Conservation Guide – Volunteer

The Chilcotin Ark Institute is located in the Chilcotin Ark, a unique place for nature and wildlife due to the diverse combination of ecosystems. We are committed to sustainable land management, stewardship and conservation of wildlife of this unique environment. To do so, we facilitate and conduct participatory action research and conservation projects. Your experience as Volunteer combines nature conservation with personal development and nature connection. You will experience a variety of fields such as invasive species management, habitat management, wildlife studies, proposal writing and eco-tourism by educating visitors and getting them involved in hands-on conservation projects in the area. Personal and professional development is a cornerstone of your experience with ongoing support on your journey. If you have a specific research interest or conservation project that you would like to conduct in the area, you have the opportunity to plan and conduct it as part of your stay. We work together with universities and facilitate co-op terms. Our ranch-based research centre and remote satellite research stations in the Chilcotin Ark in British Columbia, Canada are the ideal place to facilitate your project.

Project description

As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to gain experience in the following, but not limited to:

• Conduct citizen science projects for the collection of wildlife data on all trips
• Educate visitors to the area and the public about local nature, wildlife & conservation and get them involved in conservation projects
• Guide guests into the remote back-country (hike/horseback)
• Guest involvement from horse care to chores
• Camp maintenance and chores
• Contribute to the development of land plans including wildlife, land and resource management

Requirements:

The requirement for staying with us is your commitment to your Personal Development and to contribute to the self-sustainable lifestyle of our community. You are ready to view challenges as opportunities to grow and learn and take initiative to leave your comfort zone. You are willing to work long hours of physical work when doing conservation projects and daily tasks which contribute to our self-sustainable lifestyle such as cooking shared meals, housekeeping and other ranch chores e.g. cutting wood, animal care and repair maintenance.

Benefits:

• Opportunities match responsibility taken and include attending external workshops and learning new skills and gaining knowledge.
• Hands-on experience and insights into Nature Conservation, contributing to something bigger and a positive change in the world.
• Live by our Six Principles of Nature Connection, Nature Conservation, Personal Development, Self-Sufficiency, Empowerment, and Conscious & Aware.
• Your Personal Development is the priority of your experience, so we facilitate the environment for you to grow and evolve towards your best self.
• You become part of our self-sustainable community where we support each other in our goals and mission and share our personal experiences on a daily basis.
• Participate in communal activities such as wildlife tracking, hikes, horseback rides, rodeos and more opportunities.
• You will live and work in a remote wilderness environment and experience a self-sustainable lifestyle, where you reconnect with nature and yourself.
• You create your own work schedule that meets your interests and moves you towards your goals.
• Free room and board included.