Position Title |
PARK STEWARD |
Supervisor |
Leader of Volunteer Engagement, Banff National Park |
Purpose |
Be Parks Canada’s welcoming smile, heart/mind, helpful hands, eyes & ears… out in the park! Contribute to the scientific knowledge of Banff National Park. |
Outcomes |
• Enhanced Visitor Experience, Education, and Park Protection. • Growth and learning by Volunteers, Visitors, and Parks Canada. • Volunteers will increase the scientific knowledge of the park by providing appropriate and relevant assistance in data collection as identified in organized Citizen Science programs. • Volunteers will become ambassadors and stewards of the park and all its natural & cultural resources. |
Key |
• LEARN: participate in and take responsibility for ongoing learning about Banff National Park, |
Duties |
and engaging in conversations with visitors, other volunteers, and Parks Canada staff. • ENHANCE VISITOR EXPERIENCE, EDUCATE AND PROTECT: engage in friendly, warm, helpful, and respectful conversations with visitors, helping them find what they’re looking for, drawing out their experiences, and pointing out additional relevant opportunities eg. local historic site experiences, interpretive media and programs and park etiquette; encourage responsible / safe behaviour (according to Parks Canada rules and policies). • MONITOR, REPORT + PROTECT ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS: Observe, record, and report on indicators and natural resources. Most research projects depend on season but are busiest in the summer. Categories of projects fall under Aquatics, Terrestrial, Wildlife Movement and “Others”. Some projects involve going out with staff, eg. amphibian monitoring. Some projects involve more independent research, eg. forest monitoring. In addition, researchers may request special short-term assistance from volunteers. • OBSERVE & REPORT VISITOR EXPERIENCE & PROTECTION: including interactions, any issues or incidents that could negatively affect visitor experience, public safety or resource protection, including conditions of park facilities and trails, wildlife sightings, visitor complaints, feedback and suggestions, and any violations of park regulation. • ORGANIZE AND LEAD WORK GROUPS: Opportunities exist to lead work parties on trails and at day use areas, including building barriers to shortcuts, invasive weed pulls, clean ups etc. • SCHEDULE YOURSELF: sign up for locations and dates prior to shift, complete shift as scheduled (except when dangerous); inform supervisor (and partner) when unable to make a shift or if a last-minute change in location is required. • SIGN IN & OUT: at the Banff Information Centre, before and after each shift, to receive current trail/park information, and to pick up or return monitoring gear and other supplies. • REPORT & COMMUNICATE: full reports must be submitted electronically upon completion of each shift; along with ongoing respectful and timely communication re feedback, suggestions, and problems. • REGARD SAFETY: your own, that of other volunteers, staff and visitors, and of the park (this is the foundation of all of the above activities). Remember: Safety first, second, and third! |
Benefits |
• Personal growth, health, involvement, enjoyment; professional, community, ecological… |
Accommodation |
|
And Meals |
• Parks Canada does NOT provide accommodation or meals to the volunteers. GO International recommends that volunteers stay the Samesun Backpackers in Banff. GO International cam book this accommodation for the volunteer for an extra cost. • Meals can be cooked at the Backpackers. As well, the Backpackers has a bar/café that offers daily evening meals for a low cost. |
Visa Requirements |
Participants must have a work permit to volunteer at this project. They can get their work permit under the Working Holiday Program if the Working Holiday Program is offered in their country and they qualify for it, or by taking an equal number of weeks of English classes and volunteering (example 4 weeks English + 4 weeks volunteering). |
Price |
PROGRAM FEE: C$1259 PROGRAM FEE INCLUDES: • Volunteer Placement for 4 weeks • Orientation at GO international Offices in Vancouver covering everything you need to know about volunteering and travelling in Canada • Support from the GO International Volunteer Team Leader in Vancouver while on your project • Emergency Contact number • Activities and social events in Vancouver and Whistler while studying Note: 5% GST will be added to program fee if program not sold as a work and study program. English courses are tax exempt so if taken as a 50/50 English Internship Program then the program fee and English tuition will not be subject to tax. |
Optional Services (prices are exclusive of GST, which is 5%) |
Landing Package at Vancouver Hostel: $40 (Includes 1 night accommodation in dorm room, shared bath, breakfast, welcome drink, ½ hr/day free internet and booking fee) English Classes at Tamwood International College in Vancouver or Whistler. Refer to Tamwood 2010 Prices and Dates. Example: 4 weeks Semi-Intensive classes at Tamwood Vancouver: C$1306 inc. tuition, application fee and text book. Homestay Accommodation in Vancouver: Placement fee: $195 Full Board: $205/week Half Board: $195/week Homestay Accommodation in Whistler: Placement fee: $215/week Full Board: $220/week Accommodation in Banff: $672.00-728.00 CAD depending on hostel choice (Lodge or Chalet) 28 night’s dorm style accommodation at Samesun Backpackers in Banff. Includes accommodation in dorm room, shared bath, breakfast, welcome drink, ½ hr/day free internet and booking fee |
Dates |
Project Dates Vancouver Orientation Date Vancouver Orientation Date 4 weeks With No English Classes With 4 week English Course June 21 to July 16 June 18, 2010 May 21, 2010 July 19 to August 13 July 16, 2010 June 18, 2010 August 16 to September 10 August 13, 2010 July 16, 2010 |