Title: Freshwater Researcher
Organization: Nature Canada
Location: This position can be done remotely from anywhere in Canada.
Term: September 2021 to January 2022, 35 hours/week
Salary: $20 hourly
This job posting is part of Nature Canada’s Work to Grow program connecting racialized youth to jobs that promote and protect nature. One of the goals of Work to Grow is to diversify and strengthen the nature sector. As such, this opportunity is only available to individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color and are between the ages of 15-30. Considering applying? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Opportunity
The degradation and transformation of natural ecosystems are driving both rapid biodiversity loss and exacerbating climate change. Protected areas offer a critical solution for both these crises. The Canadian government’s commitment to protecting 30% of land and ocean by 2030 is historic and offers huge conservation potential that would be an important part of halting and reversing nature loss, and mitigating climate change. In this context, it is important that freshwater ecosystems are safeguarded for the long term and adequately represented in Canada’s protected areas family.
Nature Canada is seeking a research assistant to review and collate scientific and cultural information about the Great Lakes ecosystems and assist us in building the case for their protection. In close collaboration with the Policy and Campaigns team, the Freshwater Researcher will “dive deep” into information sets about the Great Lakes, specifically the ecological health and cultural characteristics of Lake Ontario, including their significance for Indigenous communities. The ideal candidate is passionate about freshwater conservation, a team player, and has a strong ability to work independently on research and writing projects.
The Organization
Nature Canada connects the dots between local action and systemic change. For more than 80 years we have been Canada’s voice for nature. We work to ensure solutions to the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change are a government priority. We facilitate mobilization among our supporters and an extensive nature network of more than 900 organizations.
Description of Duties
- Conduct desktop research on the Great Lakes, specifically Lake Ontario, and lead on building the case for their protection backed with scientific and cultural information
- Collates findings to develop a comprehensive case for protection document, using a holistic approach to cover both ecological and cultural information, including in relation to Indigenous priorities for the area
- Liaises regularly with the policy team to share findings, regularly refine the research process, the scope of work, and drafting of the case document
Qualifications and Skills
- Post-secondary education or equivalent life experience
- Experience doing qualitative research and literature review
- Strong written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Knowledge of and interest in nature conservation, including of the Great Lakes, is considered an asset
To Apply
Submit one PDF document with cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Freshwater Researcher” in the subject line
