MARINE SPECIES AT RISK INTERN
Position Code: MSAR091
Location:Magdalen Islands and the Quebec Lower North Shore
January to April 2009 (12 weeks)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Quebec-Labrador Foundation (QLF), through a grant from the Federal Habitat Stewardship Plan for Species at Risk, is working with communities in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to aid in the recovery of thirteen marine species designated as at risk in Canada. These species include cetaceans, sea turtles, sharks, wolffish, the ivory gull and polar bear. As part of this project, fisher observers are documenting species at risk sightings information, reporting entanglements and working to decrease the impacts of incidental bycatch.
The intern will assist with:
- Recruiting new volunteer observers and providing technical support to existing volunteers involved in the Marine Species at Risk project
- Collecting and analyzing local ecological knowledge on species at risk from residents in the Magdalen Islands
- Preparing educational materials to encourage stewardship of local marine resources
- Developing an economic resource guide for fishers
The intern will work both independently and in collaboration with QLF staff and members of the community.
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 the ability to work with people in rural coastal communities, the ability to work independently in remote outdoor environments, knowledge of marine species inhabiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence region, excellent written and verbal communication skills and good knowledge of computers. French language skills are essential as the chosen applicant will be working primarily in francophone communities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:This internship includes a 500$ per week stipend and return travel from Montreal to the Magdalen Islands. The intern will be responsible for food, lodging and transportation while in the Magdalen Islands.
TO APPLY: Please apply using QLF’s online application form. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so it is in your interest to apply early. This position is suited to students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate level co-op program in a related field. Applicants who are co-op students are therefore asked to identify themselves as such as part of their application.