Role Description
Coyotes are very adaptable and thrive in urban environments. However, without proper education people can make coyotes a problem in our neighbourhoods, which puts coyotes, pets and even people at risk. Established in 2001, Co-Existing with Coyotes works to raise awareness of these wild urban canids, and reduce conflict between people, pets and coyotes. The Coyote Info Line helps to track coyote behaviour by providing a resource for community members to report coyote sightings, interactions, and access helpful information. That’s where you come in! We periodically need help responding to reports from the public and educating them about how to live with coyotes peacefully in our neighbourhoods.
Duties
Following a brief training and assessment, assistants will be tasked with:
- Responding to phone calls and suggesting measures to prevent human/coyote conflict
- Answering questions regarding coyote natural history
- Notifying the coordinator of emergency situations or sightings of aggressive coyotes
- Entering coyote sighting information into our database
Once the applicant has shown ability to respond to calls with some comfort and ease, duties can be completed from home. There are additional opportunities to assist the CwC Coordinator with community events, workshops, and special project work.
Requirements
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills are required
- Pleasant and polite telephone manner; able to deal with confrontation in a positive manner
- Able to remain calm while discussing topics that inspire strong emotions and varying opinions
- An interest in environmental issues and/or urban wildlife
Time Commitment
We ask that you are able to respond to calls at least once per week, and prefer if you can come into the office once per week. Each session takes an average of 30 minutes but will depend on how many reports are received. Office shifts are also flexible and typically last 1-2 hours.
Location
Our Coyote Aversion Conditioning will be taking place in-person in Stanley Park.
Training
Training will be provided on:
- Responding to phone calls and suggesting measures to prevent human/coyote conflict
- Answering questions regarding coyote natural history
- Entering coyote sighting information into our database
Benefits
- Public education and communication skills and improved conflict resolution skills
- Coyote natural history and activity in Vancouver
- Urban wildlife issues and management skills
- Use of Microsoft Access and Excel and for inputting inquiries
- Attend the twice yearly volunteer appreciation events;
- Reference letter available after completion of 25 hours of volunteering;
- Access the benefits available to all volunteers including discounted membership.
Application Procedure
If you are interested in applying when the next recruitment period begins, please email Harper, Volunteer Coordinator, at vols@stanleyparkecology.ca.