Summer Research Intern

Dogwood Initiative is a BC based non-profit organization that helps Canadians exercise local control to develop common-ground solutions and healthy and prosperous communities.

Position Overview:

Dogwood Initiative seeks a Student Research Intern who will play a key role in our Vancouver Island Is Not for Sale Campaign over the duration of the 16 week placement. The campaign focuses on establishing sustainable land use management in the Capital Regional District and has been organized to build public awareness about regional sustainability issues, while supporting groups who are already working on the topic and engage others to do the same.

The Research Intern will assist in the creation of a Regional Sustainability Action Plan (RSAP). Responsibilities will include leading the research component of the RSAP process, presenting discussion papers on local sustainability issues to the community, facilitating workshops with key stakeholders and compiling feedback from these workshops into the RSAP.

All applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a full time program at UVic, UBC, UNBC or SFU for the fall 2011 semester.

Qualifications:

We seek candidates who possess the following:

• A demonstrated commitment, knowledge and passion for environment, social justice, land reform, community and First Nations issues;
• Previous experience in environmental, political, social justice and/or human rights campaign work;
• Community organizing experience - organizing and mobilizing support from the public.
• Strong understanding of oppression and privilege;
• Experience working with the media a strong asset;
• Experience facilitating meetings and working groups;
• Ability to relate effectively, work collaboratively and build relationships with people from diverse sometimes antagonistic backgrounds including local and provincial government, First Nations, corporations, community leaders and environmentalists;
• Excellent writing, communication and organizational skills, including the ability to demystify complex ideas;
• Excellent oral communication skills including good public speaking, presentation and facilitation skills, as well as strong listening abilities;
• Ability to deal with stressful situations, remain calm and think on your feet in a fast-paced, creative environment;
• Ability to work independently, establish priorities strategically, and proceed with objectives without supervision, yet participate effectively as part of a team;

Compensation: $18/hr - 37.5 hours/week. Full-time Internship (16 weeks)

Closing date: April 18th, 2011
Start Date: May 1st - Aug 31st, 2011

To Apply: 

Please email a résumé, 3 references, and a short (1 page maximum) cover letter about why you would like to join our team and why you are a strong candidate for the job to:

Gordon O'Connor 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. No phone calls please.

Dogwood Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, political belief, age, gender, sexual orientation or class. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the Canada.