JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Researcher - Community Gardens Heavy Metal Study
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) is a leading voice in Nova Scotia on
environmental issues. We work on environmental education and advocacy
and "action" is our middle name. We are looking for a science graduate
with knowledge of soil chemistry, strong laboratory, analytical &
communication skills, and an interest in urban agriculture for a six
month contract as Researcher for the Community Gardens Heavy Metal
Study.
Overview:The growing interest in urban agriculture and the local supply of food
has led to a proliferation of small-scale community and backyard gardens
in urban areas. While this trend has had many positive impacts, the
presence of soil contaminants in urban soils has led to questions as to
the potential risk of consuming fruits and vegetables grown in urban
gardens. The EAC is partnering with Halifax Regional Municipality
(HRM), the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) and the Nova Scotia
Environmental Network (NSEN) to undertake a study that will assess
levels of lead in garden soils of HRM. As the lead on the heavy metal study, the Researcher will be responsible
for planning and executing the study, and completing a final report.
Specific activities include developing research methodology, collecting
samples, completing a literature review, participating in lab analysis,
and exploring considerations for policy development. The Researcher will report to staff at the Urban Garden Project of the
EAC and will collaborate closely with the EAC/NSAC/HRM/NSEN Advisory
Committee for the Community Gardens Heavy Metal Study.
Responsibilities:
- Development of survey design, sampling and analytical
protocols
- Identification of potential and existing urban gardens
- Completion of garden soil and crop survey
- Collection, preparation and analysis of soil samples
- Analysis and interpretation of the data
- Review of existing literature on soil contamination in HRM and
in community gardens in other urban areas
- Review of municipal policies pertaining to management of
contaminated soils in other jurisdictions
- Develop recommendations
- Prepare and present the final report
- Support the overall work of the EAC
Skills and Experience:
- An undergraduate degree in Science
- Knowledge of soil science and soil chemistry
- Experience with laboratory analysis and procedures
- Experience conducting literature reviews
- Excellent communicator, both written and oral
- Strong writing skills; well organized
- Ability to work independently and also as part of a larger
team
- Interest in urban agriculture
- Valid driver's license This position is partly funded by the Science Horizon Internship
Program, Environment Canada.
Applicants must meet the following
requirements:
- Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive)
- A university graduate, out of school (full time studies)
- Must be part-time employed, unemployed or underemployed at the
time of hire
- Not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been
granted refugee status in Canada
- Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial
legislation and regulations.
Duration: Late July 2010 to late January 2011 (six months)
Wage: $15.00 per hour, 37.5 hours per week
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, plus travel
Application Deadline : July 19, 2010, 9 :00 am
Application: Send a cover letter, resume and two references to Sonia Grant, Garden Coordinator, urbangarden@ecologyaction.ca, with subject
line - Heavy Metal Study The Ecology Action Centre is committed to employment equity and
encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented groups such
as women, visible minorities, First Nations, and persons with
disabilities.We thank all applicants for their time and interest, however only
short-listed applicants will be contacted.The Ecology Action Centre was founded in 1971 and is one of Nova
Scotia's most active environmental organizations. The Centre welcomes
new members and volunteers: www.ecologyaction.ca
International Internships - FALLS BROOK CENTRE
Biodiversity Restoration Facilitator, Cuba, 1 position
Community Development Facilitator, Honduras, 2 positions
Organic Agriculture Facilitator, Mexico, 2 positions
APPLICATION DETAILS:
For a full description see the Falls Brook Centre Website.
To apply, please send all applications by email:
International Intern Coordinator Email: internships@fallsbrookcentre.ca
Applications will only be accepted by e-mail. Applicants should electronically provide a cover letter, indicating the position(s) in which they are interested and highlighting their qualifications for this position, along with a resume and 2 references.Please indicate in your cover letter your earliest possible start date.
Note: If you are interested in more than one position please indicate your interests in the cover letter. FBC retains the right to match interns with overseas placements during the in-Canada portion at the beginning.
While Falls Brook Centre appreciates all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within one month of application deadline please assume that we have chosen other candidates for this round of internships.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted immediately and hiring will continue until all positions are filled.
INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION:
These youth internships have been made available through the Canadian International Development Agency International Youth Internship Program which is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy Program (YES). The goal of this project is to give young Canadians international work experience and to develop skills in the fields of international relations and sustainable development. Successful applicants will start and finish their work experience in rural New Brunswick at Falls Brook Centre.
These positions require determined, self-starting individuals who are willing to work in a team and under difficult conditions and unpredictable circumstances. The successful applicant will be given a moderate financial stipend to cover living expenses and a unique opportunity to gain experience in an international environment.
PREREQUISITES FOR ALL INTERNSHIPS:
* Be aged 30 or under;
* Be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants able to work in Canada;
* Be currently under or unemployed;
* Have not previously worked outside Canada in a paid, career-related position;
* Be a graduate of a college or university; and,
* Have not previously participated in another Internship Program funded by the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES)
General Qualifications for all Internships:
* Proven ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment as well as unsupervised under stressful conditions with minimal resources and achieve results;
* Ability to learn quickly and on your own initiative, a highly motivated self-starter; Creative problem solving and lateral thinking skills.
* Understanding and experience in working on sustainability and environmental issues;
* Proven computer skills including Word, e-mail, and internet.
* Initiative to create own projects during gaps between assigned projects;
* Must be available to travel and work on a few evenings and week-ends;
* An ability to be flexible in new situations and to deal well with change;
* Excellent health and fitness;
* Some previous travel or overseas study experience would be a strong asset;
* Ability to work in rustic conditions while in Canada
* Having a sense of humour is an asset, as is the ability to 'go with the moment.'
GENERAL ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION FOR ALL INTERNSHIPS:To ensure the cohesiveness of Falls Brook Centre staff and interns, general activities for all interns at Falls Brook Centre include:
* Assisting in the maintenance of the Acadian Forest restoration nursery;
* Delivering tours of Falls Brook Centre to the public;
* General office duties, developing organizational skills;
* Maintaining various signed nature trails; and
* Assisting in the production of certified-organic food.
Work Schedule and Stipend:
* Falls Brook Centre: 12 weeks
* Work time overseas: 20 weeks
* Falls Brook Centre: 2 weeks
Please note: This schedule is very fluid and is subject to change, (i.e., the intern may spend only 2 weeks at Falls Brook Centre before travelling overseas, but the intern would spend the remaining 12 weeks at Falls Brook Centre upon their return).
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