4 month position, May-August 2016 (with possibility for extension)
Deadline to apply: March 21, 2016
Position Description:
The OWC is seeking four (4) outgoing, dynamic leaders to increase our outreach. OWC’s challenge is to raise awareness about watershed issues and encourage people to adopt solutions, which requires communicating scientific information in an engaging manner. This exciting position requires exceptional communications skills.
The successful candidates will work 40 hours/week, under the supervision of the Education Program Manager. The positions are based in Lethbridge but will require travel throughout the watershed. One or two positions will involve community events in Lethbridge and surrounding communities, and travelling to local campgrounds. The majority of hours for the remaining 2-3 positions will be in the backcountry, camping with no facilities or cell service. Please specify in your cover letter for which position (local, backcountry, or both) you are applying.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Backcountry Outreach Assistants will assist with the implementation of OWC’s Engaging Recreationists project and other outreach programs. Approach random campers and motorized recreationists, conduct questionnaires, converse about watershed issues, and assist with restoration events in the backcountry.
- Local Outreach Assistant(s) will contact local campgrounds and organizations to organize and deliver educational watershed presentations.
- Attend events, organize and lead educational activities and events.
- Write blogs, social media postings, newsletter articles, reports, and other written materials. Photograph activities and add to digital archive. Some data entry/management as needed.
- Additional related duties as needed.
Qualifications:
- Must be willing to work evenings and weekends regularly.
- Comfort and experience with backcountry conditions: travel by vehicle and on foot, navigating, and camping in variable weather (2-3 positions). Detail your backcountry experience in cover letter.
- Experience listening to, motivating, encouraging, and empowering others.
- Experience related to public engagement, particularly in outdoor, informal settings.
- Extremely personable with very strong verbal, written, and face-to-face communications skills.
- Experience working with a broad range of audiences, including youth.
- Must be self-motivated, take initiative, able to problem-solve, and work with minimal supervision.
- An appreciation for the environment, familiarity with the local environmental community, and basic understanding of environmental science. Experience with environmental education/outreach an asset.
- A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel throughout the watershed. Reliable transportation (with 4x4 capabilities for backcountry) is an asset. Defensive Driving certificate is an asset.
- Experience with off-highway vehicles (OHV) an asset (backcountry positions).
- Proficient with MS Office, internet use, social media, common IT issues.
- Standard First Aid & CPR/AED is required prior to commencing employment. Additional safety training will be provided.
- Completion of high school; post-secondary (current or complete) an asset, with preference for studies in natural sciences, biology, environmental sciences, resource management, or a related field.
- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Salary: $19-21/hour starting wage, depending on qualifications and experience, at the discretion of the OWC.
Please specify your availability (start and end dates) as well as your plans for the fall (September-October).
Please email your cover letter and resume to OWC’s Human Resources Consultant, Wendy Giuffre, at Wendy@wendyelleninc.ca as a single PDF file entitled “OWC Outreach Assistant YOUR NAME.”
Thank you for your interest. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
