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Volunteer Opportunities
Being a Volunteer with the Stanley Park Ecology Society is an excellent way to indulge your passion for nature, spend time outdoors, or learn about our environment in a productive and satisfying manner. In addition to the tremendous rewards of Volunteer service, you will have the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and develop workplace skills while enjoying the awesome beauty of Stanley Park.
If you are interested in, or curious about volunteering with SPES, you are on the right page. After viewing the content in this section, learning about the types of volunteer positions available and when they are available, please contact our volunteer coordinator. E-mail is the preferable method:
- [ E-mail ] (vols@stanleyparkecology.ca)
- Phone: 604-681-7099
more SPES volunteer opportunities (especially short-term positions) are listed at www.govolunteer.ca.
Urban Camping Assistant
Season: Spring
Status:
Program is currently active.
Purpose:
To assist in delivering the Urban Camping Program; an opportunity for inner city Grade 5-7 students and teachers to enjoy an overnight, outdoor experience in Stanley Park.
Duties
- Arrive promptly at 3:00 pm on Tuesdays and/or Thursday to help bridge the transition between Day Leader and Evening Leader
- Assist school children to set up tents and cook their dinners on Coleman stoves. Clean-up afterwards in a calm, organized and safe manner
- Volunteers are welcome to stay for evening activities
- Assist parent helpers in their roles
Time Commitment
- The Urban Camping program runs in the spring (mid-April to end of June). Training starts on the second week of April and Volunteers are asked to commit to one evening per week (Tuesday or Thursday 3-8 pm) for the duration of the season
Requirements
- Experience and confidence working with children
- Basic knowledge of the use of Coleman stoves
- Reliable, energetic, and fun-loving
- Self-motivated: ability to identify problems and solve them independently
- Outdoor camping skills and first aid qualifications are definite assets
- A respect for nature and a desire to help others
- Excellent communication skills are essential
Benefits
- Training provided
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Improve your outdoor and camping knowledge base
- A fabulous opportunity to explore careers in outdoor recreation management
- Valuable work experience with children
- Experience the beauty of Stanley Park first-hand
Eco Rangers
Season: Summer (with possibility of continuing into fall)
Status:
Program is currently active.
To apply, please print and fill out the Eco Ranger application form (pdf format, 44 KB) and send by mail, fax or e-mail to 'Ecoranger Coordinator' by May 14. Early application recommended.
Purpose:
Eco Rangers provide Stanley Park visitors with a more meaningful experience in the Park by providing public education opportunities on natural and cultural history.
Duties:
- Become familiar with the Park landscape, attractions, tourism information wildlife issues, history, natural history and Park bylaws
- Continuously enhance personal knowledge base with the resources offered at the Nature House, the Pavilion and on the Web site
- Attend all scheduled training sessions
- Touring the busy areas of the Park in pairs:
- Answer questions about the Park and its natural history
- Handing out wildlife and natural history information brochures and maps
- Assist visitors with directions
- Explain bylaws and encourage visitors to follow those bylaws
- Assist in operating outdoor, interactive wildlife display tables and delivering educational programs at various sites in Stanley Park
- Assist the Eco Ranger Coordinator and Nature House staff with displays and/or programs
- Eco Rangers with appropriate skills may be trained to lead short, interpretive walks
- Work outside - Rain or shine!
Time Commitment:
- MANDATORY TRAINING SESSIONS on local natural and cultural history, as well as interpretation techniques will take place at a time to be announced
- The bulk of Eco Ranger activities occur during July and August, however there are opportunities for ongoing participation in September and later in the year
- Volunteers are expected to commit to two 3.5 hour shifts per week
Requirements:
- Must have a passion for learning
- Must love teaching, and meeting and interacting with people
- Excellent communication skills - strong English speaking and comprehension skills mandatory
- Outgoing, enthusiastic, and confident nature
- High commitment level and reliable team player
- Attend ALL training sessions
- Have a keen interest in nature and Stanley Park; you don't need to know everything, just be willing to learn
- A background in biology/ecology/conservation desirable but not mandatory
- 16 years or older
Benefits:
- Receive training from experienced naturalists and experts on west coast natural history, wildlife ecology, the history of Stanley Park, interpretive skills and public education skills
- Gain valuable employment experience in tourism, nature interpretation, and public education
- Extensive, fun and educational training sessions
- Inspire people to connect with nature
- Enjoy the summer outdoors in Stanley Park
- Free Sunday Discovery Walks
- Meet interesting people
Special Events
Status:
Program is currently active.
