Job Opportunity: Nature House Interpreter with Gorge Waterway Nature House/Action Society

Title: Nature House Interpreter
Employer: Gorge Waterway Action Society
Location: Victoria, BC (Esquimalt Gorge Park)

Contract Term (tentative): May 6th – August 26th, 2019

Hours & Wage: Full time 40 hours/week at $13.65/hour, dependant on funding from Canada Summer Jobs

Position availability subject to funding

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 5th, 2019 @ 11:59pm

The Gorge Waterway Action Society (GWAS) is seeking an outgoing and motivated individual to join our team of environmental educators at the Gorge Waterway Nature House this summer. The successful candidate will be responsible for the daily operation and management of the Gorge Waterway Nature House in Esquimalt Gorge Park. This will include greeting visitors, both local residents and tourists to the area, and engaging them in the displays and activities available in the Nature House. The Nature House is a community space dedicated to promoting environmental education and conservation and is managed in partnership by GWAS, World Fisheries Trust and the Township of Esquimalt.

The successful candidate will work closely with the education team at World Fisheries Trust, a partner organization to GWAS, in the development and delivery of hands-on, inquiry based, and youth-focussed environmental educational programs at the Nature House and in Esquimalt Gorge Park. The successful candidate will also work alongside the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and train new volunteers and manage existing volunteers. Other responsibilities will include: assisting at public outreach events, educating local residents and visitors about environmental issues in the community and promoting the understanding of local history, including the Indigenous history of the area, grant writing, fundraising, and restoration work.

The Nature House Interpreter will:

  • Design and facilitate hands-­on, inquiry based environmental educational programs for youth of all ages and learning abilities;
  • Incorporate Indigenous and western elements of science into existing and new educational programs;
  • Plan public outreach and awareness events;
  • Coordinate fundraising initiatives and assist with grant writing;
  • Co-manage the Gorge Waterway Nature House (including recruiting and training new volunteers and managing existing volunteers);
  • Maintain professional communications with volunteers, community groups, and co-workers; and
  • Work in accordance with the health and safety protocols outlined by the organization.

Qualifications:

  • Education field of study: biology, ecological restoration, geography, environmental studies, earth and ocean sciences, teaching or a related field;
  • Experience working with youth and student groups;
  • Experience recruiting and organizing volunteers;
  • Experience delivering education programs;
  • An understanding of coastal biodiversity, marine animals, and ecology;
  • First Aid certification, CPR­?C and FOODSAFE (may be provided); and
  • Willingness to submit a Criminal Record Check.

Assets:

  • Valid class 5 or 7N driver’s license; and
  • Insured vehicle for use during the position.

Eligibility:

  • Must be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
  • Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on who refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and
  • Must be legally entitled to work in Canada according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.*Please note: Returning student eligibility requirement has been removed.

How to apply: Applicants should send a resume and cover letter as a single document to: gorgewaterway@gmail.com by Tuesday, March 5th, 2019. Please attach as a PDF file.