Length: 6 months to March 31, 2010 (full time 37 – 40 hours per week). Some weekend work may be required.
Pay: depending on experience and training ($18-$24 per hour)
Start Date: Sept 21, 2009 (or earlier)
The Fraser Valley Conservancy is looking for two applicants to fill a dynamic and
interesting role working with a regional land trust. The FVC protects lands of ecological and historic importance for our future within the Fraser Valley Regional District and it is mandated to promote stewardship, protect species at risk and promote the use of conservation tools on private land.
For the past three years, FVC has run a successful environmental education based
landowner contact program on upland forested areas in the Fraser Valley. The program is designed to increase awareness of backyard habitat values and promote community-based stewardship. Over these past three years, the program has contacted over 800 landowners and our efforts have recently been formally evaluated.
The focus for the remainder of this program year is to re-connect with past program participants and support them in their stewardship efforts while promoting conservation tools available to them (such as conservation covenants and land title donations) where appropriate. The applicants will also suggest improvements to the existing program and includes a possible expansion of the program into other lands such as grasslands/agricultural areas, pending funding.
This program is funded through the Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk and the Fraser Salmon Watershed Program.
This position reports directly to the Executive Director of the Fraser Valley Conservancy.
The successful applicants will be provided office space and resources to complete their responsibilities at the Fraser Valley Conservancy’s office in Abbotsford. Fraser Valley residents are encouraged to apply. FVC provides job related travel expenses and opportunities to increase job related skills and ability.
The use of a personal vehicle is expected and a moderate level of physical activity is required.
Specific Tasks:
- Contact past program participants and survey landowners for needs.
- Provide support for and encourage stewardship activities based on needs
assessment (i.e. organize and help deliver invasive species pulls, native planting, naturescaping, etc) with willing landowners. - Promote the funding agencies and mandate of the Fraser Valley Conservancy while completing tasks.
- Encourage use of short and long term stewardship tools such as stewardship agreements, conservation covenants, land title donation where appropriate.
- Prepare property management plans and property reports for landowners.
Complete baseline biological surveys where necessary. - Maintain confidential and proper landowner contact records (database program) and complete reports on the program as requested.
- Provide suggestions for the improvement and expansion of the program and implement approved changes.
- Participate in monthly meetings and operate as a team to help the FVC achieve its mandate and complete the grant requirements.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in conducting stewardship
activities with landowners, past landowner contact training or experience, and knowledge of conservation tools and their use. Applicants are also expected to bring a willingness to learn, enthusiasm, and a high level of professionalism for all aspects of their work.
Applicants should also be bondable and be able to maintain confidential and private material in an appropriate manner. Experience working with non-profits will also be considered an asset.
Educational Experience: Bachelor level preferred but will consider 1-2 years experience with technical training in local biology, species at risk, geography, education and communications.
Office equipment:
At a minimum, applicants will be expected to use many features of Microsoft Word and Excel on a daily basis as well as Adobe Acrobat Professional. Other computer program knowledge useful to the applicants includes: Microsoft Power Point and Access, Adobe In-design (or Illustrator), and ESRI Arc Map 9.2. Opportunity is available to increase skill level on the latter programs.
Interest in learning how to use field equipment such as GPS units, biological survey instruments, and yard power tools is also expected.
Closing date: September 9, 2009 however, applicants are encouraged to submit
applications as soon as possible as start date may be moved up.
Please e-mail your resume with cover letter expressing interest and detailing specific relevant experience / knowledge to:
Lisa Fox
Executive Director
Fraser Valley Conservancy
lisa@fraservalleyconservancy.ca
No phone calls or hand delivery, please. Only short listed applicants will be contacted.