Internships

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS

1.  Application Details
2.  Description of Internships
3.  Prerequisites and General Qualifications
4.  General Activities and Information for all internships
5.  What you should expect
6.  Internship Postings

1.  APPLICATION DETAILS:
To apply, please send all applications via email to:
Tegan Wong-Daugherty  | International Intern Coordinator
Email:  internships<a>fallsbrookcentre.ca

Applications will only be accepted by e-mail.  Applicants should electronically provide a cover letter, indicating the position(s) in which they are interested and highlighting their qualifications for this position, along with a resume and 2 references. Please indicate  in your cover letter your earliest possible start date.

While Falls Brook Centre appreciates all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  If you have not been contacted within one month of application deadline please assume that we have chosen other candidates for this round of internships.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted immediately and hiring will continue until all positions are filled.

2. DESCRIPTION:
These youth internships have been made available through support from the Canadian International Development Agency International Youth Internship Program which is part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy Program (YES). The goal of this project is to give young Canadians international work experience and to develop skills in the fields of international relations and sustainable development.

Successful applicants will start and finish their work experience in rural New Brunswick at Falls Brook Centre.  These positions require determined, self-starting individuals who are willing to work in a team and under difficult conditions and unpredictable circumstances.  Placements include an expectation of interns to devote time to self-study to improve language skills and cover reading and assignments related to pre-departure skill development.

The successful applicant will be given a moderate financial stipend to cover living expenses and a unique opportunity to gain experience in an international environment.

3. PREREQUISITES FOR ALL INTERNSHIPS:

• Be aged 30 or under;
• Be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants able to work in Canada;
• Be able to function in both written and spoken Spanish;
• Be currently under or unemployed;
• Have not previously worked outside Canada in a paid, career-related position;
• Be a graduate of a college or university; and
• Have not previously participated in another Youth Employment Strategy (YES) internship program

General Qualifications for all Internships:

• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment
• Ability to learn quickly, take initiative and problem-solve
• Understanding and experience in working on sustainability and environmental issues;
• Ability to work physically as well as in an office environment;
• Excellent health and fitness;
• Some previous travel or overseas study experience would be a strong asset;
• Ability to work in rustic conditions while in Canada and abroad
• Having a sense of humour is an asset, as is the ability to go with the moment
• Spanish language skills

4. GENERAL ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION FOR ALL INTERNSHIPS:
The pre-departure training on-site at Falls Brook Centre gives the intern hands-on training and experiences that will prepare participants their international placements.  General activities for all interns at Falls Brook Centre include:

• Assisting in the maintenance of the Acadian Forest restoration nursery;
• Assisting in the development of certified-organic gardens, herbariums and orchards;
• Delivering environmental education programming both on site and within the local area for  members of the public;
• General office duties, developing organizational skills; and
• Maintaining various signed nature trails.

Work Schedule and Stipend:
Falls Brook Centre: 12 weeks | Work time overseas: 20 weeks | Falls Brook Centre: 2 weeks

Please note: This schedule is very fluid and is subject to change, (i.e., the intern may spend only 2 weeks at Falls Brook Centre before travelling overseas, but the intern would spend the remaining 12 weeks at Falls Brook Centre upon their return).

Stipend: $200 per week.  EI and CPP contributions will be deducted from the stipend.

Living Expenses:  Please note you will be required to pay a weekly room and board rental fee to Falls Brook Centre Accommodation Costs at Falls Brook Centre (includes a basic, furnished room, heat, electricity, and water): May 1 – September 15: $75/week, September 16 – April 30: $90/week

Food Expenses:    All interns are part of the following food structure.  We live in a remote rural environment and try to supply as much food as possible from our own organic gardens, further supplemented by local organic products.  This is part of our ongoing effort to support a local, sustainable food system.

• Seasonal lunches 5 days a week and access to in-season organic vegetables, berries, herbs, flowers on-site. The price is $30 per week. All interns on site during this timeframe are automatically a part of this system.
• $10/week for Whole Foods Co-op (WFC) (year-round).  All interns are automatically a part of this system while on-site at FBC. This supplies weekly access to organic grains, pastas, flours, oils, laundry detergent and dish soap, among other essential goods.  Selection is subject to availability.
• Any food items not included in the organic gardens or WFC will be purchased by the intern.