Purpose:
To welcome visitors, provide information about Stanley Park, and represent the Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) at the Capers Whole Foods "Earth Day Fair" on Saturday, April 24.
What: Earth Day Fair
Where: Capers Whole Foods Market, 1675 Robson Street
Time: 11 am - 4 pm
This is an outdoors fair and a dynamic event featuring green organizations and businesses. It has a variety of enjoyable attractions, Earth Day activities, music, and food....all with an urban twist! As a socially responsible company committed to the environment, Capers Whole Foods Market's vision statement is "Whole Food, Whole People, Whole Planet" The Earth Day fair will be a celebration promoting sustainable living and will include both local vendors, non-profit organizations and entertainment. Volunteers will work in pairs and spend about 4 hours interacting with members of the public at the SPES booth, giving information about our programs and answering general questions about Stanley Park.
Duties:
Help to set up and take down booth displays and promotional materials, set up a table with natural history displays, meet with public, answer questions and inform them about SPES, memberships, programs, etc., fill out event summary form at the end of the event.
Benefits:
- Help Stanley Park first-hand
- Participate in a fun event while helping the environment
- Get a great introduction to volunteering for the Stanley Park Ecology Society
- Get a complimentary Sunday Discovery Walk for each event covered
- Meet people with an interest in nature and the Park
Training:
Orientation to SPES, training related to displays and event.
Skills and Experience:
- Friendly, outgoing and enthusiastic
- Good communication skills, strong English speaking and comprehension skills. A second language is an asset
- A high level of commitment
- 16 years or older
- Keen interest in natural history and environmental education
- A background in biology, ecology, natural history or a related field is an asset but not necessary
Youth Spring Break Ecology Program
Status:
Program is currently active.
Purpose:
SPES is offering an exciting opportunity for ten secondary school students to earn volunteer hours and work in teams to manage invasive plant species, learn about west coast ecology and conservation issues, and develop organizational and leadership skills while working in beautiful Stanley Park!
Duties:
- Work in teams to remove targeted invasive species from selected areas of Stanley Park
- Participate and contribute to indoor and outdoor discussions and activities relating to ecology and conservation
- Speak with the public about ecology and invasive species in Stanley Park as needed
- Support fellow team members and the Stewardship Coordinator
Time Commitment:
- Volunteer opportunities available during Spring Break, from March 9-12 (Tuesday to Friday)
- Participants expected to volunteer for 5 hours (10 am - 3 pm) each day, for a total of 20 hours
Requirements:
- Are between the age of 14 and 18
- Are enthusiastic, reliable, and enjoy teamwork and interacting with people
- Have a strong interest in learning about ecology, conservation, and Stanley Park
- Enjoy doing physical work in the outdoors, rain or shine
- Are able to commit to four, 5 hour days of volunteering from March 9 - 12
Training:
Volunteer participants will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience in the following areas:- Outdoor Safety
- Invasive Species Management
- Habitat Restoration
- Forest, Plant, and Wildlife Ecology
- Interpretation and Public Outreach
- Climate Change
- Nest Box Stewardship for Birds and Bees
- Professional Development and Networking
- Leadership, Team Work, and Organisational Skills
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Gain valuable professional experience in both outdoor and office settings
- Learn about west coast ecology, conservation issues, and stewardship activities undertaken by SPES
- Make an important contribution to the conservation and restoration of Stanley Park
- Develop organisational and leadership skills in a fun learning environment
- Earn volunteer hours
- Work in beautiful Stanley Park
Contact and Application Procedure:
Please contact Greg Ferguson, Stewardship Programs Coordinator, for further information or to obtain a program application form:
Email: stewardship@stanleyparkecology.ca
Phone: 604-718-6522
Application deadline is March 3.
