The BC Nature Conservation Coordinator is offering a paid position to promote the importance of conservation and protected areas in the Kamloops area. Questions can be directed to Kephra Beckett (conservation@bcnature.ca)

Local conservation and policy consultant

Temporary Part Time Contract Position

BC Nature is hiring a local conservation & policy consultant, beginning in April 2023. This position is based in Kamloops.

Position concept

The consultant will work with the BC Nature Conservation Coordinator to communicate with local nature clubs and municipal staff in the Kamloops/Okanagan region about the municipal protected areas project. In this engagement with municipalities, we will highlight Canada’s 30×30 target, and present pathways for how they could help contribute to this goal. Communications with municipal staff will be accompanied by compiling and reviewing local government planning or strategy plans (such as Official Community Plans, Regional Growth Strategies, bylaws, etc.). Documents will be reviewed against the federal CPCAD (Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database) requirements outlined in the Decision Support Tool.

The consultant will also help the Municipal Protected Areas Project (MPAP) team develop ways to compare potential sites using biodiversity measures. Based off of municipal interest and relevant planning documents the consultant will help complete area assessments for 2-5 municipalities to see if they meet CPCAD criteria. In cases where municipalities do not meet CPCAD requirements the consultant will help develop other forms of contributions to the 30 by 30 Federal target.

Background

Five leading conservation organizations—Nature Canada, Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts (ACLT), BC Nature, Ontario Nature, and Wildlands League—have launched an initiative aimed at increasing the conservation of public and private land within communities. The Municipal Protected Areas Project (MPAP) is inspired by Canada’s historic commitment to conserve 30 percent of land, freshwater and ocean by 2030 (30×30). Canada’s 30×30 commitment is an opportunity for municipal and local governments, watershed agencies, land trusts, environmental NGOs and other community partners to work together to increase protections for existing conserved areas and expand new conservation areas within communities. The Municipal Protected Areas Project will support local conservation by engaging local leaders, sharing best practices, highlighting tools and technical support.

Desired Skills

• Experience working with local municipal staff and naturalist groups
• Ability (and willingness) to contact local municipal about this project
• Basic GIS skills, with the ability to review area boundaries with municipal staff
• Experience reviewing local government planning documents (e.g., OCPs, bylaws, etc.)
• Knowledge of protected areas and evaluating the biodiversity value of a natural area

Salary: $30 to $60 per hour depending on experience

Time Commitment: 30 – 60 hours per month

Location: Work from home, based in the Kamloops/Okanagan region

Application Deadline: rolling-basis

Start Date: Late April or Early May (2023)

Contract length: 6 months, with potential for extension depending on funding

To Apply:

Send a resume in PDF format to the Conservation Coordinator Kephra Beckett (conservation@bcnature.ca). B.C. Nature adheres to all provincial and regional COVID-19 guidelines, which may impact the duties and responsibilities of this position. While B.C. Nature welcomes all applications, only those applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.