Land Protection Intern

Raincoast Conservation Foundation (Raincoast) is seeking a summer student to support the ongoing land protection campaign for KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest on S’DÁYES (North Pender Island).

The successful incumbent will organize awareness raising events, draft communications pertaining to the property, and support fundraising activities. They will attend markets and other public events to help raise awareness about our land protection campaign. They may also have the opportunity to assist at restoration and other events at S’DÁYES Flycatcher Forest (also located on North Pender Island). Though the incumbent will be directly supervised by Raincoast’s Gulf Islands Forest Project Coordinator, they may have the opportunity to work with the Pender Islands Conservancy Association who are our equal partners in this land protection campaign.

Wage and details

Job Type: Full time 8 week term
Anticipated hours: 30-35 hours per week
Wage: $18/ hour
Apply by: May 27^th 2022
Start date: June 15^th, 2022
Schedule can be flexible (i.e. work times/work days), with possibility for some extended time off to enjoy the summer. Some weekend work will be required.

Schedule can be flexible (i.e. work times/work days), with possibility for some extended time off to enjoy the summer.

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
Some familiarity with the Coastal Douglas-fir region
Be a resident of the Capital Regional District or surrounding area with preference going to those living in Victoria or the Gulf Islands.

*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

Must be highly self-motivated and able to work effectively in a remote environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Confident public speaker
Fundraising experience
Background in ecological restoration
Some familiarity with the flora/fauna of the Coastal Douglas-fir region and challenges to biodiversity conservation in this area
Some graphic design expertise is considered an asset
A valid BC drivers license and access to a vehicle is preferred

Position Background

The Gulf Islands Forest Project is multi-faceted and innovative forest conservation project with a primary focus on North and South Pender Islands, Territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. We employ multiple strategies to ensure long-term Coastal Douglas-fir forest protection. 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 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 shauna@raincoast.org.

Email applications with “Application, GIFP Land Protection Intern 2022” 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.