About
Stanley Park Ecology’s mission is education, conservation, and research rooted in Stanley Park. We are seeking a creative, innovative, and passionate individual to assist with the Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration (GVBC).
GVBC is made up of events hosted by a range of partners across the Lower Mainland, emphasizing bird conservation through arts and sciences. Working with the Community Engagement Coordinator, this role will involve supporting aspects of developing, delivering, and promoting the GVBC.
Role Description
Do you have a passion for birds? Help inspire people across the Lower Mainland to explore their interest in birding by raising awareness about birds and bird conservation in the weeks after World Migratory Bird Day. As a Bird Celebration Public Outreach Assistant, you will have the opportunity to work with Stanley Park Ecology and community partners on the planning and delivery of the Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration.
Supported by our staff, you will choose an area of involvement related to your interest and experience. Areas of involvement can include social media content creation, website maintenance, assisting with planning celebration events, and attending various bird celebration events during the celebration dates.
Duties
- Meet with Stanley Park Ecology Staff weekly;
- Perform tasks from home according to your schedule, including:
- Researching and proposing event opportunities
- Writing informational content on topics related to birds
- Attending and photographing events
- And other duties to be agreed upon as they arise
- Attend the Opening Event (date TBD on May 1-3)
Projects
Volunteers will work with Stanley Park Ecology’s Community Engagement Coordinator on planning and outreach tasks related to Bird Celebration according to the needs of the celebration planning process, but will also have the opportunity to work on specific projects based on their interest and skills.
Social Media Campaign:
- Help promote bird celebration events by creating content to keep our social media presence active. We are looking to grow our follower count, and drive clicks to our website’s event page. Past volunteers have created informative posts and reels about local birds and birding topics.
Website Maintenance and Content:
- Help maintain website functionality, organize information on local birding opportunities, and develop GVBC website features in Wordpress. Past Volunteers have created educational pages on bird species, and on bird friendly city topics.
Bird Celebration Marketing and Outreach Events
- Help design fliers and other promotional material. Identify avenues to promote birding events. Past volunteers have designed fliers and posters.
Bird Celebration Event Planning and Delivery
- Work with Stanley Park Ecology Staff to plan and host birding events in Stanley Park and around Greater Vancouver. Past volunteers co-led intro to birding programs presented at VPL.
Time Commitment
This volunteer role runs for approximately 3-4 months, from mid-February (depending on volunteer availability) through May 30. There is an option to continue volunteering beyond this date to complete projects.
The Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration (GVBC) runs from May 1-17, with the volunteer role beginning in February to support planning, outreach, and promotion. Volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of 5 hours per week (approximately 1 hour/week in an in-person meeting, plus asynchronous project work), and be able to attend some events during the Bird Celebration period.
Location
The Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration includes events across the Lower Mainland. Many of the role’s responsibilities can be completed remotely, but some travel to Stanley Park for weekly meetings is required. Travel to participate in events across the city is also encouraged.
Training
We will schedule an in-person orientation at Stanley Park, and additional training will take place as necessary. Volunteers will have the opportunity to develop their skills with mentorship from staff.
Requirements
- Interest in BC ecology, especially birds;
- Excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork skills;
- Experience in event planning is an asset;
- Experience with websites hosted in WordPress is an asset;
- Experience with creating content for Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter is an asset;
- Applicants must be a minimum of 16 years old.
Benefits
- Develop skills in community engagement whilst delivering bird-focused events;
- Contribute to an initiative that connects people with nature and spreads awareness about the importance of biodiversity;
- Learn more about ecological focused organizations and gain experience volunteering for an environmental non-profit;
- Gain experience in planning and leading collaborative events;
- Gain experience in managing social media campaigns;
- Attend the twice yearly volunteer appreciation events;
- Reference letter available after completion of 25 hours of volunteering;
- Access the benefits available to all SPE volunteers including discounted membership.
Application Procedure
Please complete this Application Form to apply.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a target start date of mid-February, depending on volunteer availability. If you have any questions, please contact vols@stanleyparkecology.ca.
We thank all applicants but only those receiving an interview will be contacted.