Interns are also responsible for paying for all living expenses while overseas.  Costs will vary according to country and job location.  These internships cannot be seen as a money-making venture or salaried position – the stipend you receive is to help offset your costs of living only.  It is recommended that you have additional funds to provide yourself with any entertainment, communication and extracurricular activities.   In return, you will be placed with a leading and highly respected organization to gain valuable work experience and skills for your future employment endeavours.  If you have a student loan, it may be possible to defer payment during the course of your internship but you should check that out in advance before applying.

Supervision at Falls Brook Centre provided by the Intern Co-ordinator.

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, although participation in occasional evening and weekend events and workshops will be required as part of the training program for interns.

5. WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT:
Falls Brook Centre internships are an integral part of equipping young professionals of today with practical knowledge and skills to work at a landscape level with local communities in transition.  As an organization we seek to inform our policy discussions and education outreach with hands-on skill-building in organic gardens, land restoration, and small-scale renewable energy.  A morning might be spent turning compost and then suiting up to assist with a public forum on adaptation to climate change.  A 10-day analog forestry workshop might be arranged where you  are soaking in and learning from some of the leading restoration biologists without a weekend break.  The internship will be what you are willing to put into it.  The value is really in how you can apply yourself and what you take away with you.  Your job descriptions may vary throughout your internship and you will be expected to “work to task” based on the needs of FBC and your overseas host.

You can also expect lots of job satisfaction, strong friendships and the opportunity to work with your hands and your head.  Most placements are in rural areas faced with challenging situations. You will be trained in many aspects of being an effective environmental and community development and you should expect to spend a very full eight months requiring time, energy, productivity and a perspective willing to be challenged and engaged.

Internships at Falls Brook Centre are designed to improve the knowledge, skills, and experience of young professionals and to increase their options for career choices after the internship. During the internship, interns are exposed to a wide variety of people, and training sessions, both in Canada and overseas. Work is conducted in Canada and overseas to improve the intern’s awareness of the linkages between community development issues both in Canada and in the southern context..  For those candidates who are primarily interested in the overseas component of the internship, we suggest that you look at other organizations that have similar goals to your own.

Falls Brook is located in a remote, rural environment. We try to “live simply, so that others may simply live”. You must have the ability to feel comfortable with wood heat, spring water, physical outdoor labour (including cleaning outhouses on occasion!) and a rural living experience.

 

6. INTERNATIONAL YOUTH INTERNSHIP POSTINGS:

1. Title: Biodiversity Restoration and Community Development Facilitator

Positions Available: 2
Location: Guantanamo, Cuba
Partner Organization: Unidad Silvicola de Guantanamo, Cuba
Partnership Description: Falls Brook Centre and the Unidad Silvicola de Guantanamo, Cuba began a joint biodiversity restoration through an Analog Forestry project in September 2007. Analog Forestry is a methodology that moves beyond other agro-forestry practices since it includes an explicit focus on the identification and incorporation of biological diversity of plant species with viable economic returns for small producers. Interns participating in this project will contribute to carry out the train the trainers’ workshops in Havana and Guantanamo, liaise with national and international organizations and apply the Analog Forestry methodology in the field.

Intern Attributes:
a)      Working knowledge of Spanish required (advanced preferred)
b)      Degree in forestry, biology, geography, international development, environmental science, non-timber forest products or resource management.
c)      Interest in tropical/Caribbean flora and fauna biology or botany, medicinal plant propagation, forest systems, and environmental health issues
d)     Experience developing environmental educational materials and proposal writing an asset;
e)      Works well in a team environment but able to manage independent projects and take initiative

Job Description Overseas
a)      Implementation of biodiversity and soil restoration techniques.
b)      Seed propagation of medicinal and nutritional species.
c)      Plan and co- facilitate community workshops on environmental and nutritional themes with adults
d)     Plan and co-facilitate creative children’s environmental education workshops
e)      Assess women’s experience in natural resource management and propose ways to incorporate this experience into project activities.

2. Title: Biodiversity Restoration Facilitator

Positions Available: 2
Location: Cuba
Partner Organization: Instituto de Investigaciones Forestales (IIF)
Partnership Description: Falls Brook Centre and the Instituto de Investigaciones Forestales de Cuba began a joint biodiversity restoration through Analog Forestry project in September 2007. Analog Forestry is a methodology that moves beyond other agro-forestry practices since it includes an explicit focus on the identification and incorporation of biological diversity of plant species with viable economic returns for small producers. Interns participating in this project will contribute to carry out the train the trainers’ workshops in Havana and Guantanamo, liaise with national and international organizations and apply the Analog Forestry methodology on the field.

