Summer jobs, Student jobs

Position: Community Engagement Ambassadors
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Organization: The Couchiching Conservancy
Location: In person, Orillia / Lake Couchiching region

The Couchiching Conservancy is a non-profit charitable land trust that has helped to protect over 15,000 acres of environmentally significant land in the Couchiching region. The Conservancy’s mandate is to protect the special natural features of the region for present and future generations, and we achieve this goal through land acquisition and stewardship projects on both private and public land. We are currently responsible for the stewardship and management of 46 nature reserves under our protection.

Position Overview:

The Couchiching Conservancy is seeking two passionate and enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Community Engagement Ambassadors for the summer. This role offers the opportunity to represent our organization at community events over a diverse geographic area including the City of Kawartha Lakes, Washago, Orillia and Barrie. You will connect with the public, and inspire action for nature conservation and play a key role in building relationships, growing our membership base, and engaging people in protecting the environment.

Due to the nature of the work, there will be work during evenings and weekends.

Key Responsibilities:

Community & Volunteer Engagement:

• Development and organize a schedule of community events, fairs and festivals where The Couchiching Conservancy will be represented.
• Represent The Couchiching Conservancy at these events and also at our nature reserves. Coordinate our volunteer Ambassador team to attend these events.
  • Share information about our mission, programs, and conservation initiatives with attendees.
  • Encourage community members to sign up for our newsletter, become members, and volunteer.
  • Foster relationships with attendees by engaging them in meaningful conversations about nature conservation.
  • Distribute promotional materials, answer questions, and collect contact information.
  • Track engagement metrics such as sign-ups, memberships, and volunteer interest.
• Plan and organize door to door engagement in key areas to promote our work.

Event Support:

• Passport to Nature, Carden Challenge, Carden Bird Blitz and other events as needed.

Communications:

• Take part in some Field stewardship activities with staff and volunteers to create communication pieces for the organization.
• Content creation for social media.
• Research advertising opportunities and schedule as needed.

Administration:

• Assist with data entry to track contacts.
• Manage contact list for newsletter.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Passion for nature and environmental conservation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable speaking with diverse groups of people in public settings.
• Previous experience in outreach, public speaking, or community engagement.
• Enthusiastic, approachable, and positive attitude.
• Well-organized with an attention to details.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with local conservation efforts and/or The Couchiching Conservancy’s mission.

• Knowledge of the Not-for-Profit sector and charitable organizations is an asset.

A valid Driver’s License and a vehicle are required.

We welcome applications from Indigenous, Visible Minority, and LGBTQ2S+ youth.

As a condition of pending Canada Summer Jobs program funding (note, these criteria are subject to change), you must:

• Be between 15 - 30 years of age at the start of employment. You do not need to be a student.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment.
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada.

How to Apply:

Submit a resume and cover letter to tanya@couchconservancy.ca with the email subject line, Application: Community Engagement Ambassador.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Deadline: March 14, 2025 by 5:00pm

Please note this position, including the start date and duration of employment, is dependent upon funding.

Join us in connecting with the community and inspiring action for protecting nature!