ELSE Educational Instructor - Kenora, Canada - International Institute for Sustainable Development

Description

IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is one of the world's most influential freshwater research facilities. It features a collection of 58 small lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada. For over 50 years, scientists at IISD-ELA have conducted whole-ecosystem experiments and made significant scientific discoveries related to issues such as acid rain, mercury from air pollution, algal blooms, and pharmaceutical chemicals in water. The facility is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development—an independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional land of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and homeland of the Métis Nation.

IISD-ELA acknowledges that its research facility is located on Treaty 3 lands, and the care of these lands during experimentation and restoration to their original state is implicit in its mission. Many regional schools come to the facility to learn more about the science of aquatic ecosystems and how humans serve a role in sharing and working with one another to protect these resources.

About the program

The Experimental Lakes Student Experience (ELSE) program is a 2-week high school field course held in July for students interested in hands-on environmental science. Eight grade 11 and 12 students from various high schools throughout Manitoba and northwestern Ontario gather at IISD-ELA for a 2-week immersive field course. To learn more about the ELSE program, please go here.

About the position

This is a unique, part-time position. It will require a few hours monthly throughout the year, then 2-3 very full weeks, including weekends, at IISD-ELA's facility in northwestern Ontario in mid-July. This position will require a lot of teamwork, and many of the responsibilities will be done in partnership with the IISD-ELA Education team.

Requirements

Qualifications

• A degree in education, environmental science, biology, or a related field, and experience in environmental education, ideally including experience working with high school students (e.g., previous work as a teacher, camp counsellor, or environmental educator). Experience leading outdoor trips, especially with youth, would be beneficial.
• Current canoe tripping qualifications or lapsed qualifications plus equivalent current experience managing risk while leading wilderness canoe trips.
• Wilderness First Aid/CPR with AED (or willing to obtain).
• Valid driver's licence and clean driver's abstract.
• Candidates must possess or be willing to obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator's card.
• IISD-ELA will require the completion of a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector verification.

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to motivate others with positive approaches.
• Proficiency in outdoor skills such as canoeing, camping, and wilderness navigation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, as the position involves detailed communication with students, families, and colleagues.
• The ability to organize and coordinate various aspects of the program, including logistics such as food and gear preparation, transportation arrangements, and scheduling.
• The ability to collaborate effectively and work well in a team environment.
• The ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and sectors, including being culturally competent and sensitive to the needs and perspectives of individuals from different ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Physical ability to portage a canoe and lift and carry camping equipment up to 40 kg.

Above all, the candidate should have a genuine passion for environmental science and education, as they will play a crucial role in inspiring and educating the next generation of environmental stewards.

Asset Skills

• Ability to speak French, Ojibwe, or other languages
• Backcountry chef
• Boundless energy and enthusiasm
• Swimming lifesaving certification

Work Conditions

IISD-ELA provides on-site living accommodations and food. Accommodations include a bedroom (may be shared or individual), shared washrooms, and lounge areas. Bed linens and laundry facilities are provided on-site. Transportation to and from the field research station and Winnipeg is provided. More information about the IISD Experimental Lakes Area organization and our research facility can be found at

Term: The contract is for an ongoing part-time position that includes 2–3 weeks in July (for example, July 10 to 26), as well as periodic requirements from January through July of 4–6 hours per month**.**

Compensation: Compensation will be commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate

Application deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR.

Please include the following:

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter (one page)
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional; right-click to download)

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only candidates advancing in the recruitment process will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

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