EARTHQUEST Biological Field School Mentorship Program

  Canada

• Ontario: 
London

Term: Throughout the year 
Length of Position: 3 - 12 months
Dates: All year

Description: Are you tired of applying to jobs in the environmental industry and not getting a response? Our Biological Field School was created for the sole purpose of assisting people experiencing difficulties or running into obstacles such as a lack of required certification, practical field experience, skill sets, cultural or language barriers, etc. This position was developed with the intent of providing valuable and enriching hands-on field experience and certification in a learning by doing environment. This training is NOT available anywhere else, including college or university. The placement rate for people obtaining this training is greater than 90%, with graduates finding successful and long term employment with Conservation Authorities, the Ministry of Natural Resources, environmental consulting firms, conservation/research organizations, etc.

It is the faster track to employment whereby you may obtain an entry level position as a foot in the door and work toward a job which may pay $35 000 - $40 000/yr or more within 3 - 5 months of training. The minimum requirement to apply to this position is a college or university degree or diploma and/or 3 - 5 years of practical field experience in zoology, botany, ornithology, ecology or environmental sciences. Candidates who wish to make a career change with only a college diploma or university degree in a related field will be considered. Previous applicants who have been assessed and recommended to upgrade may not reapply unless they have completed the required certification courses. Applicants must also be Ecological Land Classification (ELC)/Wetland evaluation certified and possess a good working knowledge of the flora and fauna of Ontario with a 75% or greater accuracy range for positive field identification. Applicants should also have good GIS skills. If you do not possess these qualifications then please check out our website.

Candidates may be required to camp in remote areas and catalogue the flora and fauna of the extensive Bruce Trail system between Tobermory and Owen Sound, Ontario in search of Ontario Species at Risk (SARs). Additionally, the project may be incorporated into a larger regional project mapping and locating a medicinal plant which may be used to supplement or replace the declining tobacco industry. Candidates may be required to work long hours under adverse weather conditions and hike long distances. ELC/GIS and wetland evaluation work may be conducted at various project sites throughout southwestern Ontario. Data will be compiled, inputted and summarized into spreadsheets using ArcInfo GIS Desktop software, EXCEL and ACCESS. Summarized reports must be submitted to EARTHQUEST and/or the partner organization monthly to update staff on project results and status. Ocassional voucher specimens may have to be collected for submission requirements of Ontario's species at risk or rare species using the Natural Heritage Information Center (NHIC) rarity reporting requirements. Some GPS measurements and topo map reading and interpretation along with aerial photo interpretation may be necessary. These skills will enable interns to apply to related jobs with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Conservation Authorities and environmental consulting firms upon successful completion of internships.

Highlights: Network with potential employers, develop long lasting relationships with colleagues, learn the culture of Canada, work and live in nature, becoming more attractive to potential employers, develop excellent field identification skills, live and travel to beautiful natural areas in southwestern Ontario which are part of Carolinian Canada.

Qualifications: Candidates should have or be willing to obtain the following traits;

* Knowledge of terrestrial and/or aquatic biology and ecology.
* Broad understanding of natural heritage features and accepted methodologies for their classification, description, and mapping related field identification skills
* Human relations and communications skills enabling productive dialogue with relevant staff and stakeholders regarding problems and solutions, decisions, strategies, outcomes, and implications. Ability to travel to, and conduct fieldwork in, various locations within the project study sites of southwestern Ontario
* Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization. Ability to read and interpret maps, remote sensing imagery, air photos, reports, correspondence, policies and procedures, training manuals, technical documents
* Ability to compose and write technical reports, letters, work plans, and procedures. Ability to generate meticulously checked, accurate data, and to create top-quality maps
* Knowledge of/interest in terrestrial & aquatic flora/fauna of Ontario.
* Knowledge and skills associated with field identification of Ontario's flora and fauna (the minimum requirement is the ability to positively field identify 75% or more of the flora and fauna of Ontario to Family, Genus and species level), including Ontario's Species at Risk (SAR).
* Ecological Land Classification (ELC) certified from a recognized institution (ie. the equivalent of 40 unit hours working on a field project conducting ELC work).
* Wetland evaluation certified from a recognized institution (ie. the equivalent of 40 unit hours working on a field project conducting Wetland evaluation work).
* Basic knowledge of analytical techniques, including field survey and data collection, and computer applications in order to analyze data and prepare reports.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
* Well developed organizational and research skills.
* Basic skills in computer word processing and use of spreadsheets utilizing EXCEL and ACCESS.
* Basic knowledge of GIS techniques utilizing ArcView GIS Desktop software and it's extensions and applications.
* Valid Class "G" Driver's License and ability to travel to remote locations throughout the Bruce peninsula and southwestern Ontario, Canada.
* Ability to camp and live under rustic conditions in adverse weather conditions.
* Ability to hike and travel on rugged trails for long hours.
* Have the intention to obtain a permanent position in the environmental industry.

Cost in US$: $7750 - $11500 for 9 - 12 month program

Salary / Pay: For all paid positions, a stipend may be awarded. Some jobs are offered in partnership with other organizations or paid through funding programs. Pay is comensurate with the depth and breadth of experience and knowledge.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Canada Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3 - 9

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Year Founded: 1988