Requirements:
Participants must be age 30 and under and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or hold refugee status in Canada
Must have a post-secondary accomplishment (some exceptions apply) and is not an existing full-time permanent employee
Main Functions: The Science Communications and Volunteer Assistant will work with the Citizen Science Program Manager to implement EcoSpark’s citizen science programs, support volunteers, and help plan the annual community events. The assistant will lead communications, in consultation with program staff, using EcoSpark’s online communication channels. They will help plan, promote, and provide feedback for school and community workshops and events.
The assistant will report results back to participants based on the collected data and other environmental indicators. Workshops focus on public monitoring of plants and wildlife while supporting environmental health in a changing climate. The assistant will communicate program results to researchers and communities to help inform local stewardship activities.
Reports to: Citizen Science Program Manager and the Executive Director
Position Responsibilities/Tasks include Communications and Support for:
Citizen Science Volunteer Program 40%
Promote and book Citizen Science monitoring and volunteering workshops with community and corporate groups
Help plan a calendar of monthly remote volunteering activities
Assist with the delivery of in-person citizen science workshops for community and corporate groups
Assist volunteers with data collection and surveys for quality control
Download participant-contributed data from various citizen science platforms for community reporting and use in EcoSpark’s GIS mapping programs
Citizen Science School Program 40%
Update EcoSpark’s school program instructional materials for grades 6-12
Make use of diverse communication platforms (video, StoryMap) as learning tools
Promote EcoSpark’s programs for schools
Develop program reports for participating schools
Compile multischool data in stream summary reports
Assist teachers with student data collection and surveys for quality control
Download participant-entered data from the various citizen science platforms (for example, iNaturalist) for use in an in-house mapping dashboard
EcoSpark Special Events 20%
Plan public citizen science engagement opportunities, such as the City Nature Challenge
Coordinate with University of Toronto Scarborough partners to prepare the annual Sparking Science STEM conference for 100 grade nine girls
Assist with recruiting STEM mentors
Prepare materials and handouts for events
Help create how-to videos for volunteer projects
Promote events via social media and other communications channels
Troubleshoot event logistics and support group timelines
Communicate event outcomes and celebrate successes
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
University or College Degree in STEM related field
Excellent science communications skills, both written and verbal
Comfortable creating content for diverse social media platforms
Knowledge of citizen science projects
Knowledge of databases and spreadsheets
Excellent knowledge of visual display techniques and programs
Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Ability to adapt to an environment of change
Experience working with youth, is an asset
Experience working with volunteers, is an asset
Knowledge of GIS software, is an asset
About EcoSpark
EcoSpark is an environmental charity whose mission is to empower communities to take an active role in protecting and sustaining nature. We do this by giving people the tools for education, monitoring and influencing positive change. For the past 27 years, EcoSpark has connected youth and their communities with scientific ideas and skills for environmental monitoring. We have a strong reputation in the areas of education, citizen science, community engagement and collaboration. To date, we have directly worked with over 90,000 youth and adults from across southern Ontario in over 20 watersheds. For more information about EcoSpark, visit ecospark.ca.
Recently EcoSpark has been expanding our use of GIS mapping by developing dashboards, StoryMaps, and data capture forms to help program participants contribute and visualize the data they collect during our programs. Additionally, we have begun creating lesson plans for geography classes to map key indicators of environmental health in their communities.
About Changing Currents
Changing Currents is one of EcoSpark’s longest running programs. We train people to assess its water quality using standardized and scientific protocols. Historically, it has included work with community groups across southern Ontario who collected citizen science information on local water quality. More recently, it has expanded to include students from grade 6 to 12 in the GTA. For more information, visit ecospark.ca/changing-currents.
About School Watch
School Watch is a program where teachers learn how to lead citizen science projects with their students on school grounds. We deliver teacher PD and student activities on curriculum-linked environmental projects such as tree inventories and bird surveys. This project allows K-12 students to contribute meaningful data while learning about ecosystem health, positive actions and environmental science in the community. For more information, visit ecospark.ca/school-watch.
Application Deadline:
Dates and Duration: Full time beginning around September 5, 2023
Location: Toronto, 601 Christie St, Suite 174. With field work and some hybrid options available.
Compensation: $32,275 per annum ($16.55/hour for 37.5 hours/week)
Reports to: Dana Buchbinder, Citizen Science Program Manager
Application Process:
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume as a single pdf attachment, no later than Aug. 20th, 2023 11:59pm, to:
Email – jobs@ecospark.ca