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Position: Scout Island Nature Centre Executive Director in Training
Start date: To be discussed
Half time Salary Position Specific Hours are Flexible
Hourly rate: 28/hour while in training

Creative, exciting work coordinating, designing, supporting nature education and the Nature Centre with a team of educators, the Williams Lake Field Naturalists Directors and many volunteers

The executive director has primary responsibility for day-to-day operations of the Nature Centre under general direction and support by the WL Field Naturalists board of directors and the Scout Island Nature Centre Management Plan.  Principal responsibilities are Scout Island Nature Centre fundraising and financial management, staff and volunteer supervision, education program administration, liaison with outside agencies, and reporting to funders.

Qualifications

• University degree, preferably in biological, education and/or management field, desirable.
• Confident verbal and written reporting/presentation skills
• Adequate computer skills (word processing, xcell, power points, web site, social media)
• understanding of financial management
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills & professional etiquette
• able to work well independently, as well as within a group
• Skill in supervising and advising students (high school and university) that work as part time staff. 

Position requires a genuine enthusiasm for nature education, especially for children, and for the importance of the nature centre to our community.

For more information, please browse   https://scoutisland.ca/     Read the 2021 Annual Report, the blogs and the SINC Management Plan 2022 to get an idea of all you would be involved with.  Then send a resume and a cover letter to  shemphill at xplornet.com  by April 15 2023

Scout Island Nature Centre is a not-for-profit charitable institution that provides nature education and viewing to the public on island and marsh ecosystems within the City of Williams Lake.  Principal goals are nature education, especially for children; infrastructure to facilitate enjoyment and observation of nature; and conservation and enhancement of Scout Island habitats.  The Centre provides a system of nature viewing trails and displays, public nature programs, and many nature education courses for school children.  The Nature Centre is funded by grants, fees, contracts, and donations.  The Nature Centre is on unceded lands of the T’exelcemc, who are members of the Secwepemc Nation.

Note from Sue-the present Executive Director

A love and fascination of nature is essential.  A biology background is really useful (from degrees or self study).  Organizational skills and the ability to have several balls in the air at once is also essential.  And–lots of energy. You will be working closely with other staff, volunteers and Field Naturalist Directors.  There will be many opportunities to develop your own ideas as well. 

This is the best job I have ever had and I intend to be around for a while to mentor the next lucky conductor of this symphony. 

Scout Island Nature Centre will be hiring summer staff as teacher naturalists this year.  As a teacher naturalist, you will plan and teach nature programs to children, learn the various flora and fauna of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region, care for the nature house live and static displays, and guide visitors to the nature centre.    The job will be 40 hours/week for 14 weeks between May 1 and Aug. 25 at $18.50/hour.  You need to have at least one year of university completed.  Visit http://www.scoutisland.ca to learn more about the Nature Centre to see if this is where you want to be this summer.  Interest in biology/natural history  and experience working with children is important. Those with traditional ecological knowledge are encouraged to apply.

Resumes Due by February 25

Send to Sue Hemphill, Executive Director, a resume’ including references and a cover letter as to why you would like to work at Scout Island   shemphill at xplornet.com or call 250 398 8532 for more information. 

Thank-you to All Who Made it Possible

This new entrance was made possible with grants from:

City of Williams Lake

Rona Williams Lake

BC Rehab Foundation

Rick Hansen Foundation-BC Accessibility Grant

Smith Timber Works produced the beautiful porch and took the extra care to adapt to the Nature Centre needs

There were also generous donations of time, equipment and volunteer hours from local businesses:

Don Gessinger-design drawings

Randy Gilkinson-planning

Broadway Rentals -security fencing

Central Interior Concrete Services –equipment operation

United Concrete-material discounts

Rona Williams Lake-material discounts and shipping

Neil Gerrior –electrical work

E.B. Horseman-light fixtures

Finally– 800 hours of volunteer time valued at just over $30 000 from the Williams lake Field Naturalists. 

This was a true community effort

The Williams Lake Field Naturalists are updating the management plan for Scout Island Nature Centre and are looking for your input! Please take a few minutes to complete this online survey and help guide the future of the Nature Centre. Thank you!

https://forms.gle/xSSEkWTqE628iQqaA

Position available: Education Coordinator

Applications due by March 29, 2021

Position Overview

We are looking for someone with a passion for nature and passionate about sharing nature with others.  You will need natural history knowledge and experience teaching in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings.  The Education Coordinator is responsible for developing, coordinating and delivering Scout Island nature education programs through out the year as well as sharing supervision of the summer staff and high school volunteers. 

About Scout Island Nature Centre

The Nature Centre is a sanctuary for wild life and people seeking a connection with nature in the town of Williams Lake.  

• We offer nature education and interpretation to all ages
• We conserve the Nature Centre’s wildlife habitat, vegetation and other natural values
• We provide a natural place for viewing wildlife and plants, facilitated by a system of walking trails

Go to scoutisland.ca for more detailed information

Duties and Responsibilities of the Education Coordinator

1. Manage, coordinate and deliver our nature education programs including:

• Stream To Sea Program (supported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
• Family programs and Nature Kids club activities and fieldtrips
• Elementary programs – in class or field trips
• Summer programs – Nature Fun
• Grade 7 Earth Challenge
• Community programs and public events
• High school programs – Grade 11-12 Independent Studies course

2. Research and develop nature education and resource materials
3. Assist in mentoring summer staff (university students)
4. Carry out administrative and coordination of program-related tasks as required.
5. Continually seek opportunities to develop, improve and grow our programs.

This position works in conjunction with the Executive Director of Scout Island under the direction of the Williams Lake Field Naturalists (WLFN), the non profit organization that manages the Nature Centre for the City of Williams Lake. 

Experience and Knowledge

1. Experience with education program development and delivery ages 4-adult, large and small groups)
2. Knowledge of and passion for natural history
3. Experience working independently and collaboratively as part of a team including other staff, volunteers, and directors of WL Field Naturalists
4. Proficient with social media and word processing
5. Ability and motivation to research topics you aren’t familiar with
6. Strong ecology ethic
7. Salmon natural history knowledge would be a benefit
8. University degree in the Natural Sciences or equivalent experience
9. Experience supervising a staff of 1-4 – ability to give clear directions, provide constructive criticism and feedback when necessary

Skills and Abilities:

1. Comfortable working, teaching and leading groups outdoors in a variety of settings
2. Recognize and respect for cultural diversity and knowledge of local First Nations and interest in learning more
3. Strong verbal and written communication skills
4. Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
5. Comfortable handling and caring for live specimens

6. Organized and resourceful with a demonstrated ability to appropriately prioritize projects.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills working with people of diverse backgrounds and all ages (both verbal and written).

Salary and Details

Part time permanent Position

Anticipated hours:  100-120/month  The schedule is developed in conjunction with the Executive Director and provides for a flexible monthly schedule dependent on the seasonal demand for nature programs. 

Salary range: $25-30 per hour dependent on experience

Starting Date: Any time Between May 1 and August 1 2021

How to Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter to the Executive Director, Sue Hemphill, at shemphill at xplornet.com.  If you have any question, email or call Sue at 250-398-8532

Applications Due by March 29 2021