Opportunities

We are currently hiring in two fields. Please see below for full description.

To apply, send cover letter and resume to: Kim Hacker, Executive Director

Mail/person: 16160 Hwy 12 E, Midland ON L4R 4K6

Phone: (705) 526-7809 x201

Outdoor Educator / Naturalist

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is located in Midland Ontario and is managed by the Friends of Wye Marsh Inc., a not-for-profit charitable organization. The Centre is open 362 days a year and provides school and public programs for over 30,000 visitors annually, including 3,000 school children. Friends of Wye Marsh Inc. is governed by both federal and provincial regulations for all activities and land use.

The successful applicant will conduct daily educational, recreational, and special interpretive programs for visitors to the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. This is a full-time contract position from late June 2023 to September 4, 2023 with a minimum of thirty-five (35) hours per week. This position will be required to work some weekends and statutory holidays.

Responsibilities

Report to the Executive Director
Conduct experiential curricular-based environmental education programs for a variety of age groups at Wye Marsh
Facilitate interpretative presentations to the visiting public, school groups, and visiting camp groups
Adapt programs to meet expectations of the audience, including students, families, tourists and the general public
Represent Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre and uphold the mission statement and objectives
Work with a diverse group of volunteers and staff in a fast-paced environment
Guide canoeing and kayaking tours
Maintain work area and repair program equipment in coordination with other members of the Wye Marsh staff
Ensure all health and safety procedures are adhered to
Assist in any other duties as required

Skills

Proven initiative and self-motivation
Willingness to learn a wide variety of materials related to environmental education and stewardship
Able to work independently and in a group settling - skilled team player
Enjoy working with people of all ages
Enjoy working in an outdoor setting in various weather conditions
Possess an understanding of ecological concepts
Excellent interpersonal skills, and understand group management techniques
Excellent planning, organizational, time management and customer service skills
Established nature interpretation skills including flora and fauna identification
Effective oral and written communicate skills
Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office
Experience handling and caring for reptiles preferred

Requirements

Must be between 16 and 29 years of age at the start of employment
Bilingual – French and English – an asset
Emergency First-aid and CPR certification
Valid Class G Ontario driver’s license
Police criminal records check, including vulnerable sector if over 18
Ability to work evenings and weekends

Summer Stewardship & Conservation Technician

The successful applicant will assist in population baseline studies, invasive species control, public engagement, and various other stewardship and conservation activities in the Wye Marsh Wildlife Areas. This is a full-time contract position from late June 2023 to Labour Day, 2023 with a minimum of thirty-five (35) hours per week. This position will be required to work some weekends and statutory holidays.

Responsibilities

Report to the Stewardship & Conservation Manager and assist with the following activities;
- Conducting invasive species control, including but not limited to: phragmites, glossy & common buckthorn, garlic mustard, dog strangling vine, etc.
- Facilitating population baseline studies for native flora and fauna in the National and Provincial Wildlife Areas
- Coordinating volunteers & promote community engagement for wide range of stewardship and conservation activities
- Identifying new projects and grants
- Trail maintenance including pruning trees and managing noxious plants
- Updating species observation board and digital content
- Engaging the public through workshops, guided hikes, and special events
- Maintaining all stewardship equipment and scientific instruments
- Mapping & gathering data for various projects at the Wye Marsh
- Ensuring all health and safety procedures are adhered to
- Any other duties & projects as required

Skills

Proven initiative and self-motivation
Experience working in remote locations with challenges such as weather, insects, noxious plants, rough terrain, etc.
Previous experience with various mapping software and conservation applications
Excellent interpersonal skills; able to work independently and in a group settling
Excellent planning, organizational, time management and customer service skills
Established skills with flora and fauna identification
Effective oral and written communicate skills
Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office
Experience with intense physical labour

Requirements

Must be between 16 and 29 years of age at the start of employment
Bilingual – French and English – an asset
ORCKA certification – an asset
Emergency First-aid and CPR certification
Valid Class G Ontario driver’s license
Police criminal records check, including vulnerable sector if over 18
Ability to work evenings and weekends

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Board of Directors

Friends of Wye Marsh Inc. is seeking volunteers to join the Board of Directors. Members of the Board of will attend regularly scheduled board meetings and provide advice and guidance as required; participate fully in decision making activities; raise the profile of the Wye Marsh in the community; build relationships with all stakeholders; participate in Wye Marsh events.

Interested persons to join the Board of Directors should email info@wyemarsh.com.

Front Desk

Duties include answering phones and processing admission and gift store purchases. Commitment of 4 hours once a week.

Fundraising Bingo Hall Representatives

Represent Wye Marsh at the Boardwalk Gaming Centre, in the Angel Gate Plaza. This opportunity allows Wye Marsh to receive proceeds from gaming activities. Commitment of 2 hours once a month.

Outdoor Educators

Duties include assisting and/or leading environmental education programs to school and community groups. Commitment is on call basis.

Guided Canoe Volunteers

Guide canoe tours through Wye Marsh for the public, private groups, or school programming. Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayaking Association (ORCKA) training provided, as well as training provided by Wye Marsh staff on specific routes. This role is best for someone with experience canoeing, but you don't need to be an expert - just enjoy people and the outdoors! Time commitment is on call, roughly 4-6 hours a week from May-September.

Guided Walk/ Hike Volunteers

Guide guests through Wye Marsh's trails on roughly 1 hour hikes/walks. Provide insight into the Wye Marsh, and the various flora and fauna which inhabit the area. Training will be provided. You don't need to be an expert - just enjoy people and the outdoors! Time commitment is roughly 2-4 hours per week from May-September.

Please visit our "Get Involved" volunteer page to learn more.