Summer jobs, Student jobs

Position: Road Ecology and Volunteer Programs Assistant
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Organization: Long Point Biosphere Region
Location: Norfolk County, Ontario (Long Point, St. Williams, Port Rowan)

The Long Point Biosphere Region is one of nineteen areas in Canada (and over 750 globally) recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional biodiversity and iconic landscapes.

Biospheres promote biodiversity conservation while supporting environmental, economic and social sustainability (see link). The organization is managed by a nonprofit charitable organization known as the Long Point World Biosphere Region Foundation (LPBR for short) with diverse programs protecting species at risk, fighting shoreline erosion, and engaging people of all ages with nature through a range of educational activities and stewardship. The LPBR is a dynamic organization led by a volunteer board and contract staff who are highly committed to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and public engagement.

LPBR has received funding to hire two summer students to join our work with at-risk reptile conservation, focusing on coordinating the Wildlife Road Watch, Turtle Hatchery, and Biosphere Ambassadors programs. The role requires a combination of field research skills — including species identification, GPS data management, wildlife handling—and public outreach abilities, along with social media proficiency and the ability to work independently in the field.

Wildlife Road Watch is a community-based citizen science program in Norfolk County that engages and trains the community on how to reduce the negative impacts of roads on vulnerable herpetofauna through direct outreach and volunteer patrols. The intern will help lead efforts to protect and/or excavate turtle nests for incubation at the public-facing Turtle Hatchery at Long Point Eco Adventures. Eggs at the hatchery will be cared for, hatched, and measured on full display before release into wetland habitat.

Biosphere Ambassadors are our team of volunteers who will focus specifically on public outreach and nature-education at the Hatchery, special events, and guided nature walks.

This role is a unique hybrid of wildlife conservation and community engagement that combines field research skills with public outreach skills. Social media proficiency is an asset.

Candidates must be highly organized in terms of time management, data collection, communications, and be ready to get dirty. The required tasks will be varied, including:

• Documenting research grade wildlife on road sightings using cell phone photos and GPS coordinates
• Data management on iNaturalist, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets
• Species identification for Ontario's Herpetofauna
• Road surveys
• Safely handling wildlife as needed to move them off roads, including those injured
• Turtle nest excavation, egg handling, and transport (requires a high level of care as eggs are fragile and must never be turned)
• Taking precise physiological measurements of wildlife
• Following and enforcing strict biosecurity protocols
• Going deep into swampy terrain to release turtle hatchlings
• Speaking publicly at events
• Engaging and assisting in managing Biosphere social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
• Creating outreach materials in Canva, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Forms
• Foster and facilitate relationships with and between volunteers
• Assist with scheduling and monitoring volunteer engagement
• Willing to work outside typical hours, including early mornings and late nights.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary students or graduates in wildlife or conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, or zoology who are dedicated to fostering connections between people and nature.
• Confidence in public outreach through community engagement, filling a leadership role for volunteers, and public speaking.
• Excellent organisational and logistical abilities, demonstrated by working independently in difficult environments.
• Highly desirable asset: Expertise in content creation and proficiency with social media platforms

To apply, please submit a cover letter that describes your interest in the position along with a resume to:
janet@longpointbiosphere.com 
subject: Summer job

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