Home > Organizations > Helen Schuler Nature Centre > Conservation Outreach Assistant
Populations Served
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Competencies/Skills
- Accountability
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Risk Assessment & Management
- Stewardship
Conservation Outreach Assistant
Flexible Hours
Conservation Outreach Assistants help to conserve the City of Lethbridge’s river valley by monitoring, observing, and reporting activities that are not permitted in natural areas. They also act as the eyes and ears of the Nature Centre by reporting their observations of the natural world and seasonal phenomena.
Supporting the mission and vision, Conservation Outreach Assistants represent the Nature Centre in the community by helping trail users understand and appreciate the parks they are visiting.
Location: Conservation Outreach Assistants specifically target Nature Preservation Area Parks in the City of Lethbridge, including: Lethbridge Nature Reserve, Elizabeth Hall Wetlands, Alexander Wilderness Park, and Cottonwood Park.
Volunteer Duties
- Monitor and report non-permitted activities in nature preservation parks.
- Educate park users about river valley parks system.
- Assist park users to understand parks bylaws and how they help protect wildlife and natural spaces.
- Report sightings of plants, mammals, birds, and insects to the Nature Centre for inclusion in the BioBase.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor river valley trails to observe and report non-permitted activities for regulatory enforcement (such as off-leash dogs, biking in nature reserve parks, etc).
- Document and maintain observation logbook of occurrences, detailing: day of week, time of day, license plate, description, and photos.
- Assist with the conservation of natural areas in Lethbridge by assisting with general trail maintenance and litter pick-up.
- Participate in and encourage community involvement with river valley conservation projects (like Shoreline Clean-Up, Coulee Clean-Up, and Invasive Weed Pulls).
- Participate in citizen science programs like Bio DataBase by submitting relevant sightings and observations.
- Ensure visitor safety by reporting possible hazards and concerns.
- Provide general education to trail users when appropriate such as answering questions about the Nature Centre and refilling brochure boxes where applicable.
- Complete and submit report forms at the end of each volunteer shift.
Training, Orientation and Supervision:
- Through a two hour orientation, Nature Centre staff will provide a solid foundation how Conservation Outreach Assistants support and maintain a healthy river valley ecosystem.
- Volunteers will learn about the history of the Nature Centre and its place in Lethbridge’s River Valley; familiarize themselves with Roving resources including handouts, speaking points, maps, guide books, and library resources.
- All Conservation Outreach Assistants will receive a copy of our Coulees & Cottonwoods Field Guide and a Lethbridge Trail Guide.
- Conservation Outreach Assistant Volunteers will receive additional training from City of Lethbridge Regulatory Services to receive practical tips on obtaining voluntary compliance, administrative procedures, and enforcement techniques.
Other Requirements
- Age: 18 years old or above
- Dress Code: Outdoor Casual with identifying vest. Conservation Outreach Assistant vest requires a $50 fully-refundable deposit.
- Security Checks: All Nature Centre volunteers are subject to a criminal record check.
- Conservation Outreach Assistants are expected to be comfortable walking the trails independently and completing reports at the end of each volunteer shift without supervision. Participation in additional training, workshops, and programs is encouraged.
- Must be able to provide own transportation to and from desired trails.
Qualifications & Personal Traits:
- Strong oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability and willingness to engage in conversations with park users to help achieve compliance with local bylaws.
- Understanding of conflict prevention and de-escalation techniques.
- Desire to be in nature at city parks and in the river valley.
- Understanding of wildlife behaviour and a desire to learn about Lethbridge’s natural history.
- Willingness to share knowledge about sensitive ecosystems and biodiversity in Lethbridge.
- Outgoing and enthusiastic.
- Able to work independently.
- Ability to climb steep slopes and walk rugged terrain.
- Patient.
- Actively registered in or graduate of the Lethbridge College’s Conservation Enforcement program (preferred, but not required).
Schedule
- Length of volunteer shift: Minimum 1 hour per Report.
- Minimum length of commitment is 120 hours total, exclusive of training. Ideally Conservation Outreach Assistants will submit multiple roving reports per week.
Time Commitment
Continuing commitment
Type of Opportunity
Community Engagement,Environmental
Application Type
Advanced
Other Opportunities with Helen Schuler Nature Centre
Program Assistants work closely with Nature Centre staff to deliver compelling, interactive, and memorable programs. Supporting the mission and vision, the Program Assistant represents the Nature Centre in the community by helping Program Leaders in such programs as: Big Bird Little Bird, Junior Naturalists/Trail Blazers, Extreme by Nature, and Day Camps.
Our nature centre developed with a foundation of volunteer support. Volunteer Naturalists take part in all aspects of the Centre’s operations. They share their time, a valuable resource that is necessary for us to meet the needs of our community.
Most volunteers begin as Exhibit Rovers. In this role they help greet visitors as they arrive to the Centre and help them make the most of their visit.
After learning the basics as an Exhibit Rover, volunteers often help in other ways. They help as Program Assistants, Trail Rovers, or behind the scenes. Volunteer Naturalists commit to a term of at least six months and help out on a regular basis.
There are abundant opportunities at the Nature Centre and so many ways that you can get involved. No experience necessary! We provide the training and ongoing support.
Thanks for your interest in this volunteer position!
We'll just need a bit of information so we can pass your application along to Helen Schuler Nature Centre.
Volunteers can sign up for up to 3 continuing commitment opportunities for immediate referrals. If you signed up for more than 3, a Volunteer Lethbridge staff member will connect with you before making new referrals.