About Osoyoos Desert Centre

On the southern edge of British Columbia's beautiful Okanagan valley is one of Canada’s most critically endangered ecosystems - the semi-arid, antelope-brush shrub-steppe. In the 1990s a group of concerned citizens eager to protect, restore and advocate for our disappearing desert environment opened the Osoyoos Desert Centre, a 67-acre nature interpretive facility.

 

At the heart of our mission is the desire to provide engaging, immersive experiences in nature, offering insight into our natural world and inspiring active concern for healthy ecosystems. Each year we welcome thousands of visitors from around the world, who take tours along our 1.5 km boardwalk trail, enjoy interactive displays in our interpretive discovery centre, and gain landscaping inspiration from our native plant garden. Through various educational initiatives, visitors learn about biodiversity loss, habitat connectivity, climate change and invasive species management, and take part in hands-on workshops like creating pollinator gardens or building bluebird nest boxes. We are also keen to deliver outdoor, place-based educational field trips to hundreds of students each year, working with teachers to tie learning outcomes to BC’s education curriculum.

 

Conservation Guide

ODC Conservation Guides act as ambassadors of ODC, embodying our mission and values in every interaction and representing the organization with enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication. ODC Conservation Guides create exceptional visitor experiences by providing education and information, sharing knowledge and stories, and creating lifelong memories. ODC provides comprehensive training to facilitate learning the role of Conservation Guide, ensuring our staff acquire the skills and knowledge to excel at this position and beyond, creating their own lifelong memories.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Public education

• Lead guided tours for the general public, private tour groups and school groups

• Learn and effectively communicate wildlife and habitat information

• Conduct presentations on local flora and fauna

• Assist at special events including workshops and seminars

 

Scientific Monitoring and Data Collection

• Monitor water levels in spadefoot breeding ponds and fill as per schedule

• Monitor hummingbird feeders and clean/fill as per schedule

• Monitor bluebird boxes and record bluebird data

• Participate in ongoing ODC data collection and research projects including Behr’s Hairstreak Surveys

• Record species sightings (iNaturalist)

• Update log sheets (water, feeders, etc.)

 

Customer Service

• Interact with visitors following tours and in the Interpretive Building exhibit area

• Cover admissions desk duties (admissions and merchandise sales) as needed

• Provide local, national and international visitors with information about the local area

• Source information in field guides, tour books, etc. to assist visitors

 

Cleaning and Site Maintenance

• Invasive plant remediation, landscape pruning and weeding

• Clean and re-stock interpretive building, gift shop and bathroom

• Empty garbage and recycling, pick up litter, sweep walkways, etc.

 

Previous conservation guide experience is not necessary. We provide comprehensive on-the-job training. We are seeking candidates who possess the following qualities and skills:

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• A keen interest in science, education, and/or nature interpretation

• Outgoing personality and excellent interpersonal, intercultural, and intergenerational communication skills

• Ability to work effectively within a team as well as work independently with minimal supervision

• Ability to learn and integrate new information

• Confidence in educating and inspiring groups of people through public speaking

• Ability to make sound judgments and respond tactfully in various situations

• Self-directed, organized and adept at multitasking, prioritization, and problem-solving

• Interest in working with a dynamic and collaborative group of individuals and gaining hands-on skills

 

Requirements

• Valid class 5 driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

 

HOURS:                 35 hours per week; some evening and weekend work is required

TERM:                   May to August; 1 position to extend to October if possible

WAGE:                  $20/hour

LOCATION:          Osoyoos BC, on-site

REPORTING TO:  Executive Director

 

Application Deadline: February 21, 2025. Please email cover letter and resume to Jayme Friedt, Executive Director at director@desert.org.

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This job is made possible through the support of Canada Summer Jobs funding. To meet the funds criteria, applicants must be eligible to work in Canada and be between the ages of 15 and 30 at the start of employment.

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For more information, visit our website at www.desert.org. ODC is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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