Intern Attributes:
a)      Working knowledge of Spanish required (advanced preferred)
b)      Degree in forestry, biology, geography, international development, environmental science, non-timber forest products or resource management.
c)      Interest in tropical/Caribbean flora and fauna biology or botany, plant propagation, forest systems and environmental health issues
d)     Experience developing environmental educational materials, graphic design and proposal writing an asset;
e)      Works well in a team environment but able to manage independent projects and take initiative

Job Description Overseas
a)      Implementation of biodiversity and soil restoration techniques.
b)      Seed propagation of medicinal and nutritional species.
c)      Planning and co- facilitate community workshops on environmental and nutritional themes with adults
d)     Plan and co-facilitate creative children’s environmental education workshops
e)      Assess women’s experience in natural resource management and propose ways to incorporate this experience into project activities.

3. Title: Organic Agriculture Facilitator

Positions Available: 2
Location: Cuba
Partner Organization: Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas (INCA)

Partnership Description: INCA has extensive experience in developing sustainable food production systems in Cuba since 1970. INCA has been actively involved in soil restoration and land reclamation with local farmers in abandoned state sugarcane fields. Current projects, such as a CIDA Voluntary Sector fund project are working with INCA to provide outreach and training to rural farmers to improve local agricultural techniques such as more resistant seed breeding, permaculture, and soil management.

Intern Attributes:
a)      Working knowledge of Spanish required (advanced preferred)
b)      Degree in agriculture, international development, environmental science / studies,
c)      Experience with organic agriculture and plant propagation
d)     Experience developing environmental educational materials an asset;
e)      Good communication skills, experience working with youth and children, theatre/drama   experience,
f)       Works well in a team environment but able to manage independent projects and take initiative

Job Description Overseas
a)      Support capacity building of integrated agro-ecological management plans, conservation of natural resources, and mitigation of GHG through agricultural systems
b)      Conduct workshops and create environmental resources for livestock farmers, agricultural workers, and forest farms
c)      Support local farmers in the development of nurseries, restoration design plans, and landscape management
d)     Document and record the experiences of the farmers and project to analyze and disseminate results.

4. Title: Appropriate Technology Technician 

Positions Available: 2
Location: Sabana Grande, Nicaragua
Partner Organization: Grupo Fenix, Nicaragua

Partnership Description: Grupo Fenix is committed to the implementation and dispersal of appropriate technology initiatives that address critical environmental problems and improve the quality of life for rural families. Areas of focus include working with local technicians to create low cost Solar Photo Voltaic panels and systems, teaching local people to construct high-efficiency woodstoves, and working with woman’s groups to gain access to low-cost appropriate technology for livelihood development.

Intern Attributes:
a)      Working knowledge of Spanish required.
b)      Degree in engineering, environmental studies/sciences, community/international development;
c)      Experience and/or knowledge working appropriate technology or renewable energy;
d)     Interest in hands-on work with set up, training, and maintenance of renewable energy systems
e)      Experience developing educational materials
f)       Experience in running a business, marketing, public relations

Job Description Overseas
a)      Participate in construction projects for community centres and other initiatives to satisfy collective needs.
b)      Promote the development of local technicians and businesses in construction and installation of PV panels and systems.
c)      Support construction of high-efficiency woodstoves or biogas digesters.
d)     Promote the use and construction of solar cookers and dryers among women groups.

5. Title: Biodiversity Restoration Facilitator

Positions Available: 1
Location: Dominican Republic
Partner Organization: Enda Caribe, Dominican Republic

Partnership Description: Enda Caribe focuses on the marginalized strata, both rural and urban, in different areas of the Dominican Republic. Its main areas of activities are: medicinal plants, agroforestry, local self-development, environmental protection, community health and AIDS, electronic communication.   Enda Caribe and Falls Brook currently collaborate in the Project Biodiversity Restoration and Community Development through Analog Forestry

Intern Attributes:
a)      Working knowledge of Spanish required (advanced preferred)
b)      Degree in forestry, biology, geography, international development, environmental science, non-timber forest products or resource management.
c)      Some understanding and/or experience in certification & market and business development
d)     Experience conducting biodiversity and environmental studies an asset.
e)      Knowledge of carbon markets

Job Description Overseas
a)      Support the creation of a community education and biodiversity restoration site at the National Botanic Garden
b)      Conduct Consensus Workshop Method sessions with women to identify gender – related problems and determine women’s role in the project.
c)      Marketing of products
d)     Carbon program assistance
e)      Conduct Biodiversity Baseline studies to monitor project success overtime
f)       Implementation of biodiversity and soil restoration techniques.
g)      Seed propagation of medicinal and nutritional species.

