Spring things

After noticing that one of our bats has made it back to his roost on the building (I blogged a photo of the roost last year, so check this post if you'd like to see it), I thought I'd take a quick walk out to the bird blind to see what other spring returnees we have on the West Lake.

Oddly enough, I barely had to get out the back door to see my first lake dweller. The Red-winged Blackbirds are back, and they'll often come over to the feeders to stock up on quick energy. Something to watch for.

Out on the lake itself, it's very obvious from the "complaining" that the Coots are back. There are also Canada Geese, a whole bunch of ducks (a little too far down the lake for me to have much of a go at identifying anything but the Mallards), and Red-necked Grebes.

Elsewhere, you're sure to hear the Black-capped Chickadees' "cheeseburger" calls as they set territory, and I think that I may have heard my first Tree Swallow of the season. Don't quote me on that one, though. I really look forward to the Tree Swallows' return, so it's pretty easy for me to wish myself into hearing it.

As far as plants go, my sinuses can tell you that Poplar pollen season is in full swing. On a more pleasant (for me, at any rate) note, I haven't noticed the Early Blue Violets blooming on the sides of the Sanctuary paths yet, but I have seen them in other places.

Spring's trying hard to happen, if you look for it. What's your personal favourite sign of spring in nature? Leave us a comment here, or tweet it with #reddeerspring. And if you're not already following us on Twitter, look for more of our spring sightings @NatureCentre.

Gear Sale Reminder

Just a last head's up to outdoor enthusiasts with outdoor gear to sell. Our Outdoor Gear Sale runs from 5:00 - 8:00 pm tonight. Bring your used-but-still serviceable outdoor equipment, set a price and see if it sells. If it does, we take 20%, you take the balance and the buyer has new toys to use in the great outdoors. Cash only please.

Outdoor Gear Sale

Check out what's coming up next week. I'm almost unreasonably excited about this event.

Todd

Two Positions Available at The Kerry Wood Nature Centre

Open Competition

School Programs, Public Programs  

&

Visitor Services Staff

The Waskasoo Environmental Education Society, a non-profit charitable society that operates the Waskasoo Park Interpretive Program on contract for The City of Red Deer, has a number of part-time positions available for the coming spring and summer for School Programs Interpreters and Visitor Services Attendants.

Based at Red Deer's Kerry Wood Nature Centre, the successful applicant(s) will assist with the design and delivery of our spring school-programs and provide natural history and tourist information to the general public. The position also entails operating the building when other staff are away, retail sales work, light clerical duties (word processing, poster-making etc.), assisting the Park Interpreters with their programming, and related duties such as program preparation/cleanup.

Essential Qualifications:

·         some post-secondary schooling in science, western Canadian natural history, education, or interpretation;

·         excellent public communication skills and experience / love for working with the public (including children);

·         good working knowledge of the natural history of central Alberta.

·         a neat appearance and the willingness to wear the Park uniform, and to abide by the WEES smoking and other policies;

·         the ability to work cooperatively with other staff and volunteers;

·         willingness and ability to stay the entire term of this position;

·         good health: some lifting is required;

·         good organizational skills and the ability to plan your schedule and workload;

·         current first aid / C.P.R. certificates;

·         reliable and trustworthy, punctual and conscientious;

Desirable Qualities:

·         Good working knowledge (conversational and written) of French is essential

·         experience in art or graphic design;

·         life guard certification

·         experience with computers (Windows environment) and basic word-processing, spreadsheets, database and desktop publishing; experience working on a computer network;

·         basic knowledge of the human history of central Alberta.

Wages, Term and Conditions of Employment:

 Part time for the spring and summer of 2012.

To Apply:

Apply in writing ASAP to:

Waskasoo Environmental Education Society

6300 - 45th Avenue

Red Deer, AB

T4N 3M4

Fax: 347-2550

e-mail: todd.nivens@waskasoopark.ca

Include a résumé outlining related experience and references, and
a brief letter explaining why the position is of interest to you. No phone calls, please.

One Job Available at Fort Normandeau

Open Competition:

 Living History Staff

The Waskasoo Environmental Education Society, a non-profit charitable society which operates the Waskasoo Park Interpretive Program on contract for The City of Red Deer, has three positions available for the coming summer as a Living History/Information Attendant.

Based at Red Deer's Historic Fort Normandeau, the successful applicant will provide living, cultural history and tourist information to the general public. The position also entails a small amount of retail sales work, light clerical duties (word processing, poster-making etc.), assisting the Park Interpreters with their programming, and related duties such as planning, program preparation/cleanup, research and dressing in period costume to deliver living history programs and special events.

Essential Qualifications:

·         excellent public communication/drama skills and experience with/love for working with the public (including seniors, adults and children);

·         post-secondary education in western Canadian history, education or interpretation

·         an excellent knowledge of the sights, attractions, major events, roads and parks of Red Deer, including the bike trails of Waskasoo Park;

·         current first aid/C.P.R. certificates;

·         a valid driver's permit and reliable transportation;

·         a neat appearance and the willingness to wear the Park uniform and period costumes properly, and to abide by the WEES smoking and other policies;

·         the ability to work cooperatively with other staff and volunteers;

·         willingness and ability to stay the entire term of this position;

·         willingness and ability to work most or all weekends and evenings;

·         good health: some lifting is required;

·         good organizational skills and the ability to plan your schedule and workload;

·         basic knowledge of the human history of central Alberta.

Desirable Qualities:

·         experience and training in drama;

·         experience in art, traditional crafts (e.g. poultry or other livestock husbandry, baking, quilting, candle-, ice cream-,  rope- or soap-making, sewing, spinning/weaving, animal husbandry, fence building, carpentry, wheel- or barrel-making, gardening, etc.)

·         experience with computers (Windows environment): word processing, spreadsheets, database, desktop publishing;

·         ability to cook on and bake in a wood-fired stove;

·         knowledge of the natural history of central Alberta.

·         retail sales experience;

Wages, Term and Conditions of Employment:

·         May  to September 2012, inclusive.

·         This is a full-time summer position (37.5 hours/week, for 17 weeks)

·         Accommodation is not provided.

·         Regular evening and weekend work is required.

To Apply:

Apply in writing asap to:

Waskasoo Environmental Education Society

6300-45th Avenue

Red Deer, AB

T4N 3M4

Fax: 403 347-2550

email: todd.nivens@waskasoopark.ca

Include a résumé outlining related experience and references, and
a brief letter explaining why the position is of interest to you. No phone calls, please. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.