Position Code #: BIOCON1
common eider duck and marine species at risk intern (2 positions)

Southern Labrador (1) and Northern Newfoundland / Quebec Lower North Shore (1)

Summer 2008

Project Description:

Ducks Unlimited (DU) conserves, manages and restores wetlands for waterfowl. As part of a five year research project, DU hopes to learn more about the common eider duck, their productivity, migration patterns and survival.

The Quebec-Labrador Foundation (QLF), through a grant from the federal Habitat Stewardship Plan for Species at Risk, is working with communities in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence to aid in the recovery of eleven species at risk including cetaceans, sea turtles, sharks, wolffish, the ivory gull and polar bear. Volunteer fisher observers document sightings information, report entanglements and beached cetaceans and work to decrease the impact of incidental bycatch.

In 2008, the intern will assist with:

· Completing the final year of common eider duck research at one of two nesting sites

· Provide technical support to volunteers involved in the Marine Species at Risk projects

· Developing a user-friendly GIS database

· Collect local ecological knowledge on species at risk from residents in coastal communities

· Prepare educational materials to encourage stewardship of local resources

During the first phase of the internship, one intern will work with DU in Table Bay, Labrador and the other will work with DU on the Grey Islands in Newfoundland. During the second phase, one intern will work in Cartwright, Labrador, and the other in Blanc-Sablon, on the Quebec Lower North Shore. The interns will work both independently and in collaboration with QLF staff, DU staff and members of the community. Time period is 10 weeks from 16 June to 22 August 2008.

This is an excellent internship opportunity for a student with a strong background in biology, environmental science, natural resource conservation planning, and wishing to explore the potential for communities to engage in conservation initiatives. It will provide training in the ‘human’ element of conservation work, will offer an opportunity to explore the complexity of conservation, and will prepare an intern for further work in the field of community-based conservation.

QUALIFICATIONS: Important to the position is an interest and the ability to work with people, the ability to work independently in remote outdoor environments, knowledge of animals inhabiting the northern Gulf region, ability to work with youth, excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to use a computer and a valid driver’s licence.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Internship includes stipend, room and board and travel from Montreal to the work site.