6. Title: Rural Livelihood Developer

Positions Available: 1
Location: Dominican Republic
Partner Organization: Enda Caribe, Dominican Republic

Partnership Description: Enda Caribe focuses on the marginalized strata, both rural and urban, in different areas of the Dominican Republic. Its main areas of activities are: medicinal plants, agroforestry, local self-development, environmental protection, community health and AIDS, electronic communication.   Enda Caribe and Falls Brook currently collaborate in the Project Biodiversity Restoration and Community Development Through Analog Forestry

Intern Attributes:
a)      Working knowledge of Spanish required (advanced preferred)
b)      Degree in forestry, biology, geography, international development, environmental science / studies, non-timber forest products or resource management, business/commerce.
c)      Some understanding and/or experience in certification and forest management plans an asset;
d)     Experience creating business plans, product development, and marketing

Job Description Overseas
a)      Support local farmers to join and participate in local agricultural cooperative
b)      Support the product development, organization, and market access of value added products from forest farms
c)      Support outreach and trainings of local farmers in Analog Forestry practices
d)     Develop outreach materials for to help farmers gain access to local and national markets

7. Title: Biodiversity Restoration Facilitator

Positions Available: 2
Location: Atlantida, Honduras
Partner Organization: MAMUCA, Honduras

Partnership Description: MAMUCA is a member of and represents Honduras in the Model Forest network. MAMUCA focuses on capacity building for rural communities and promotes an ecologically sound management of the natural resources in the area. The project Biodiversity Restoration and Community Development through Analog Forestry intends to equip woodlot owners with the know how to implement forest restoration projects that provide alternative income options. This initiative is based on disseminating the Analog Forestry methodology in order to evaluate target area, assess its potential for non-timber forest products production, design a management plan and implement it with the participation of the local population.

Intern Attributes:
a)      Working knowledge of Spanish required (advanced preferred)
b)      Degree in forestry, biology, geography, international development, environmental science / studies, non-timber forest products or resource management.
c)      Some understanding and/or experience in certification, NTFP  management and management plans;
d)     Experience developing environmental educational materials an asset;

Job Description Overseas
a)      Support the coordination of the Atlantida Model Forest
b)      Support outreach and trainings of local farmers in Analog Forestry practices
c)      Work with local farmers to improve seed collecting, nurseries, and management of forest species
d)     Conduct Biodiversity Baseline studies to monitor project success overtime
e)      Implementation of biodiversity and soil restoration techniques.
f)       Seed propagation of medicinal and nutritional species.

8. Title: Community Development Facilitator

Positions Available: 2
Location: La Ceiba, Honduras
Partner Organization: Fundación Cuero y Salado (FUCSA), Honduras

Partnership Description: FUCSA (Fundación Cuero y Salado) is a prominent environmental organization based out of La Ceiba Honduras, which has been a leader in protected area management and community development since 1987. The Foundation manages a 13 000 hectare wildlife refuge and the small communities which live within the area. FUCSA is focused on creating livelihood opportunities for the people living within the refuge, and the many communities situated in the broader watershed. Through activities such as ecotourism, sustainable fisheries management, and watershed restoration, FUCSA aims to protect and conserve the native biodiversity of the zone while working closely with local people who rely on the natural resources of the area for survival.

Intern Attributes:
a)      Working knowledge of Spanish required (advanced preferred)
b)    Degree in forestry, biology, geography, international development, environmental science, non-timber forest products or resource management.
c)      Interest in Sustainable Forestry practices
d)      Experience with community based organizations
e)     Graphic design and web skills
f)      Communication and group facilitation skills
g)       Good communication skills, experience working with youth and children, theatre/drama experience, experience running education programs.
h)      Works well in a team environment but able to manage independent projects and take initiative

Job Description Overseas
a)      Support outreach and trainings of local farmers in Analog Forestry practices
b)      Support the design of ecosystem and biodiversity restoration in existing Analog Forestry sites
c)      Conduct Biodiversity Baseline studies to monitor project success overtime
d)     Assess women’s experience in natural resource management and propose ways to incorporate this experience into project activities.
e)      Develop educational materials and resources for local farmers concerning effective agricultural management, including poster and signage development
f)       Implementation of biodiversity and soil restoration techniques.
g)      Seed propagation of medicinal and nutritional species.

