receiving an interview will be contacted.