Nature House Host
Status:
Program is currently active.
Purpose
To welcome visitors to the Lost Lagoon Nature House and provide information about Stanley Park.
Duties:
- Welcome visitors to the Nature House and sharing information about Stanley Park's natural and cultural history in a friendly and engaging manner
- Create, maintain and explain educational displays in the Nature House
- Promote other Stanley Park Ecology programs and special events
- Organize resource materials such as books, photos, and articles
- Record statistics on the number of daily visitors
May Include:
- Assisting with bird counts
- Recording statistics on the number of daily visitors
- Helping with the opening and closing of the Nature House
- Assisting with special events and fundraising activities
Time Commitment:
- 3-4 hours on a Saturday or a Sunday between 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- 3 month commitment
Requirements:
- A keen interest in nature and Stanley Park
- A background in biology, ecology, or natural history highly desirable
- Knowledge of local natural history very important
- Friendly, outgoing and enthusiastic
- Excellent communication skills, strong English speaking and comprehension skills are mandatory
- A high level of commitment
- 18 years or older
- Reliable team player with the ability and initiative to work independently
- Display design and computer/desktop publishing skills are definite assets
Training:
- Nature House training related to the ecology and history of Stanley Park
Benefits:
- Free Sunday Discovery Walks and a reduced membership fee
- Organised trips
- Develop interpretation skills while meeting people with an interest in nature
Ivy Busters
Status:
Program is currently active.
Purpose:
Ivy Busters is a conservation program developed by the Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) that works with the community to remove a destructive invasive species, English Ivy from Stanley Park, and eventually to restore reclaimed areas with native vegetation.
Enthusiastic volunteers gather for a fun-filled morning to manually remove ivy from the forest ecosystem where it is most needed. Our studies show that ivy can spread at a rate of one metre per year, and without further intervention it could one day take over all of the vegetation in Stanley Park! There is hope however…with concerned volunteers like yourself willing to work to preserve the natural diversity of such a unique urban forest, we can make a difference and preserve our native species diversity.
Ivy Busters Schedule:
Ivy Busters community events are held twice per month, on the second Saturday and fourth Sunday of each month, with the exception of holidays. Contact the Stewardship Coordinator at stewardship@stanleyparkecology.ca or call (604) 718-6522 for further information on how to join our upcoming Ivy Busters events.
Bird Monitor
Status:
Program is currently active.
Purpose:
To collect data about waterfowl on Lost Lagoon and Beaver Lake.
Duties:
- To walk around Lost Lagoon counting the number of each waterfowl species with binoculars and/or scope
- To walk around Beaver Lake and identify waterfowl and perching bird species observed
- To input data on the computer at Lost Lagoon Nature House and display
Time Commitment:
- 3 hours/week
- 3 month commitment
Requirements:
- Strong knowledge of local waterfowl
- Reliable, with the ability to work independently
- 18 years or older
- High commitment level
Training:
- Guided counts with the current Volunteer
- Counting format and techniques reviewed
- Some species identification
- Nature House training
- Data entry on Excel
Benefits:
- Free Sunday discovery walks and a reduced membership fee
- Learn more about local birds
- Meet new people with an interest in the birds of Stanley Park
GPS/Monitoring
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
Details of position:
- Join the SPES volunteer environmental monitoring team to GPS invasive species and wildlife values in Stanley Park
- Local plant knowledge required
- Prior GPS and ecological surveying experience desirable
GIS/Mapping
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
Details of position:
- Some prior GIS and mapping experience required
- Work in the SPES Conservation office to compile and enter monitoring data for mapping ecologically important values in the Park
School Programs Promotion Assistant
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
School is back in, and our School Programs Department will soon be busy leading field trips for elementary students in Stanley Park's forests, wetlands and beaches. We are in need of one to two assistants who can help us with promoting our program brochure to over 600 schools in the Lower Mainland.
Duties may include:
- Contacting people at school districts to ask them for approval to distribute our brochure
- Printing mailing labels for schools
- Counting brochures and stuffing, labelling and stamping envelopes
- Tracking schools and mailing costs using our master chart
- Calling returning teachers to encourage them to book programs
Your volunteer hours will help us to connect thousands of children with nature - we couldn't do it without you!
Volunteer Conservation Assistant
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
Purpose:
The volunteer conservation assistant will be entering data from wildlife and habitat surveys into our databases - mainly inventories of plant and animal species including plant invasives, great blue heron and bald eagle nesting information, forest bird populations, and data from amphibian and habitat surveys, etc. The volunteer will also be involved in also photo labeling and compiling Species at Risk information.
Benefits:
- Perfect for conservation, forestry or ecology student!
- Unique opportunity to learn about conservation research methodology
- Make an important contribution to the conservation of Stanley Park!
Training:
- Orientation to our office
- Basic training on our databases
Skills and Experience Required:
- Education background in conservation, forestry or ecology required
- Knowledge of databases, familiarity with Excel desirable
- Excellent organizational skills, methodical, and detail-oriented
- Able to follow instructions
- Excellent English skills
- Have a keen interest in learning about Stanley Park and nature
Assistant to the Volunteer Coordinator
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
Purpose:
The Office Assistant will work with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure that the Volunteer program runs smoothly and effectively.
Benefits:
- After 30 hours, free Sunday Discovery Walks and a reduced membership fee
- Development of office and volunteer coordinator skills
- A beautiful place to work and a great opportunity to meet interesting people with similar interests
- An opportunity to help Stanley Park!
Training:
- Orientation to our office and to SPES Programs
- Volunteer will work under the guidance of the Volunteer Coordinator
Duties:
- Maintain accurate records using database and spreadsheet programs
- Develop training materials and programs for volunteers
- Help plan and deliver volunteer outings and recognition events
- Help to develop and maintain our Volunteer Newsletter
Skills and Experience Required:
- Experience with Access and Excel and maintaining databases desirable
- Candidates with previous volunteer coordination experience are a definite asset
- Excellent command of English
- Reliable, with excellent organizational skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Outgoing, enthusiastic, energetic, and confident in working with people
- Have a keen interest in learning about Stanley Park and nature
- Must be 19 or older
Native Plant Demonstration Garden Steward
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
Purpose:
To help in the maintenance of the Stanley Park Native Plant Demonstration Garden.
Duties:
- Maintain the native plant demonstration garden (eg. weeding, mulching, watering)
Benefits:
- Learn about native plants
- Interact with people who share an interest in nature
- Develop gardening skills
- Get exercise outdoors in beautiful Stanley Park
Requirements:
- Have an interest in native plants and experience maintaining gardens
- Can work individually and within groups
- A high level of commitment
- 18 years or older
Time Commitment:
- Will vary depending on the season and stage of gardens development
- ½ hour watering plants every day (or every other day) from mid-August through to the planting day planned for sometime in September
- One full day in September during the planting celebrations
- Watering every second day or as necessary during the fall
- 2 hours per week during long-term maintenance of the garden
Native Plant Demonstration Garden Interpreter
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
Purpose:
To help in the development of an interpretive program for the Stanley Park Native Plant Demonstration Garden.
