The Columbia River Greenways Alliance (CRGA) has been working for the last six years to develop a network of trails in the Upper Columbia Valley to connect our communities. We work in collaboration with landowners, local government, industry and other partners, with the aim of community green space connectivity and education. The resulting network of trails will ultimately stretch from Donald, north of Golden, to the source of the Columbia River at Canal Flats. The CRGA’s role in trail building ranges from providing planning and coordination expertise to partial funding, but the organization does not own the land. Refer to our website www.greenways.ca for more information.
This position is a temporary, full-time position based in Invermere, BC. The successful candidate will be responsible for compiling data (GPS, photographs, maps, terrain descriptions) on potential trail alignments within the Columbia Valley between Canal Flats and Golden, and will be acting under the supervision of the Executive Director. The student will be supporting the hiking of trail segments in CRGA’s south, central and north regions with administrative duties, to potentially include logistical planning, media relations, fundraising related duties, and general CRGA support. The position is both administrative and field-based and involves strenuous activity, hiking and potentially backcountry camping.
The work term is 16 weeks, potentially beginning as early as May 7th, and the wage is $13/hour.
Qualifications
- Organized self-starter
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Physically fit
- Outdoor hiking experience, camping and canoeing experience also an asset
- Field Equipment Experience (e.g. GPS)
- Excellent Computer Skills
- Previous sales/fundraising/customer service experience an asset
- Must be a full time student. Those enrolled in environmental or earth science, geography, biology, recreation/tourism planning, or environmental engineering programs are preferred. Interest in mapping, environmental planning, and/or working in the non-profit sector a plus.
Duties
Tasks include:
Logistical Planning for the Hike and Administrative Duties (25%):
- Logistics: set timelines for hiking of trail (in segments) and negotiatefor private land access along these proposed trail alignments.
- Associated media/public relations: assist with development and deliveryof associated public relations presentations/events along the route.
- Coordinating associated Fundraising Opportunities: assist withsolicitation of funding/sponsorship for CRGA programs. Examples ofsupport could include: private donations, grant applications, $ per metrehike sponsorship, and donations from local businesses/organisations.
- Assistwith creation of digital files of CRGA historical documents: scan andenter data, including reports, publications, grant applications, maps andcontact databases.
Completion of Field Work (55%):
- Hike orcanoe potential trail alignments
- Followdaily safety procedures: daily check ins, carrying safety equipment,working in areas where wildlife encounters are possible.
- Document potential trail routes, spurs, and view point locations: GPScoordinates, Photo Documentation, Mapping, Potential Access, Viewpointsand Signage Locations, and Significant Features (terrain, wildlifefeatures, vegetation, topography).
Creation of Maps and Associated Documentation based on theFieldwork (20%):
- Create “Potential Upper Columbia Trail Routes” Map: Overlay GPS routesonto air photos/ ortho photos/ map layers.
- Create a photographic and written journal of the “Potential UpperColumbia Trail Routes” by segment, including:
- Potential Access Points and sign kiosks.
- Maps of trail routes/segments
- Potential viewpoints/points of ecological or historical interest
- Photographs
- Steps needed to implement of public access, including possibleroadblocks or challenges.
- Present these findings for the trail segments to the CRGA Boardthroughout the summer.
Candidate Requires
Outdoor clothing including rain gear
Hiking boots
Tent
Sleeping bag
Backpack
Camp stove and cookware
Vehicle
CRGA Will Provide
Field Equipment
Safety Equipment
Reimbursement for associated CRGA work expenses
Opportunities for training in public relations, non-profitmanagement, fundraising and project management.
Applications due April 18th, 2008. Please forward a CV and cover letterto Emi Cronin (emilia_anne (at) yahoo.ca). Aboriginal Students areencouraged to apply.
For more information regarding this position, call (250)341-8159.