INTERNSHIP POSITION
Position: Environmental Education and Leadership Intern (EELI)
Organization: Cheakamus Centre
Location: Cheakamus, near Squamish, BC
Compensation: room & partial board, training, honorarium (see below)
Dates: fall or winter or spring (dates below)
OVERVIEW
This volunteer internship position plays a supporting role in the educational programming at Cheakamus Centre. Duties to be undertaken will include acting as a leadership mentor for youth, supporting high school counsellors, visiting teachers and program staff during programs, updating program materials and participating in stewardship initiatives. This volunteer position is a great opportunity to develop skills and gain experience in outdoor and environmental education and youth leadership through close mentorship by program staff.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist program staff in supporting youth leadership on field studies and during afternoon and evening programs
- Provide program support to visiting teachers and Cheakamus Centre staff
- Liaise with visiting teachers and program staff regarding any program or student concerns
- Assist Cheakamus Centre staff with stewardship initiatives
- Assist program staff with the training of high school counsellors
- Assist program staff to maintain, update and develop program materials
- Occasionally assist with other educational programs at the Cheakamus Centre
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- First Aid Certificate – OFA Level 1 minimum, or willing to obtain
- Willing to submit a current Criminal Record Check, with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Strong interest in developing leadership skills
- Strong interest in environmental stewardship initiatives
- Works effectively independently and in a collaborative team environment
- Ability to work varied hours including occasional evenings and weekends
- Friendly, positive and enthusiastic approach
- Comfortable living and working in a shared residential setting
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience working with children and/or youth in an outdoor educational setting
- Valid driver’s license preferred
- Strong interest in West Coast ecology and its natural & cultural history
- Strong communication skills
BENEFITS OF POSITION
- Gain valuable experience assisting with environmental education programs
- Develop strong leadership skills through direct supervision and mentorship
- Gain demonstrated experience supervising children and youth
- Participate in and learn about local stewardship initiatives
- Gain experience developing educational program materials
- Build knowledge of local natural and cultural history
- Gain confidence in group management and public speaking skills
VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIP TERM
This position can live on-site due to potentially varied work hours, though the majority of work shifts will be in the 8am-6pm range (weekly hours to average 32-40 hours per program week)
- Fall: September 27, 2019 to December 19, 2019
- Winter: January 6, 2020 to March 19, 2020
- Spring: March 30, 2020 to May 7, 2020
* *please note: there is possibility of being brought on to the programming team in a paid position upon completion of internship if the role fits.
JOB LOCATION
Cheakamus Centre, Brackendale, BC (near Squamish)
COMPENSATION
Room & partial Board, outdoor environmental education and leadership training, plus an honorarium is provided upon completion of the Term. Note: meals are only provided during programming periods.
ABOUT US
Cheakamus Centre is a unique environmental learning centre designed to provide exceptional learning and hospitality experiences inspired by nature. Situated on 165 hectares of ecological reserve in the Cheakamus River Valley near Squamish, BC, Cheakamus Centre is seeking a highly motivated individual interested in learning about and supporting a range of outdoor and environmental programs.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Email a cover letter that: 1. indicates which position you are applying for (“EELI”) 2. and states why you are the best mentor and role model for this opportunity,
Along with your résumé to: jobs@cheakamuscentre.ca
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Open until filled.
Please include ‘EELI’ in the subject line of your email.
We thank you for your interest in employment with Cheakamus Centre. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.