Each summer The Friends of Algonquin Park (FOAP) and the Ontario/Baden-Württemberg Student Exchange Program (OBW) invite applications for a paid summer position as a German-Language Visitor Services Specialist in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Algonquin is the oldest of Algonquin’s Provincial Parks and one of the largest (7,630 km2). The Friends of Algonquin Park (FOAP) is a non-profit organization tasked with helping to provide visitor services, including natural heritage education. As a member of the FOAP team, the German-Language Visitor Services Specialist will be an ambassador for Algonquin Provincial Park, eager to explore the Park’s many aspects and interpret and convey them to others. More important than specific expertise are 1) a passion for the natural park experience in all its facets; 2) energy, spontaneity and flexibility; 3) a strong desire to learn new things; 4) the ability to deal with the unexpected; and 5) the capacity both to work well with fellow students and professionals and to relate well to Park visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Responsibilities- Answering questions and providing orientation at the Algonquin Visitor Centre or other locations (e.g. the Logging Museum)
- Assisting FOAP staff with German-language support for publications, webpages, etc.
- Assisting with Algonquin interpretive events such as Loggers’ Day
- Assisting in and/or conducting guided walks or other presentations for school groups and other visitor groups highlighting aspects of Algonquin’s wildlife, flora, and history as part of The Friends’ Group Education Program
- Other duties as determined from time to time by supervisors from FOAP and/or Park staff.
Personability, eagerness, and a desire to spend the summer in Algonquin Park and contribute to the work of The Friends are essential. A good command of both English and German is required. Although a basic knowledge of biology is expected, no specific knowledge of Algonquin Park’s history, landscape, and flora/fauna is expected – the person selected will receive all necessary training. Working with a mentor, she/he will be expected to demonstrate initiative in helping to shape the position in accordance with their expertise and interests and in participating in various aspects of the Park’s mandate.
Employment will last from early or mid-May through the end of August; although the duration may change with the consent of the employee and FOAP. Applications from those who can stay on through September are welcome.
The expected working hours are ca. 40 hours per week, on normal workdays, but flexibility and a willingness to work weekend and evening shifts, when needed, are essential.
The position provides for days off, during which hiking and/or canoeing, on one’s own or with colleagues/friends, or just relaxing, is possible. The German-Language Visitor Services Specialist will most probably be housed at the staff house along with other students. Although not an absolute requirement, a valid Ontario or other Canadian driver’s license would be an asset.
The person selected will be an employee of The Friends of Algonquin Park, and the position will be governed by an employment contract. This is a paid position.
For more information about the program, please contact the OBW Coordinators: Agnes Poleszczuk at apoleszczuk@ouinternational.ca or Tina Bebensee at tina.bebensee@uni-konstanz.de.
