The specific goals of the Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre (ELEEC) are to:
- provide a unique venue for public outreach and educational programs in biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship,
- engage in programs for public awareness of biodiversity and environmental issues for people of all ages,
- provide outdoor programs to enhance biological and natural history teaching components of school curricula, and
- foster partnerships with like-minded educational and conservation organizations.
Our outreach programs are unique, in that they incorporate researchers doing science right here in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere– and we do this in a hands-on way!
Job Description:
The Educational Assistant will work with the Outreach & Teaching Coordinator to further develop the extraordinary potential of Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre (ELEEC) by helping to design and deliver outreach programs for youth and the general public, advertise and promote the ELEEC, and assist with land stewardship.
The Educational Assistant will take a leadership role to:
- Design and deliver environmental and educational programs for participants of all ages and backgrounds (i.e., elementary and high school class field trips, Eco-Adventure Camp youth participants, and the general public);
- Advertise and promote public outreach programs and develop digital content to advocate for nature and empower community members. This includes presentations and social media campaigns (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook);
- Working closely with other QUBS staff, the Educational Assistant will also:
- Help maintain the ELEEC facility, grounds, and amenities, including its pedestrian trails;
- Assist with research and monitoring on QUBS properties (comprising a >3,400 hectare land base), as needed.
While the primary work location for outreach programs and other responsibilities will be the ELEEC, activities will also extend to the Biological Station research base on Lake Opinicon, and to various locations within the community. The Educational Assistant is provided with free room and board at the biological station during their employment term, and transportation (vehicle access) to travel to Elbow Lake as needed (25 minute commute). The option to live off-site and commute daily is available to the Educational Assistant if they have access to a personal vehicle to do so.
The Educational Assistant will work as part of the QUBS team to design new educational/environmental outreach programming that facilitates experiential learning and environmental awareness for all visitors to QUBS. They will lead (and improve) existing school (ie. QUILLS program, Queen’s University Indigenous Land-Based Learning STEM) and public programs. The intern will represent and promote QUBS outreach programs, conservation initiatives, and research activities in the community, such as Science Rendezvous Kingston, QUBS Open House and other local events as they arise (e.g. regional science fairs, and eco-school community showcases). Through these tasks and events, the Educational Assistant will learn to directly communicate at a level appropriate for each audience, use different teaching approaches for groups, and translate their theoretical knowledge base into concrete activities and scientific investigation using local (Frontenac Arch) examples. The Educational Assistant will also learn about our new QUILLS (Queen’s University Indigenous Land-Based Learning STEM) program and assist with delivering these lessons to visiting groups.
The Educational Assistant will receive comprehensive on-site training in the identification and natural history of local plants and animals, local geology, GPS use, and local, regional, national and international environmental and conservation issues. Through interaction with – and regular exposure to – researchers, naturalists, and ecological and land stewardship professionals, they will learn about: the >30 species at risk in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere; threats posed by both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, and impacts of human activity and development; key ecological and environmental principles; and local, regional, and national conservation perspectives and County-wide stewardship efforts. They will receive mandatory Queen’s University Health & Safety Orientation Training, and also be trained in Animal Care and First Aid (if not already certified), canoeing (ORCKA) certification, and how to use various field equipment.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
- Current undergraduate or graduated student in Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Concurrent Education or related discipline or equivalent
- 30 years of age or younger (based on position funding requirements)
- Enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, natural history or environmental science issues
- Previous experience working with youth or adult education settings is an asset.
- Ability to resolve inquiries, conflicts and complaints effectively and professionally.
- Ability to independently make decisions, problem solve and carry out changes or troubleshoot as required.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to oversee varied tasks, prioritize duties, and keep detailed records.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact and communicate with a variety of audiences (students, campers, general public, researchers, etc.).
- Sound computer and office skills, including proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets and digital data storage. Willingness to learn new digital platforms, e.g. Canva graphic design platform.
- Consideration may be given to a combination of education and experience
This role requires the operation of a Queen’s-owned vehicle (to commute between locations). Applicants must have a full and valid Class G driver’s license and a clean record (no accidents/convictions) by the start date (May 1, 2024) to drive Queen’s-owned vehicles.
Contract Details
Full-time (up to 35 hrs/week) from May 1st to mid-August. The rate of pay is $17/hour plus vacation pay.
How to Apply
Please include a cover letter indicating why you are interested in this position and a statement outlining your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in the workplace or university and any experiences that you may have in this domain. Please send your resume, cover letter, an unofficial transcript, and the names of two referees whom we may contact to Emily Verhoek, emily.verhoek@queensu.ca, by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
Applicants must have a full and valid Class G driver’s license and a clean record (no accidents/convictions) by the start date (May 1, 2024) to drive Queen’s-owned vehicles.