[Sust-mar] EAC Job Posting: Researcher - Community Gardens Heavy Metal Study

[Amy Hawke]

Job Posting:   Researcher - Community Gardens Heavy Metal Study

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) is a leading voice in Nova Scotia on
environmental issues.  We work on environmental education and advocacy
and "action" is our middle name.  We are looking for a science graduate
with knowledge of soil chemistry, strong laboratory, analytical &
communication skills, and an interest in urban agriculture for a six
month contract as Researcher for the Community Gardens Heavy Metal
Study. 

Overview:

The growing interest in urban agriculture and the local supply of food
has led to a proliferation of small-scale community and backyard gardens
in urban areas.  While this trend has had many positive impacts, the
presence of soil contaminants in urban soils has led to questions as to
the potential risk of consuming fruits and vegetables grown in urban
gardens.  The EAC is partnering with Halifax Regional Municipality
(HRM), the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) and the Nova Scotia
Environmental Network (NSEN) to undertake a study that will assess
levels of lead in garden soils of HRM.

 

As the lead on the heavy metal study, the Researcher will be responsible
for planning and executing the study, and completing a final report.
Specific activities include developing research methodology, collecting
samples, completing a literature review, participating in lab analysis,
and exploring considerations for policy development.

 

The Researcher will report to staff at the Urban Garden Project of the
EAC and will collaborate closely with the EAC/NSAC/HRM/NSEN Advisory
Committee for the Community Gardens Heavy Metal Study.

 

Responsibilities:

*         Development of survey design, sampling and analytical
protocols

*         Identification of potential and existing urban gardens

*         Completion of garden soil and crop survey

*         Collection, preparation and analysis of soil samples

*         Analysis and interpretation of the data

*         Review of existing literature on soil contamination in HRM and
in community gardens in other urban areas

*         Review of municipal policies pertaining to management of
contaminated soils in other jurisdictions

*         Develop recommendations

*         Prepare and present the final report

*         Support the overall work of the EAC

 

Skills and Experience:

*         An undergraduate degree in Science

*         Knowledge of soil science and soil chemistry

*         Experience with laboratory analysis and procedures

*         Experience conducting literature reviews

*         Excellent communicator, both written and oral

*         Strong writing skills; well organized

*         Ability to work independently and also as part of a larger
team

*         Interest in urban agriculture

*         Valid driver's license

 

This position is partly funded by the Science Horizon Internship
Program, Environment Canada.  Applicants must meet the following
requirements:

*         Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive)

*         A university graduate, out of school (full time studies)

*         Must be part-time employed, unemployed or underemployed at the
time of hire

*         Not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits

*         A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been
granted refugee status in Canada

*         Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial
legislation and regulations.

Duration:  Late July 2010 to late January 2011 (six months)

Wage:  $15.00 per hour, 37.5 hours per week

 

Location:  Halifax, Nova Scotia, plus travel

 

Application Deadline :  July 19, 2010, 9 :00 am

 

Application:  Send a cover letter, resume and two references to Sonia
Grant, Garden Coordinator, urbangarden at ecologyaction.ca, with subject
line - Heavy Metal Study

 

The Ecology Action Centre is committed to employment equity and
encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented groups such
as women, visible minorities, First Nations, and persons with
disabilities.

We thank all applicants for their time and interest, however only
short-listed applicants will be contacted.

The Ecology Action Centre was founded in 1971 and is one of Nova
Scotia's most active environmental organizations. The Centre welcomes
new members and volunteers: www.ecologyaction.ca
<http://www.ecolofyaction.ca>   

 

 

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