The ClimateSense Professional Internship Program is designed to build climate change adaptation capacity in recent post-secondary graduates as well as host organizations within the public and private sectors. Interns will complete an internship placement with a provincial government department, non-governmental organization, business, industry association, or other external organization. Interns will work with mentors within the host organization to complete a sector-specific adaptation project, and will also take part in the ClimateSense Training and Professional Development Program.

This internship involves placement with the Agriculture Resources Division with the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land.

                                           Location: Various Locations – Prince Edward Island

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review past, present and projected climate change trends in PEI to assist with the identification of new crop varieties suitable to these climate change variables
• Compile a database of optimal environmental variables for major crops and varieties currently grown in PEI, as well as for crops that may be suitable based on future climate projections, to develop and inform recommended timelines for market adaptation
• Review the economic implications of climate change trends on commodity crops grown in PEI
• Assess new agricultural market opportunities that producers may diversify into, in response to changing climatic  conditions in PEI
• Assess sectors of the agricultural industry in regard to their ability to accommodate market diversification as an adaptation strategy
• Perform a jurisdictional scan of climate change adaptation strategies and approaches in agricultural industries
• Assess policy implications and barriers to adoption of adaptation strategies
• collaborate on the production of a report for the Department of Agriculture and Land identifying opportunities for new agricultural markets and crops in response to climate change, and recommendations for how public policy and programing may help develop these opportunities
• Participate in the ClimateSense Training and Professional Development Program, as well as other training opportunities provided by the mentoring organization
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation activities throughout the duration of the internship

QUALIFICATIONS:

Successful applicants should possess the following qualifications:

• Graduate of a post-secondary institution within the last 5 years
• Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelor of Science, Economics, Environmental Science, or other related degree or diploma, such as a BSc in Agriculture
• Knowledge of climate change and adaptation techniques will be considered an asset
• Knowledge of economics and economic strategies will be considered an asset
• Demonstrable background knowledge and/or education in agriculture in PEI would be preferred
• Demonstrable background knowledge and/or education in another relevant environmental science will be considered an asset
• Knowledge of climate science and modelling will be considered an asset
• Prior tertiary level course work or climate related training will be considered an asset
• Strong organizational and written skills
• Experience with personal computers and a proficiency in the use of word processing & spreadsheets
• The successful candidate must be able to work independently and take initiative where appropriate
• Must have excellent communication skills, including the ability to speak persuasively and to write quickly, effectively, and concisely
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills and the ability to effectively lead or participate on teams in a multi-disciplinary environment    
• Must be adaptable and flexible within a variety of situations