Duties:
- Develop an interpretive program for the Native Plant Demonstration Garden
- Deliver interpretive programs in the Native Plant Demonstration Garden
Benefits:
- Learn more about native plants
- Interact with people who share an interest in nature
- Develop nature interpretation and communication skills
- Get outdoors in beautiful Stanley Park
Requirements:
- Have an interest and some knowledge of native plants. A background in biology, ecology, natural history or a related field is an asset
- Good communication skills - strong English speaking and comprehension skills are mandatory
- Ability to work independently and within groups
- A high level of commitment
- 18 years or older
- A second language, computer and desktop publishing skills are definite assets
Time Commitment:
- 5-10 hours per week during the development of an interpretive program
- 2 hours per week delivering the interpretive program to various groups and visitors
Stanley Park Invasives Removal
Youth Team (SPIRYT)
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
The Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) is offering an exciting opportunity for youth aged 14 - 20 to earn volunteer hours while working in teams to remove invasive plant species and learn about west coast ecology and conservation issues in beautiful Stanley Park!
Skills and Experience:
- Between the age of 14 and 20
- Are enthusiastic, reliable, and enjoy teamwork and interacting with people
- Have a strong interest in learning about ecology, conservation, and Stanley Park
- Enjoy doing physical work in the outdoors, rain or shine
Training:
Volunteer participants will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience in the following areas:- Outdoor Safety
- Invasive Species Management
- Habitat Restoration
- Forest, Plant, and Wildlife Ecology
- Ecological Footprint and Climate Change
Benefits:
- Gain valuable professional experience in a beautiful outdoor setting
- Learn about ecology and stewardship activities undertaken by the SPES
- Make an important contribution to the restoration of Stanley Park
- Earn volunteer hours
Volunteers Required:
10Requirements:
- When: Friday, October 9th at 5 pm until Saturday, October 10th at 2 pm
- Time: 21 hours (evening, overnight, and following day)
- Duration: One weekend
- Location: Stanley Park, Vancouver
- Suitable for: Youth aged 14 - 20
Contact:
Please contact Greg Ferguson, Stewardship Programs Coordinator at SPES for further information and to obtain an application form:E-mail: stewardship@stanleyparkecology.ca,
Phone: 604-718-6522. We thank all applicants for your interest, however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Popcorn Stand Attendant
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
Purpose:
To support the Stanley Park Ecology Society in operating the Popcorn Stand through the popular Bright Nights event.
Details of position:
- Aid the staff person to prepare and sell popcorn to the public
- Be friendly and outgoing to the public
- General maintenance of the popcorn stand
Benefits:
- Gain retail and food service experience and valuable volunteer hours
- Enjoy a fun and festive environment, with popcorn snacks!
Qualifications:
- Speak fluent English; outgoing; able to add, subtract and give change
Timeframe:
The Popcorn stand will be open 3:00-10:00 pm every night of December through January 2 (excepting Dec 25). Volunteers are scheduled on select dates from 5:00-9:00 each night. Volunteers who can commit to at least two nights a week will be prioritized.
Training provided
For further information, please contact info@stanleyparkecology.ca or phone 604-257-6908.
Popcorn Bag Labeller
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
Purpose:
To support the Stanley Park Ecology Society by helping out with production at our organic popcorn stand - mainly with labelling our popcorn bags. If you are interested in helping out for a few hours, or if you have friends who might be, please contact us as soon as possible. This position would also be suitable for a group who would be willing to help out for a good cause. Tea and hot chocolate provided!
Details of position:
Place sticker labels on the popcorn bags and stamp them.
Qualifications
- Able to follow instructions
- Attention to detail
- Training will be provided
Contact:
For further information, please contact:E-mail: info@stanleyparkecology.ca,
Phone: 604-257-6908.
Invasive Species Management Event Assistant
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
Volunteers Required:
3
Day(s):
Weekdays and weekends (minimum two events per month)
Time of Day:
Morning and afternoon
Background:
SPES is offering an exciting opportunity for three individuals to assist the Stewardship Programs Coordinator with invasive species management and habitat restoration event preperation and delivery. Events are held during weekdays and weekends and this position requires a commitment to assist with a minmum of two events per month. There is also the opportunity to be involved with special event coordination.
