Overview

Job Description

CPAWS Yukon is seeking a Conservation Intern to work with the organization during the summer of 2021. This year, if you are studying or are a recent graduate in library studies, archival studies or have equivalent experience we encourage you to apply as we have a project we are excited to have you work on. Of course, we have a lot of flexibility in this program and also encourage people from a wide range of backgrounds – particularly communications and conservation fields – to apply.

Depending on your interests and skills, your primary responsibility during the summer with CPAWS Yukon will be one of the following:

1- To undertake a research project that aligns with our organization’s mission. We will work with you to tailor this research to your area of interest to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your summer internship; or

2- To catalogue our conservation resource library.

In addition to the above, you will help us to arrange conservation focused events in the Yukon and you will be the face of the organization at our regular booth at the Fireweed Community Market.

Reporting to the Office Manager, the Conservation Intern will perform the following major duties:

Research or Library Project (60%)

  • Work with the Office Manager and campaign staff to develop a research project that can be completed over the course of the internship. This could be anything from assessing the viability of a conservation project, to GIS work or to create a film for one of our campaigns. We will ensure that it’s aligned with your interests. Note that your research will not involve any fieldwork.

or

  • Work with the Office Manager and campaign staff to catalogue our resource library. This includes reviewing all materials and deciding which resources need to be kept, cataloguing and tagging items, and creating a searchable database for staff. Archiving and/or digitization of some resources may be required as well.

Public Outreach (30%)

  • Assist the Communications Coordinator and Outreach Team on public outreach work.
  • Represent our organization with a booth at the weekly Fireweed Community Market.
  • Arrange an event in Whitehorse, and possibly in one of the communities.

General (10%)

  • Attend weekly staff meetings

Duration: This position is for a maximum of 16 weeks (12 weeks minimum) between early May and late August. Exact dates depend on the candidate’s availability.

Hours: 30-37.5 hours per week (60-75 hours bi-weekly).

Pay: $17/hr + 4% vacation pay and paid Statutory Holidays.

Schedule: Regular office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday.

CPAWS Yukon offers flexible work arrangements, including the possibility to work from home. This staff position is required to work until approximately 7:30pm on Thursdays as the Fireweed Community Market is open until 7pm.

Pandemic note: CPAWS Yukon has a pandemic operating plan in place – this plan changes irregularly as we follow Yukon’s pandemic’s situation and update the plan as required. Depending on the pandemic’s situation during the summer of 2021, we reserve the right to adjust the position as necessary.

In 2020 we had to adjust the Conservation Intern’s duties as we weren’t able to host a booth at the weekly community market. The intern worked part-time from the office and spent the remaining days working from home. Although this wasn’t the ideal situation, the intern had a good work experience and was able to successfully complete their research with the guidance from our staff.

Eligibility: 

Due to funding restrictions, it is mandatory that the applicant:

  • Is between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment.
  • Is a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the

Employment.

  • Has a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and is legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

International students are unfortunately not eligible participants under the program that funds this position.

Preferred candidate background: 

  • A keen interest in Yukon’s conservation issues.
  • Equivalency of post-secondary education.
  • Examples of possible areas of education are (but not limited to) environmental science, conservation, communications, and library and information studies.

CPAWS Yukon embraces equity and diversity and is committed to a workplace that is enriched by the people, needs, perspectives and desires of our diverse community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, and the public. As part of our commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage candidates who identify as First Nations, Metis, Inuit, Black, or as a person of colour to apply to this position.