MARINE SPECIES AT RISK INTERN

Position Code: MSAR092
Location:Southern Labrador, Northwestern Newfoundland and the Quebec Lower North Shore
June 1 - August 21, 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 northern Gulf of St. Lawrence to aid in the recovery of eleven species designated “at risk”, including cetaceans, sea turtles, sharks, wolffish, the ivory gull and the polar bear.  Through an observer program, fishers document sightings information, report entanglements and stranded animals, and work to decrease the impact of incidental by-catch in fishing gear. Other components of the internship include assisting with: administering a public education and awareness campaign, collecting traditional knowledge about species at risk, creating a new website that will collect real-time whale vocalizations, and developing sustainable ecotourism activities.

The intern will assist with:

• Provide technical support to fisher and marine transport volunteers involved in the Marine Species at Risk project (some travel will be involved)
• Collect local ecological knowledge on species at risk from residents in coastal communities
• Prepare educational materials to encourage stewardship of marine species at risk and local marine resources
• Organize and prepare activities for a youth marine conservation camp
• Respond to reports of entangled or stranded animals and conduct necropsies, if needed
• Work with local tour operators to develop sustainable tourism activities
• Update and maintain a new website that will provide real time whale vocalizations
• Update user-friendly GIS database and map results
• Prepare reports and articles for newsletters and websites
• Profile project and disseminate information through the media, presentations and communications with the general public

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, 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 are an interest and facility in work with people, the ability to work independently in remote outdoor environments, knowledge of animals inhabiting the northern Gulf region, good analytical skills, ability to work with youth, 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.

 

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