Science Writer And Communications Intern

Location: This position is remote from anywhere in Ontario with occasional travel within the province.

Duration: Full-time, 16-week-contract (with possibility of extension)

Hours: 37.5/week Rate: $18/hour

Start Date: The start date for this position is flexible, with a preference for June 12th, starting no later than June 30th.

About Us

The Ontario Invasive Plant Council is a not-for profit organization that aims to raise awareness and promote a coordinated response to the growing threat of invasive plants in Ontario through research, networking development, outreach, and education. The OIPC is guided by a Board of Directors comprised of volunteers from federal and provincial government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, municipalities, conservation authorities, industry, and various nongovernmental organizations. This position is a collaborative initiative between OIPC and the Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS). The CCIS is a national non-profit organization that works with partners across Canada to support actions and share information that can help reduce the threat and impacts of invasive species.

Job Overview

This position will create and / or aid in creating and presenting new science-based content adding to the OIPC’s library of resources, to enable professionals and community members to take action against the threat of invasive plants based on the latest scientific research and includes practical hands-on experience of technical experts. Creating original content for communications, social media, and websites to increase awareness of invasive plants and their impacts.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Presentation of science-based content to different audiences from children, members of the public and professionals/experts
• Research, write and produce technical, science-based documents
• Successful candidate will be required to have access to a computer and internet (monthly stipends provided).
• Provide administrative support as required.
• Assist in the creation and delivery of new content based on scientific research on invasive Plants.
• Respond to requests for information.
• Creating original content for miscellaneous communications, social media, and websites.
• Coordinate communications via email and social media.
• Update previously published works to reflect the latest legislation and management practices.
• Increase engagement and awareness of Invasive Plants.
• Develop, coordinate, conduct seminars and presentations at meetings, conferences, trade shows and events for audiences ranging from children to adults.
• Research, writing, facilitating, and coordinating working groups for the collection of practitioner experience and review. Working with external partners and an OIPC team to create professional materials including, but not limited to, Best Management Practices Guides, Technical Guides and Fact sheets.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Personable, team player, experience working with a small team remotely. A motivated self-starter.
• Invasive plant identification and management strategies,
• Ability to adapt complex scientific information for diverse audiences.
• Strategic, creative problem solver, quick learner, ability to consider a variety of viewpoints.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and public speaking.
• College or university graduate in biology, wildlife technician/technologist, environmental science, forestry, agriculture, or equivalent work-related experience in the relevant field.
• Willingness to work evenings as required to deliver or support online workshops.
• Experience with virtual facilitation.
• Ability to productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside the organization.
• Valid driver's license.
• Strong interpersonal skills, listening and interviewing skills and judgement.
• Strong organization skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while producing high quality results, project management, time management, leadership with peers.

Familiarity with the following considered an asset:

• Constant Contact or another similar digital marketing software,
• Experience in Journalism, Creative Writing, Communications, or a related field
• MSOffice 365 suite, including Teams,
• Online meeting/presentation experience Teams, Zoom, Remo etc.
• Social Media tools such as Social Media Management software Loomly or similar,
• WordPress and website maintenance,

As part of our commitment to promoting equity and diversity in the workplace, the Clean Foundation, CCIS and OIPC provide opportunities for individuals from underrepresented and marginalized communities. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, youth living with disabilities, radicalized youth, or youth living in a northern or remote community, and people who self-identify as women.

Benefits

• An opportunity to expand skills in the natural resources sector with a nationally recognized non-profit.
• Career development training.
• Flexible work hours and ability to work from home.

Closing date for applications is May 18th, 2023; interview to be held the week of May 29th.

Please submit your application by email in the form of a single PDF document including a resume and cover letter to: Emily Mitchell, Council Supervisor, [email protected]