Location – A Rocha Canada: Brooksdale Environmental Centre, Surrey BC

A Rocha Canada is a national environmental stewardship organization that works out its commitment to environmental action through community-based conservation projects. The Brooksdale Environmental Centre is A Rocha’s largest hub of activity in Canada and its base of operations for community-based stewardship and restoration of the Little Campbell River watershed. Built in the 1930s as an upscale equestrian estate, the 18-acre property is now a living classroom for ecological stewardship, sustainable living, spiritual growth, and community hospitality.  Brooksdale also is a base of operations for A Rocha’s broader focus on stewardship and restoration of the Little Campbell River watershed. A Rocha has been actively involved in research, environmental education and habitat restoration in the Little Campbell River watershed since 2003.

Qualification

A Criminal Records Check is required for all persons working and volunteering with A Rocha.  A Clean Drivers Abstract will be also required.

Position requirements

All applicants must be 30 years of age of under; have graduated from a university, college, post-secondary school of technology, post-secondary institution or CEGEP; be legally entitled to work in Canada (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, valid work permit or refugee status); not be receiving Employment Insurance; and not be in school during the position term.   If you do not meet these criteria your application cannot be considered due to grant funding restrictions.

The Conservation Biologist will report to the Watershed Stewardship Coordinator, Christy Juteau; and will work with A Rocha staff and individually in the following areas:

Conservation Research, Habitat Enhancement, and Community Outreach.

As part of A Rocha’s Science Conservation Program, the Science Horizons Intern will:

  1. Assist with Salish Sucker (SS) surveys in suitable habitat throughout the Little Campbell River watershed. These surveys will help identify high priority sites for protection, restoration or habitat creation.

Surveys will include:

– SS trapping within suitable habitat and dissolved oxygen mapping.

– On-the-ground watercourse assessment to identify nutrient loading sources and restoration opportunities.

2. Collect and organize fish survey data, water quality data and habitat assessment data.

3. Write technical reports including background info, methods, results and discussion.

4. Plan and implement riparian restoration projects

Specific Skills and Abilities

These qualities are seen as being beneficial for the conservation biologist position:

  • Field work experience related to fish and wildlife inventory, enhancement &/or research;
  • Ability to work in team settings with staff, volunteers, and interns;
  • Ability to work independently on resource inventory, enhancement and/or research;
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written);
  • Efficient problem solving and project management skills;
  • Hosting, Administration and Reporting.

A background in Environmental Studies, Ecology, Applied Science, Botany, Resource Management, or similar field of study would be ideal for this position.  The Conservation Biologist will work directly with hands-on conservation projects, assist in front-line service delivery to the public, and help to organize community-building projects.

 Workweek

Normally Tuesday to Saturday.  Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Contract Term

Fri, Sep 13, 2013 to Sat, Mar 29, 2014 (35 hours/week for 31 weeks)—exact dates to be confirmed, Wage: $12.30/hr.  Possibility of extension, depending on funding.

Location

Primarily in South Surrey/White Rock, BC at the Brooksdale Environmental Centre at  19353 16th Avenue, South Surrey.  Room and board opportunities are available at Brooksdale for $600/month.

Closing date

July 31, 2013. Please send resume with cover letter (in MS Word or PDF format) to christy.juteau@arocha.ca  Please indicate the position title in your subject line.

As part of this position, successful candidates will:

  • participate in community tasks related to hosting of guests and other groups that visit the field centre;
  • participate in day-to-day office activities and other administrative tasks as needed;
  • assist in weekly site maintenance work at the field study centre;
  • document and evaluate progress of their work through weekly reports to supervisor;
  • work involves most weekends (to help facilitate Saturday volunteer days and events)