This internship is hosted by BC Nature, with funding from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.

About BC Nature

BC Nature’s vision is to connect the people of British Columbia to nature, to better know and appreciate its wonders, and to encourage people to be a strong voice and active champions for nature conservation.

BC Nature (BCN) is the parent body of over 60 natural history clubs and organizations throughout the province, representing more than 6,000 members. These individuals, including naturalists, environmentalists, scientists and others, provide the eyes, ears and feet on the ground for nature in B.C. The BCN network has shared their research, commitment and knowledge of B.C.’s wild spaces since 1969.

Through education, practical conservation projects and community engagement, BCN encourages people of all ages to explore nature and get involved in outdoor activities – from birdwatching, botanizing, searching for mushrooms or insects, to hiking, or just being outside exploring. They believe these activities foster awareness, appreciation and understanding of the natural environment, which leads to healthier communities and, hopefully, to a deeper personal commitment to conservation. They recognize that today that requires learning about and undertaking projects that promote resilience in the face of climate change.

Job summary

The Climate Adaptation and Nature-Based Solutions Coordinator will engage and support BC Nature member groups by:

1. Helping them to understanding the effects of climate change on biodiversity in British Columbia;
2. Assisting to identify impacts of climate change within their communities and regions and;
3. Mobilizing knowledge about nature-based solutions to climate change problems.

The coordinator will produce a Digital Handbook that will summarize issues faced by member groups and identify best practices for producing climate-resilient communities, especially emphasizing issues and solutions relevant to BCN members.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Develop and disseminate a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Survey to all BCN member clubs/organizations with the support of the BCN Regional Coordinators (weeks 1-2).
2. Review, analyse and report on survey results to board, staff and BCN members (weeks 3-10).
3. Produce a digital handbook to (a) explain (for a general audience) the effects of climate change on biodiversity; (b) provide details of BCN-member issues in this realm; (c) identify a range of nature-based solutions to specific problems, including those using Indigenous Knowledge; and (d) describe the value of collaboration in this task, as well as listing possible collaborators (weeks 3-15).

The Digital Handbook will educate members on nature-based solutions/responses to these issues and will encourage collaboration as a vital tool for achieving success.

Members of BCN’s Climate Change Committee will consult throughout, to ensure all the deliverables for this internship position have been realized.

Deliverables

1. Above mentioned survey questions;
2. Report on the results of the survey;
3. Digital Handbook for use by all BCN clubs for all programs and projects.
   • explaining the effects of climate change on biodiversity,
   • detailing BCN-member issues in this realm,
   • identifying nature-based solutions that have been successfully used to address specific problems, including those using Indigenous Knowledge; and stressing the value of collaboration when undertaking projects as well as listing possible collaborators.

The deliverables will be used to educate BCN members about the effects of climate change on biodiversity, and about nature-based solutions that have been successfully used to address these effects. As a result, BCN aims to increase the resilience of communities to climate change, restore and/or conserve natural areas, encourage collaboration among member organizations, and with other NGOs, Indigenous groups, and government agencies. BCN hopes to thereby increase protection for a wide range of species (threatened or not), as well as for natural areas.

Qualifications

• 4th year or graduate-level student enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or master’s program in climate related sciences at one of the following universities: UVIC, UBC, SFU, UNBC.
• Sound knowledge of climate change impacts and climate action best practices.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to synthesize research.
• Good time management skills and experience managing work plans to meet given deadlines.
• Knowledge and experience with conservation work, climate change/community resilience.
• Familiarity with software applications for survey creation, data analysis.
• A balance of training in climate science as well as education.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Self-starter who is comfortable working remotely to support board, staff and members.
• Experience in managing projects and assignments in a timely manner.
• Good oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.
• Ability to synthesize complex and diverse information.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm, professional and constructive.
• Ability to respond to changing priorities requiring innovation and resourcefulness.
• Inquiring and enthusiastic nature.

Work conditions

BC Nature is an equal opportunity nonprofit charity with four full time staff and six contractors. Their office is in North Vancouver. They aim to promote social equity, diversity and inclusion. This is an opportunity for hybrid work, in the office or from a home base through online meetings.

Salary range: $25.00 – $28.00 per hour (15 weeks with some flexibility for weeks, and hours/week). May to August 2025.

How to apply

Send your cover letter, resume and any questions to manager@bcnature.ca