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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.
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 9:30-4:30
- 3 month commitment
Requirements:
- Friendly and enthusiastic
- Good communication skills - strong English speaking and comprehension skills are mandatory. A second language is an asset
- A keen interest in nature and Stanley Park. A background in biology, ecology, natural history or a related field is an asset but not necessary
- A team player with the ability to work independently
- 18 years or older
- High commitment level
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
GIS/Mapping
Status:
Program is currently active.
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
GPS/Monitoring
Status:
Program is currently active.
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
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
Popcorn Stand Attendant
Status:
Program is currently active.
Purpose:
To help the Stanley Park Ecology Society run the Hallowe'en "Ghost Train" Popcorn Stand.
Details of position:
- Aid the staff person to prepare and sell popcorn and other food items 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
- Free passes for Ghost Train
- 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 6-10 pm every night from October 9 - November 1 and December 6 - January 1. Scheduled volunteers are welcome from 6:30-9:30 each night. Volunteers who can commit to at least two nights a week are preferred.
Training provided
For further information, please contact info@stanleyparkecology.ca or phone 604-257-6908.
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.
Ivy Team Leader
Status:
Program is currently active.
As the Ivy Busters program is expanding, we are looking for volunteer team leaders to help train and lead small groups during stewardship programs.
Details of position:
- Learn how to conduct site assessments, instruct and lead new volunteers on invasive species removal techniques, and monitor sites following invasive plant removal
- Commitment: 8 hours per month for events, and be available to attend 2 training sessions held on weekends
The next training session to be offered for team leaders will be the afternoon of October 11, 2008, following the community event.
If you enjoy working with people and are interested in actively contributing to restoration efforts in the Park through invasive species removal, contact the Stewardship Coordinator at stewardship@stanleyparkecology.ca or call (604) 718-6522
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
Eco Rangers - summer positions full
Season: Summer
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
To apply, please print and fill out the Eco Ranger application form (pdf format, 45 KB) and send by mail, fax or email to 'Ecoranger Coordinator' by May 31.
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:
- Touring the busy areas of the Park in pairs:
- Answering questions about the Park and its natural history
- Handing out wildlife and natural history information brochures and maps
- Assisting visitors with directions
- Explaining bylaws and encouraging visitors to follow those bylaws
- Assist in operating outdoor, interactive wildlife display tables and delivering educational programs at various sites in Stanley Park
- To assist the Eco Ranger Coordinator and Nature House Staff with displays and/or programs
- Eco Rangers with the appropriate skills may be trained to lead short, interpretive walks
- Become familiar with the Park landscape, attractions, tourism information wildlife issues, history, natural history and Park bylaws
- Continuously enhance your personal knowledge base by familiarizing yourself with the resources offered at the Nature House, the Pavilion and on the Web site
- To attend all scheduled training sessions
- Work outside - Rain or shine!
Time Commitment:
- Mandatory Eco Ranger training will be scheduled in the last week of May and throughout June contact the coordinator for more info
- The bulk of Eco Ranger activities occur during July and August, however there are opportunities for ongoing participation
- Volunteers are expected to commit to two 3.5 hour shifts per week
Requirements:
- Outgoing, enthusiastic, reliable and a team player
- Enjoy meeting new people
- Have a keen interest in nature and Stanley Park; you don't need to know everything, just be willing to learn
- Strong English speaking and comprehension skills are mandatory; a second language is an asset
- 16 years or older
- Attend ALL training sessions
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
- Enjoy the summer outdoors in Stanley Park
- Free Sunday Discovery Walks
- Meet like-minded people
- Fulfill CAPP hours
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
Special Events
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
World Oceans Day (June 8) is coming up, but there are enough volunteers to cover it.
At World Oceans Day, people draw together to teach and learn about stewardship.
It's a great opportunity to spread the good word about SPES and meet other groups working in the Lower Mainland.
- World Oceans Day will be held at Blackie Spit Park in Crescent Beach (9 am-4 pm)
Urban Camping Assistant
Season: Spring
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
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 a group of 30 grade 5-7 students 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 (end of April-end of June) 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
Stanley Park Invasives Removal
Youth Team
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
The Stanley Park Ecology Society is offering an exciting opportunity for youth ages 14-20 to earn volunteer hours during 2-week rotations throughout the summer months. Through participation in this program, volunteers will work in teams to gain valuable experience and specialized skills in ecology and public outreach. In addition, youth will learn more about west coast ecology and conservation issues; have the opportunity to develop organizational and leadership skills; and get to work in beautiful Stanley Park during the summer!
Volunteer Duties:
- Work in teams to remove targeted invasive species from selected areas of Stanley Park
- Speak with the public about ecology and invasive species in the Park
- Support your SPIRYT team members and Stewardship Coordinator as needed
Volunteer Requirements:
- You are outgoing, enthusiastic, reliable and a team player
- You are between 14 and 20 years of age
- You have an interest in learning more about ecology, conservation and Stanley Park
- You enjoy doing physical work in the outdoors
- You must be available for, and able to commit to afternoons (from 1-4:30) on Tuesdays through Fridays during your session
Creatures of the Night
Status:
Program is currently inactive.
Purpose:
To help the Stanley Park Ecology Society bring awareness in a fun and educational way to the mysterious night creatures of Stanley Park by assisting with the Creatures of the Night walks during the Halloween Ghost Train. For 2008, this exciting and popular event will start on October 9, and will take place every Thursday to Saturday night during the month of October (the last week may include Sunday as well).
Volunteers must be able to commit to at least a total of 4 shifts of 4 hours each (6:00PM to 10:00PM). There will be several different types of positions for volunteers to choose from including some dramatic roles involving the memorization and delivery of short skits, selling tickets and helping people get organized and ready for the walk.
Training:
CotN volunteer training is from 6:30pm to 9:00pm at the Stanley Park Dining Pavilion (snacks provided) on the following dates:
- Actors must attend at least one of these nights: September 30 or October 1 and at least one of these nights: October 7 or 8
- Shepherds and Ticket Team must attend at least one of these nights: September 29 or October 2 and at least one of these nights: October 7 or 8
Benefits:
- Learn about bats, owls and other night creatures
- Gain valuable experience working with the public in a festive setting
- Improve communication skills
- Develop customer service skills
- Explore a career in Nature Interpretation
- Fulfill student volunteer hours
- Free organic, buttered popcorn, hot chocolate, and pizza!
Duties:
- Dress in animal costumes and perform as night creatures of Stanley Park
- Dress in Hallowe'en costumes, sell tickets, promote the walks and the Stanley Park Ecology Society
- Help the walk leader gather participants
- Hand out and help to light lanterns at the beginning of the walk and collect them at the end of the walk
- Help to keep the walk together and answer questions from the public
Requirements:
- 14 years old or over
- Lots of enthusiasm and a sense of fun!
- Willingness to commit to the event
- Good command of English
- Interested in learning about the night creatures of the Park
- Good organizational and communication skills
Contact:
Koren Johnstone, Volunteer Coordinator, Stanley Park Ecology Society
E-mail: vols@stanleyparkecology.ca Phone: 604-681-7099
