COMMON EIDER DUCK CONSERVATION INTERN
Position Code: DU091
Location:Southern Labrador
June 22 - August 24, 2009 (with a possible extension to Sept. 4)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Ducks Unlimited (DU) conserves, manages, and restores wetlands for waterfowl. As part of a six year research project, DU hopes to learn more about the common eider duck, their productivity, migration patterns, and survival. The Quebec-Labrador Foundation (QLF), in partnership with DU seeks a highly-motivated research intern to assist with data collection for this project.
In 2009, the intern will paricipate in:
- Locating eider duck nests on several remote islands
- Collecting data on clutch size, nesting chronology, hatching and fledging success
- Banding adult and juvenile eider ducks
- Establishing and maintaining a remote field site
- Constructing nesting shelters for eider ducks
- Managing data collected in the field
- Communicating with local community members, youth groups, project partners and the media
- Preparing a final report and evaluation
The intern will work both independently and in collaboration with QLF staff, DU Staff and members of the community.
This is an excellent internship opportunity for a student with a strong background in biology, environmental science, and natural resource conservation planning who wishes 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 sea ducks in the northern Gulf region, ability to work with communities, good analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to use a computer.
Due to funding criteria from Young Canada Works, you are eligible to apply if you:
- are between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
- meet the eligibility criteria of the program for which you have been approved
- are registered in the YCW on-line candidate inventory
- are willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment
- do not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with YCW
- have been a full-time student (as defined by your educational institutions) in the semester preceding the YCW job
- intend to return to full-time studies in the semester following the YCW job
- have a working knowledge of both English and French
- are willing to work in another region of Canada
- or are from outside the region of the Lower North Shore, however residents/students originally from the rural communities of the Lower North Shore of Quebec studying outside the region are eligible to apply
NOTE: Priority is given to candidates who have not previously participated in a summer work experience program. For students who travel more than 125 km from their residence to their summer job, a housing allowance and one round trip between the student's residence and the job location will be offered. QLF is an equal-opportunity employer.
TO APPLY:TO APPLY: Please go to the “how to apply (english) (français)” section of our website and complete our online application form. Please be sure to upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter as part of this process. Please apply by May 1, 2009. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so it is in your interest to apply early.