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The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, not-for-profit facility dedicated to supporting research and educational initiatives in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. The facility is located at the junction of three distinct ecosystems and provides a unique insight into life in the tundra, boreal forest and marine environments. The CNSC is open year- round to provide support for ongoing research projects, as well as offering University credit courses, Elderhostel, Earthwatch and our own Learning Vacations. We are proud to present a variety of programs which are designed to capitalize on the area's many seasonal attractions. This is where our volunteers step in!

Volunteers have always helped the CNSC to function smoothly and efficiently. The CNSC is actively seeking volunteers for the following seasons:
1) our dynamic summer season between mid-May and the end of August
2) Our popular Polar Bear Season in October and November.
3) Our exciting Northern Lights season from approximately mid January to mid-March (dates change slightly from year to year but for 2010 the dates are ~ Feb. 5-27, 2010).

Minimum Requirements:
Age 19, fluency in English, fit and healthy.

Summertime Highlights (approx. 8 volunteers):
In the summer we have beluga whales, migrating and nesting birds by the thousands, colourful wildflowers, caribou and the occasional polar bear in the area! The best kept secret in Churchill is that the polar bears arrive in July most years and summer bear viewing opportunities are often available! This is also the busy summer research field season and researchers, scientists and students come from all over North America and beyond to study the flora and fauna of the area. If you are looking for research networking opportunities this is the place to be! The CNSC offers a variety of educational programs on the area and you are welcome at the lectures, presentations and on some of the outdoor excursions.

Fall Highlights (approx. 4-6 volunteers):
By October/November the number of polar bear sightings increase as the polar bears migrate to the coast of Hudson Bay to await freeze-up so they can go back onto the ice to hunt ringed seal. The CNSC offers many educational programs on the polar bears and you are welcome to join in on the lectures and some outdoor excursions.

Winter Highlights (approx. 2 volunteers):
In the winter you can expect to see ptarmigan, arctic hares, arctic fox and beautiful northern lights dancing across the sky. Churchill is one of the international destinations for viewing the magnificient Aurora Borealis. The CNSC offers educational programming on the Aurora and you are welcome to attend the presentations and join us on outdoor excursions to view the northern lights at night and the landscape by day!

Work Week:
In exchange for working 36 hours per week ( 6 hours per day / 6 days a week) the CNSC provides meals and accommodation.

Food:
The CNSC is well known for its food! Yes we can accommodate vegetarians!

Travel Costs:
We regret that we are not able to provide reimbursement for travel costs associated with getting to and from Churchill.

Duties:
Duties usually revolve around the kitchen, such as salad and dessert prep, baking, lots of dish washing and general cleaning. Other duties could include work in some of the following areas: office, housekeeping, or maintenance.

Skills:
No special skills are needed but we are looking for energetic, congenial people with excellent social skills.

Exercise:
Outdoor activity may be restricted significantly due to the possibility of encountering a polar bear, so volunteers must be prepared for less exercise than they might normally expect.

Location:
We are located 23 km from the town of Churchill and it can be quite difficult to get into town as there is no bus service. This is a fast paced, dynamic and highly social environment.

Accommodations:
You will be sharing rooms with others and will not have much privacy. The rooms will have between 1 and 7 other people depending on the time of year.

If you are interested, send us an email at cnsc@churchillscience.ca and we will send you a comprehensive information package. Once you have read this please send us:
1) your resume
2) cover letter telling us why you would be a good candidate and your motives for volunteering. Indicate the time you are interested in coming and indicate that you have read all the information that we sent to you.
3) three work related references with telephone and email contact information

We prefer that you commit for a minimum of 3-4 weeks (max. 5 weeks).

If you would prefer to post your information please send all resumes to:
Volunteer Coordinator
CNSC, P.O. Box 610
Churchill, Manitoba, R0B 0E0
Canada

Or e-mail cnsc@churchillscience.ca
Please take a look at our web site to find out more about what exciting programs happen here! http://www.churchillscience.ca

Join us for this exciting and dynamic working and learning adventure!