9. Title: Environmental Educator

Positions Available: 2
Location: Atlantida, Honduras
Partner Organization: GUARUMA, Honduras

Partnership Description: GUARUMA is a leader in youth outreach, education, and community development in Honduras. Founded in 2002, Guaruma is focused on raising awareness about environmental issues and conservation through educational programs in the Cangrejal River watershed. Guaruma trains students and communities in access to technology such as the internet in order to create broad reaching access to information and a reinforcement of environmental connectivity. In addition GUARUMA is committed to building local capacity and skills by offering art and ecotourism guiding classes to youth.

Intern Attributes:
a)      Working knowledge of Spanish required (advanced preferred)
b)      Degree in environmental science/studies, education, international development, business
c)      Experience with graphic design and preparation of educational materials
d)     Experience in leadership and group facilitation
e)      Good communication skills, experience working with youth and children, theatre/drama experience, experience running education programs.
f)       Experience with business planning and market development
g)      Works well in a team environment but able to manage independent projects and take initiative

Job Description Overseas
a) Conduct workshops with children and youth to raise awareness about the environment
b)Develop materials and resources for community workshops and trainings
c) Work with host organization to develop skills of local youth to earn an income in an environmentally sustainable manner
d) Support local ecotourism projects with outreach and access to markets and resources
e) Support the development of income generating activities for the host organization and community

10. Title: Organic Agriculture Facilitator

Positions Available: 2
Location: Chapingo, Mexico
Partner Organization: CIESTAAM, Mexico

Partnership Description: Falls Brook Centre and CIESTAAM recently concluded a three-year VSF-funded project, entitled “The Organic Network of Change: Developing Sustainability in Rural Mexican Communities through Local Organic Markets”. This project’s outcomes include the growth of the Mexican Network of Organic Markets (Red Mexicana de Tianguis y Mercados Organicos) from 9 participating markets to over 20, the integration of women at all levels of the decision-making structure within the network, the empowerment of rural women in taking leadership roles at the level of individual markets, and the establishment of a system of participatory organic certification that may be accessed and utilized by small organic producers wishing to sell their products locally.

Intern Attributes:
a)      Working knowledge of Spanish required.
b)      Degree in education, rural development, international or community development, environmental science/studies/ agriculture.
c)      Good communication skills, experience working with youth and children, theatre/drama experience
d)     Knowledge of organic agriculture and organic certification standards
e)      Experience developing and leading environmental education programs
f)       Works well in a team environment but able to manage independent projects and take initiative

Job Description Overseas
a)      Assist in coordinating the activities of the Mexican Network of Organic Markets
b)      Public engagement activities in Canada and Mexico to raise consumer awareness of local, organic products available in both countries
c)      Assist in the creation of publications and research documents on small-scale organics in Mexico
d)     Educational activities for children on food security and organics
e)      Assist in the development and delivery of workshops for small producers with the aim of building skills and supporting organic best practices
f)       Participate in and share information about the Participatory Organic Certification process

11. Title: Biodiversity Restoration Facilitator

Positions Available: 2
Location: Costa Rica
Partner Organization: Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE), Costa Rica

Partnership Description: The Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenanza (CATIE) currently operates several analog forestry demonstration sites and collaborates closely with the Costa Rican Model Forest initiative at Reventazon on participative forest management with a landscape focus. CATIE and Falls Brook currently collaborate in the Project Biodiversity Restoration and Community Development through Analog Forestry (Proj. No: S064061), have collaborated to organize various international workshops and trainings on biodiversity restoration.

Intern Attributes:
a)      Working knowledge of Spanish required (advanced preferred)
b)      Degree in forestry, biology, geography, international development, environmental science / studies, resource management, communications, graphic design.
c)      Experience developing computer based educational programs and resources
d)     Experience with graphic design an asset.
e)      Excellent writing and communication skills

Job Description Overseas
a)      Support communication, training, and extension initiatives between project sites
b)      Preparation of virtual analog forestry training
c)      Assist development and maintenance of the regional project website and e-bulletin
d)     Support the development for the improvement of demonstration sites and landowner empowerment
e)      Gather information concerning bio-diversity monitoring activities, socio-economic and market studies
f)       Facilitate workshops to promote capacity building on analog forestry
g)      Contribute to gather experiences and lessons learned from the established analog forestry sites in Latin America in order to facilitate the development of other analog forestry farms.