Get Involved

Volunteer

Volunteering with CPAWS is a great way to make friends, learn about conservation firsthand, and be part of our mission to protect Canada’s wilderness.
Please note that due to COVID-19 and health restrictions, volunteer opportunities are limited and many are on hold.

Perks of being a CPAWS Northern Alberta Volunteer

  • Use your natural talents for a good cause.
  • Meet people who share similar interests and values.
  • Gain knowledge about the environment.
  • Develop new skills.
  • Make a difference in protecting Alberta’s wilderness.
  • Have Fun!
CPAWS

Volunteer Roles

Outreach volunteers are responsible for engaging and sharing CPAWS Northern Alberta's mission and current campaign details with the public at different community events.  This includes sharing outreach materials, such as postcards and stickers, and providing those interested with resources to stay connected with the organization.  

  • Outreach volunteers will provide a welcoming, kind atmosphere for the public to learn about the organization and encourage discussion about certain conservation topics if needed.  
  • All volunteers will be in communication with our Outreach Coordinator, who will provide details (parking, location, times etc.) of the community/outreach event. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the outreach coordinator.  
  • There is no minimum time commitment to be a casual volunteer. Depending on the event, outreach volunteer shifts would be ~3-5 hours long and can require short periods of standing, as well as volunteering in outdoor conditions.  
  • No outreach volunteer experience or science education is required but knowledge in conservation issues in Alberta is considered an asset. 

Community engagement is a core value in the work we do, and volunteers help bring this important facet of our work to life. Casual Volunteers will also be contacted to volunteer at our Casino Fundraising event.  

Casual/Outreach Volunteer

Outreach and casual volunteering play a vital role in our community engagement events. Casual and Outreach volunteers have no minimum time commitment. Volunteers can sign up to receive email alerts with upcoming opportunities and choose to participate or not. Spring volunteer training will occur April 23rd 2024, and additional training will be provided on-site.  

Project-Based Volunteer

Project based volunteers will work towards longer-term projects for the chapter. The need for Project Based volunteers will depend on current organizational requirements, and specific volunteer skills. We have combined our past conservation, communication & engagement and fund development committees, allowing for project-based volunteers to be involved in various facets of the work we do.  
  • All volunteers will be in communication with our Outreach Coordinator, who will oversee providing details of the project and an outline of the work to be done. Questions or concerns can be directed to the outreach coordinator.  
  • Depending on the volunteer’s involvement in an ongoing chapter project, the timeline for work to be completed will vary. If needed, project-based volunteers will be more than welcome to join our team in the office or work remotely if preferred.  
  • Past projects have included assisting in research through literature reviews, communications, as well as the coordination of fundraisers. 

 Do you have a specific skill set, project idea, or expertise? Please reach out! 

Park Bus Ambassador

Park Bus is a service that provides people in Edmonton with free, accessible transportation from Downtown Edmonton to Elk Island National Park! More about Park Bus: https://www.parkbus.ca/elkisland.

CPAWS Northern Alberta partners with Parkbus to provide an ambassador on the bus for every trip. Trips will be running Saturdays and Sundays from June 2024 to September 2024. We are currently seeking ambassadors for 2024. A stipend of $120 per trip is available for Park Bus Ambassadors.

Apply

Responsibilities: 

  • Park Bus Ambassadors will be responsible for meeting the bus at the designated departure spot and ensuring all passengers are checked in through the passenger lists provided. While en-route to the park, ambassadors will provide information about the park as well as current CPAWS Northern Alberta campaigns and initiatives.  
  • After a full day in the park, ambassadors will be responsible for ensuring the return of all passengers onto the bus and to Edmonton. This is an exciting way to experience the province’s National Parks and spread awareness to passengers of the benefits of protected areas!  
  • All ambassadors will be in communication with the ParkBus dispatcher on the day before and day of the trip. The dispatcher will oversee the trip remotely and provide passenger list and logistics information.  
  • Ambassadors will be responsible for dressing appropriately for changing weather throughout the day as well as bringing along appropriate food and water for a day out in the park with minimal phone service.  
  • Ambassadors must be comfortable speaking to a small audience about the work we do here at CPAWS Northern Alberta as well as provide riders with outreach materials such as stickers and post cards (will be provided with important speaking points and all outreach material from Outreach Coordinator)  
  • Past Park Bus experience, knowledge of conservation issues in Alberta as well as familiarity with CPAWS Northern Alberta is not required but considered an asset.  

Park Bus Ambassador Training will be provided online on June 13th, 2024. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the outreach coordinator. 

 

Becoming A

Board Member

A leadership position for individuals interested in a long-term commitment. The CPAWS Northern Alberta Board of Directors is responsible for setting conservation objectives and priorities and overseeing the strategic direction and financial health of the Chapter. The CPAWS Northern Alberta board is a governance board.

Location of Meetings

Board meetings are usually held online, there is no requirement to be located in Edmonton, Alberta.

Time Requirement

Typically 5-10 hours per month (including Board meetings). Time commitment increases depending on the level of involvement in ongoing projects. A commitment of a three-year term is preferred, but not required.

Skills & Experience

  • An appreciation for wilderness and a desire to help conserve Alberta’s natural heritage.
  • Skill and experience in such areas as: financial management, conservation biology, strategic planning, fund development, communications and media, advocacy and government.
  • Experience in a not-for-profit society or on a Board of Directors would be an asset.

Duties

  • Participate in setting conservation objectives.
  • Review and approve the Chapter’s annual budget.
  • Attend Board meetings (approx. 10 per year).
  • Attend the Annual General Meeting (usually held in September)
  • Work with other Board members and staff to build chapter capacity.

Training

  • First contacts will be with a representative of the Board of Directors Recruitment and Nominations.
  • A follow-up meeting will occur between the candidate and the Board of Directors.
  • A successful candidate will be meet with the Executive Director for orientation to CPAWS Northern Alberta and Board policies.
  • Training opportunities are provided in specific areas of relevance to the Board.
The CPAWS Northern Alberta Board of Directors is led by the Board Chair and is responsible to the CPAWS Northern Alberta membership.

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