Biology Assistant
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society is hiring two ‘Biology Assistants.’
(Contingent on successful Canada Summer Jobs funding)
To be eligible to participate in this initiative, individuals must meet the Canada Summer Jobs criteria. Please review the criteria prior to applying.
About Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary:
The Nature Sanctuary Society is a registered non-profit charity organization that fosters understanding and appreciation of nature through direct experience. For nearly 50 years the Sanctuary lands have provided a conserved space for an incredible array of native plants and animals, and educational programming for millions of people to forge deeper connections to nature.
We acknowledge that the Nature Sanctuary is on the ancestral territories of the lək ̓ʷəŋən peoples, represented by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, represented by the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum) and MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat) Nations.
We respect the vital relationships of First Peoples with these lands and waters for countless generations. We are honoured to invite and welcome Indigenous guidance and collaboration in stewardship and appreciation of the Nature Sanctuary.
The Nature Sanctuary lands are owned by Saanich, except for two small parcels which are Nature Trust BC Lands. The lands are governed by the volunteer Board of Directors of the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society, a non-profit and Registered Charity organization, under the terms of a Land Management Agreement between the Society and the Municipality of Saanich.
Read more about the Nature Sanctuary by navigating the links at the following URL.
About the positions:
The Biology Assistants will help with ecological restoration and conservation of the lands and waters. To be successful in this role, you should have a pleasant personality and the ability to work in all types of weather. You should also be able to deal with emergencies in a timely and effective manner, while streamlining work tasks. Flexibility is a plus!
Specifications:
- Two positions available on site in Victoria, BC
- Full time 35 hours/week, $21/h, 8 week contract with possibility for extension
- General site team schedule is Tuesday – Saturday 8:30am to 4:00pm (0.5h unpaid lunch)
- Some schedule flexibility required to support occasional meetings and other events
The Biology Assistants will help with:
- Invasive plant management and ecosystem restoration by providing general labour and landscaping
- Climate resilient (drought tolerant) garden preparation and maintenance
- Other site biodiversity sampling and data collection as required
- Facilities maintenance (small repairs, etc.)
- Implementing an assessment of public awareness about conservation efforts at the Nature Sanctuary
- Other administrative and site tasks as needed
- Creating communication materials about conservation work
Qualifications:
- Able to use landscape tools and assist with site maintenance
- Excellent communicator and able to work comfortably both independently and in a team environment
- Willing to work both outdoors and indoors in all types of weather
- Ability to identify hazards and work in a safe manner (need to wear CSA certified steel toe work boots and other personal protective equipment for some tasks)
- Willing to work some weekend days
- Valid Class five drivers’ license
- Scientific skills including plant identification would be an asset
- Must be able to provide a clear Criminal Record check following an offer of employment
Eligibility:
To be eligible to participate in this initiative, individuals must meet the Canada Summer Jobs criteria:
- Between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive)
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or granted refugee status
The job description represents generally what we are seeking for this position, however we are open to folks who may have other skills to share. We encourage applicants with various educational and professional backgrounds to apply. The successful candidate will gain experience in nature education, local biodiversity identification and monitoring, invasive species management, project management, research and non-profit administration.
If you find either this position or our workplace of interest, please consider applying.
To learn more about our workplace and possible accommodations, please email Dr. Cara Gibson – cgibson [at] swanlake.bc.ca
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a community-focused organization. We centre human dignity and growing our connections to each other and to our environment. We believe that each of us is responsible for addressing discrimination and that we co-create peace and good relationships.
Note: A Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check will be requested of the successful candidate. Work will be conducted with adherence to COVID-19 safety practices.
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary requires all staff to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical or for reasons recognized by the BC Human Rights Act may request accommodations.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of this work, however the list is not exhaustive and other duties and responsibilities will occur. The Nature Sanctuary retains the right to amend responsibilities as needed.
To Apply:
Please use our online portal below.
Please include two references (email addresses and phone numbers) with your resume.
Application deadline: April 8, 2024. Please apply as soon as possible for consideration.
Interviews anticipated to begin: April 29, 2024
Position to begin: May 6, 2024
We are grateful to all applicants, however, due to the volume of applications that we receive and the size of our staff team, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
We are unable to provide feedback or career coaching, but refer people to the provincial resources and other local resources [URLs embedded].