Job posting for Conservation Assistant with Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (Nova Scotia)
Published on Aug 24 2017
Conservation Assistant
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Nova Scotia Chapter (CPAWS-NS)
About CPAWS-NS
The Nova Scotia Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is a grassroots, non-government organization (NGO) that works to protect natural areas in the province. Our priority is the establishment of new protected areas, on land and in the ocean. We seek out opportunities to work collaboratively with governments, First Nations, local communities, academics, stakeholders, and industry on initiatives to protect wilderness in Nova Scotia. We are the local chapter of a national organization that’s been working on conservation issues in Canada for more than a half-century.
About the position
As Conservation Assistant, you will be working on a wide variety of our conservation campaigns at CPAWS-Nova Scotia to establish new protected areas. You will gain experience on how to run effective conservation campaigns and to push for permanent legal protection of some of the best remaining natural areas in the province. You will be expected to have an excellent working knowledge of key protected area issues and an understanding of how to build successful advocacy campaigns.
Building relationships with people is a core responsibility of this position and being able to effectively communicate the importance of nature conservation. A major portion of your work will be specifically advocating for the creation of a network of marine protected areas for Nova Scotia, so an understanding of marine issues is a requirement for this position. The successful candidate will be independent, motivated, creative, and be able to quickly identify potential solutions to complex problems. An ability to work effectively with a wide range of people is crucial for this position.
This position will appeal to individuals who are interested in entering an NGO working on environmental issues and gaining real experience protecting Nova Scotia’s natural environment. Because we are a small NGO, you will be expected to undertake a wide range of activities (i.e.: running advocacy campaigns, building relations with key individuals, working with volunteers, meeting with government officials, organizing public events, successful fundraising, and responding to strategic opportunities to conserve wilderness). You must be comfortable working in such an environment, where day-to-day activities may change dramatically, and often suddenly. The Conservation Assistant will report directly to the Executive Director of CPAWS Nova Scotia.
Requirements
Education
• Minimum of a university undergraduate degree (if you are nearing completion of your degree and you anticipate graduating in the near future, that will also qualify)
Experience
• You will have undertaken some sort of advocacy work (either as an employee or as a volunteer) that has resulted in a tangible outcome. This work does NOT need to be specifically related to conservation or the environment, though that would be preferable. Please be prepared to discuss that particular work in detail.
Skills:
• Clear communicator
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Public speaking and media
• Ability to develop working relationships
• Effective writing abilities
• Work independently
• Meet timelines
• Passion for nature conservation
• Volunteer experience
Other
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours
• Valid government driver’s license and be comfortable driving to remote communities in Nova Scotia
This position is part-time (2.5 days per week) and is based in the Halifax region. It has flexible hours. Working remotely is required.
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
Application process
Please send your Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter to: Chris Miller (cmiller@cpaws.org). Ensure that the file names for these documents include your full first name and last name. Two professional references are required as part of the application (Name and contact information). The cover letter will be no longer than one page.
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you are well qualified for the position of Conservation Assistant at CPAWS Nova Scotia.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Closing date: September 18, 2017