Volunteer Duties:
The main duties associated with this position include the following:- Communicating with the Stewardship Coordinator on a weekly or bi-weekly basis
- Assisting with events (i.e. setup, facilitation, and cleanup)
- Maintaining event tools and materials
- Assisting with program education
- Assiting with feild data collection
- Opportunites are available for presentation delivery and the development of event materials, presenations, and activities
Event Dates and Times:
Volunteering for this position will take place during weekdays and/or weekends, with a minimum of one weekend and one weekday of assistance required. Normally weekend events are held each month on the second Saturday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and on the forth Sunday from 1 - 3 p.m. Weekday events can occur from 1-3 times per month and are held during the morning or afternoon. The duration of volunteering required for each event is from 4-5 hours. Minimum time commitment is 8-10 hours per month.
Skills and Experience Required:
- Are mature, reliable, a good communicator, enthusiastic, and enjoy teamwork and interacting with people
- Have a background in ecology/nature, stewardship, and/or conservation
- Have an interest in improving the quality of the natural environment and restoring natural habitat
- Have a willingness to learn and have fun
- Enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions, and are cable of performing a moderate level of physical work in moderately difficult terrain
- Able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 3 months
- Able to commit to assisting with a minimum of two events per month, one of which is a weekend, and for 4-5 hours per event
Other Language Required:
N/A
Reimbursements:
N/A
Training:
- All necessary training and direction will be provided on site by the Stewardship Coordinator
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Contribute to an organization dedicated to conserving Stanley Park's biodiversity
- Work in beautiful Stanley Park
- Work together with the public and professionals in managing invasive species
- Learn about ecology, stewardship, and ecological data collection
- Gain skills and experience in event leadership and environmental program delivery
- Learn about native plants and the ecological importance of natural areas
- Aquire knowledge of invasive species, their management, and habitat restoration
- Enhance your leadership, communication, team work, and organizational skills
- Meet new people and have fun
- Earn volunteer hours for school and other career related pursuits
- Receive a reference letter with a minimum contribution of 30 volunteer hours
- Volunteer recognition (e.g., end-of-summer party, volunteer Winter Party and awards)
Application Procedure:
Please submit a short cover letter describing why you are interested in this volunteer opportunity and a résumé outling previous experience and education in the field of environmental stewardship, conservation, and/or ecology to Greg Ferguson, Stewardship Programs Coordinator: Email: stewardship@stanleyparkecology.ca; Fax: 604-257-8378. Please put "Invasive Species Management Event Assistant Application" and your name in the subject line of your email or fax. The closing date for applications is January 31, 2010.
We thank all applicants for your interest, however only short-listed candidates will be contacted
Graphics Designer
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
Purpose:
Use your design skills to create attractive graphics for the Stanley Park Ecology Society. These could include original illustrations and technical diagrams, brochures, posters, newsletters, etc. All materials will be provided.
Please note: you must apply for this position with a résumé and a portfolio of your previous work.
Benefits:
- Work with a team of friendly, creative and enthusiastic individuals
- Great way to increase your portfolio
- Help a great organization help Stanley Park!
Training:
Orientation to the Stanley Park Ecology Society by the Volunteer Coordinator
Requirements:
- Illustration experience desirable
- Poster and other presentation design experience required
- Skill in Adobe suite required
- Artistic and creative interests required
- Ability be self-motivated and to work independently required
- An interest in the environment and natural history desirable
- Excellent English skills required
Application Procedure:
Please note: you must apply for this position with a résumé and a portfolio of your previous work to Koren Johnstone, Volunteer Coordinator: Email: vols@stanleyparkecology.ca; 604-681-7099. Please put "Stewardship Programs Volunteer Assistant Application" and your name in the subject line of your email or fax. The closing date for applications is January 15, 2010.
We thank all applicants for your interest, however only short-listed candidates will be contacted
