Website Red Deer River Naturalists
Grant/Funding
JOB POSTING: RED DEER RIVER NATURALISTS (RDRN) NATURALIST-IN-RESIDENCE (NIR)
The RDRN is looking to hire a Naturalist-In-Residence.
Contingent upon funding support, this position will be for 32- 40 hours per week, for 16 weeks, between May 1 and September 2, 2022. $26.00/hr., with compensation for use of personal vehicle.
The Naturalist-in-Residence will, under the direction of the RDRN designate(s), oversee and be responsible for the delivery of two major RDRN initiatives, Nature Central and Habitat Steward.
NATURE CENTRAL: a program to document and promote the respectful enjoyment of rural protected areas within 100 km of Red Deer.
HABITAT STEWARD: a program to promote the conservation of habitat on private lands and to recognize landowners who, on their own initiative and at their own expense, conserve wildlife habitat. More details about these programs can be found at www.naturecentral.org.
The Naturalist-in-Residence will, under the direction of the RDRN designate(s):
GENERAL
Increase awareness of protected areas in Central Alberta, encourage public engagement and raise the profile of the Red Deer River Naturalists
NATURE CENTRAL
1. As directed, complete the inventorying, documentation and mapping of protected rural landscapes in Central Alberta
2. Promote nature appreciation, and the thoughtful exploration, non-consumptive use and ecological understanding of these protected areas
3. In conjunction with the Education and Program Coordinator, promote these areas on social media, and by leading nature tours and delivering place-based experiential programs for children, families and adults
4. Develop, promote and lead Citizen Science programs and initiatives
5. Cultivate beneficial partnerships with the stakeholders of protected areas in Central Alberta
HABITAT STEWARD
1. As directed, promote the program in Central Alberta
2. Maintain a database of landowners and habitat descriptions
3. Map properties
4. Arrange for the delivery of gate signs
5. Meet and interview landowners, write engaging stories about private conservancy, arrange field trips as appropriate
6. Other initiatives and duties related to the program as directed by RDRN
Position Requirements:
• A skilled naturalist with post-secondary training in a related field
• Training and experience in basic GIS, map-reading and compass
• Ability to conduct basic plant inventories and bird point/transect counts
• An engaging interpreter and accomplished public speaker who can represent RDRN to the public
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to work cooperatively with the Education and Program Coordinator
• Fluent with eBird and iNaturalist
• Fluent with social media platforms
• Ability to work effectively with other stakeholders
• A personal laptop or computer
• Ability to travel within the region, Valid Class 5 Driver’s license, and access to a reliable, insured vehicle
• Valid First Aid Certification
Personal Characteristics:
• Has a passion for nature and strong agreement with/support of RDRN’s mission and objectives.
• Strong communication skills, written and oral including public speaking skills
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills.
• Physically fit and comfortable working in and navigating through large tracts of land
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic
• Able to work independently but under the direction of the RDRN designate(s)
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Open to new ideas and works to achieve best practices.
The Red Deer River Naturalists have an office in the Kerry Wood Nature Centre in the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary in Red Deer. The successful candidate can work between the RDRN office and a home office.
Please send cover letter and resume with references to myrnapearman.nature@gmail.com
Application Deadline: 5:00 PM March 25, 2022
www.rdrn.ca
www.naturecentral.org