As recreational and residential demands on the Bow Valley corridor increase, so do the chances of human-wildlife conflicts that can be devastating for both people and wildlife. The Wildlife Ambassador Program is a community-driven education initiative that promotes responsible land use and wildlife safety ethics in Canmore and Kananaskis Country. In the summer of 2007, Wildlife Ambassadors spoke to nearly 3000 people about living safe with wildlife!

We are looking for enthusiastic and mature individuals who are capable of striking up conversations with new people, love being on trails and spending time in the outdoors, and who want to have a positive impact on the Bow Valley. If you are concerned about the increase in human-wildlife interactions, love to spend a day on the trails, and want to connect with people from your community, this may be the volunteer opportunity you have been looking for!

Duties and Responsibilities:
In teams of two, volunteers will present roving or stationary wildlife talks on trails, at trailheads and in campgrounds throughout the Bow Valley. Using exceptional communication skills and natural history artifacts, Ambassadors will engage people in friendly conversations promoting smart trail use and increased awareness of wildlife safety and habitat needs. Volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors will not act in an enforcement capacity, but will play an essential role in education and information sharing.

Qualifications:
No experience is necessary as extensive training will be provided. Interests or hobbies related to environmental education, interpretation, ecology, parks, and natural history are an asset. We are committed to diversity among the Volunteers Wildlife Ambassadors and encourage applicants of all ability levels to apply.

Successful applicants must have or obtain:
Consistent access to a vehicle
Standard First Aid certificate
Police security check

Time Commitment for 2010 training:
Volunteers must complete a training program in May consisting of two evenings (May 19th and 26th) and one full-day Saturday session (May 29th). Wildlife Ambassadors will be expected to commit to a minimum of one four-hour shift per month, on a Saturday or Sunday, from June to September.

Benefits:
Volunteers will receive extensive training on living smart with wildlife, communication techniques, and relevant natural history. These training sessions include a number of well known guest speakers, opportunities to learn and practice new skills, and constructive peer and instructor feedback. Volunteers will also be invited to a unique volunteer appreciation celebration at the end of the season!

Apply now

Be part of the solution
Be a Volunteer Wildlife Ambassador

This volunteer opportunity is presented jointly by the Friends of Kananaskis Country, Bow Valley WildSmart and Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture.