Looking for ways to fill your days? Gardening is a great way to get outdoors.

Many of us are currently marooned at home and looking for ways to occupy our time. While we patiently wait for the snow to melt, it’s a great time to get a head start on your garden.

Learn to Identify plants!

While we won’t be able to offer our spring Invasive Plant ID and Management Workshops in person this May, you can find useful resources to help you learn to identify and manage invasive plants through our website columbiashuswapinvasives.org. We hope to be able to offer invasive plant ID workshops later in the year or through an online format. You can also learn about choosing native and non-invasive plants for your garden through the provincial PlantWise program and free . If you are interested in gardening using native plants, check out the Habitat Acquisition Trust’s Native Gardening page here.

Did you know?

Surprisingly, it is still not illegal to import, purchase or sell invasive plants in BC. For this reason, we work closely with garden centers and plant nurseries in the region to help ensure they are not accidentally providing invasive plants or seeds for sale. We are thrilled that most plant nurseries and garden centers are helping to protect native biodiversity by doing their best to provide only non-invasive plants for purchase. Support your local garden center by only asking for non-invasive varieties of plants.  Get the PlantWise app to learn if your choice of plant is invasive or not!

Get a head start on planting in doors

To comply with social distancing, many plant nurseries and garden centers in the region have likely closed their store fronts, but may instead be offering online and phone orders, curbside pick-up and delivery options. Check with your local nursery to see what options they might have available.  Start vegetable seeds at home to grow in your garden this year.  Vegetable plants are not invasive!

Discover what’s in your backyard

As snow melts and plants begin to spring up, be on the look out for potential invaders and get started on weeding in your yard early this season! Check our website for tips on how to manage and dispose of invasive plants from your property. Invasive plant disposal is free at CSRD landfills and transfer stations – just let the attendant know and ensure plants are bagged.

Go for a plant ID walk

No yard? No problem, go for a solo walk and take note of the plants you see in your neighborhood. As shoots emerge from hiding and flowers flourish, you can use the Report an Invasive App  on your phone to help identify and report invasive plants that you come across.

Ask an expert!

If you are having trouble identifying a species or need advice on how to best manage a pesky plant, we are here to help you manage invasive plants on your property. Contact us at info@columbiashuswapinvasives or follow us on Instagram and facebook @ColumbiaShuswapInvasives

Request for Qualifications – Invasive Plant Spray Contractors Apply Now!

Purpose

The purpose of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for herbicide contracting services is to:

1. Allow submissions (“Submissions”) from interested parties (“Respondents”) describing the expertise and capability of the Respondent to perform one or more of the types of services outlines (collectively, the “Services”); and
2. Identify a list of qualified Respondents (“Qualified Respondents”) the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) may contact on an as and when required basis to enter into negotiations for a contract.

CSISS has no specific target number of Respondent to be pre-qualified and the total number pre-qualified will be determined at the sole discretion of CSISS. The list of Qualified Respondents is intended to be a resource for CSISS and not to restrict CSISS’s ability to contract with persons who are not listed as Qualified Respondents.

Overview of Work/Service Required

Work consists of Invasive Plant Inventory and Treatment in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District within British Columbia. The general nature of the Work to be carried out consists of operational services related to the survey, treatment and monitoring of designated invasive plant species that are found on a variety of jurisdictions, which may include but not limited to: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure  (MOTI), Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD), Ministry of Environment (MOE – e.g. BC Parks), Regional District properties, Municipal properties, Conservations Lands, Private and Industrial Properties, and may include road rights-of-way, community pastures, forest openings, gravel pits, and quarries. The goal of this work is to prevent new introductions, and reduce existing, invasive plant species spread.

Email Submissions

Respondents must submit their Submission (see submission form below) by email to Robyn Hooper at rhooper@columbiashuswapinvasives.org  before April 10, 2020 at 4:00 pm PST. The subject line must read – CSISS RFQ Submission 2020. The CSISS will confirm receipt three business days after closing of the RFQ submission deadline.

DOWNLOAD SUBMISSION FORM HERE: CSISS RFQ 2020_Final

Laura Gaster- Field operations Program Coordinator

Laura has always loved working and living in the Columbia Shuswap region. She joined CSISS in 2015 and currently coordinates the Field Operations Program. From inventory to treatment to monitoring, Laura is dedicated to creating an efficient and effective program focusing on preventing the introduction of new invaders, reversing the spread of existing species and restoring native ecosystems to a healthy functioning level.

Highlights of working with CSISS include developing relationships with passionate community members and seeing the difference each individual can make.

Chasing the mountain lifestyle, you may see her around Revelstoke biking, trail running, skiing or spending a large portion of her Saturday at the local farmers market.

Sue Davies- Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator

I’m Sue, the aquatic invasive species coordinator for the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS).  I grew up in New Zealand, surrounded by both the stories and the reality of invasive species like European rabbits, which in the worst affected areas in New Zealand, can be so thick on the ground that the ground literally moves with them. I have always been committed to preventing the spread of invasive species, and my work at CSISS allows me to work closely with both the authorities and the public in order to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives into our beautiful BC lakes and rivers.

I spend my time sampling some of the many water bodies in the Columbia Shuswap region, looking for potential infestations of invasive mussels and other invasive species.  A day sampling usually starts with packing up the gear I will need for the day, then a long drive!  I start early, often driving as much as 2 hours before getting to my first location of the day.  When at the lake, I usually sample from available dock structures.  I throw my sampling net, which has a very fine mesh (64-micron mesh to be precise) and collect a plankton sample from several net tows at each site.  The sample is condensed into a small sample bottle and preserved with isopropyl alcohol, ready to be shipped off to the lab for analysis.  I also check the underwater dock surfaces to see if any settled mussels are in evidence; the surface would feel gritty to the touch, like fine sandpaper if they were there. Finally, I test the water temperature and pH (acidity) and lower a Secchi disk into the water to get an idea of clarity of the water by seeing how deep the disk goes before I loose sight of it. I enter all the data onto my iPad GIS system.

Doing all this standing on a dock with various people enjoying their day at the lake often prompts people to ask questions about what I’m doing.  I always carry information with me, resin encased samples of invasive mussels, information sheets, and even some give-aways like chamois cloths, so that I can explain what I’m doing, and why, and also to ask their help in preventing the spread of invasive species by cleaning, draining and drying their watercraft.
I often sample multiple sites on a single lake, but if I move to a new lake, I must be very careful not to spread any invasive species on my gear.  I have several sets of sampling gear, and always use a new set on each new lake.  The gear then gets thoroughly disinfected at the end of the day, with a two step process that involves a vinegar soak to dissolve any mussel shells, and a short soak in bleach to kill any potential aquatic hitchhikers.  The gear is then hung on a line to dry before being used again.

This is such a rewarding job!  It’s great to spend my days visiting these beautiful lakes, and talking to people, but by far the best bit of my day is the feeling that I’m helping to protect the lakes and rivers we all love so much.

Kim Kaiser- Education and Outreach Coordinator

I have been working for CSISS since 2018 and currently coordinate the Education and Outreach program. I studied biology at the University of Victoria and have always been passionate about environmental education and communications.

A day in the life

Working as the Outreach and Education coordinator involves a multitude of different tasks and no two days are the same! These activities range from providing tailored presentations to various community groups, hosting restoration events and coordinating workshops, to developing educational materials, teaching students from elementary to college level, creating social media content and engaging through online platforms. A “day in the life” facilitating invasive species education is as diverse as it is rewarding.

What I like best about working for CSISS

It’s hard to single out my favorite thing about working for an organization that is really great in a number of ways! If I had to choose a couple of things, I think it would be how much creative freedom and efficiency you get from working for an organization that is forward- thinking. We have a small, effective and dynamic team at CSISS and that means we can be very efficient and progressive when it comes to finding new ways to improve our programs.

Another thing (third, but not least) is how working in the field of environmental education combines my background in science, with my passion for developing effective and engaging communications materials. It’s really exciting to work creatively to increase the understanding of environmental issues.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY with Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society:

Job Title: Invasive Species Program Assistant

Job Reference: #001

Location: Revelstoke, Columbia-Shuswap. Worksites within the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Main office in Revelstoke, BC but travel required for position throughout the CSRD.

Closing Date: March 4, 2020

Employment Duration: 4-month (May-August), 30-35hrs/week,

Wage: $18/hour (pending funding)

Application Details: CSISS Job Posting #001 – 2020 as PDF file.

APPLICATION PACKAGE – MANDATORY ITEMS:

Please include the following items in your application package (one PDF document combined 1, 2 and 3):

1. Cover letter clearly stating:

• The Job Reference # you would like to be considered for;
• Your qualifications, relevant skills and experience;
• Confirmed OFA 1 or equivalent first aid;
• Confirmed 3 years clean driving record and claims history;
• Confirmed eligibility for Eco Canada Student Work Placement Program and/or youth participant for Canada Summer Jobs initiative.

1. Resume, including two references (phone numbers)

3. Driver’s abstract with 3 years clean driving record and claims history (Link for ICBC: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/Pages/Your-driving-record.aspx )

Please submit your application package no later than March 4th, 2020 to:

Robyn Hooper, Executive Director, Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society

Email to: info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the CSISS Executive Director and Program Coordinators, the Program Assistant will be responsible for carrying out various functions of the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society’s programs, as described in job duties below.  The base of operation will be out of Revelstoke, but there will be extensive travel throughout the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Regular team meetings will occur weekly in Revelstoke, BC. Work hours will be full-time throughout the length of the term, but hours may fluctuate daily with weather and project demands. Work schedule likely to be Tuesday-Saturday.

Important Information:

• Only candidates considered for positions will be contacted for an interview.
• All candidates selected for an interview must be available for one-hour phone or in-person interview between March 16- March 30, 2020.
• Successful candidates for Job Reference 001 will be contacted in April (pending funding) and must be available to start May 11^th, 2020.

 Please send any questions to info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org

JOB DUTIES:

• Work with Executive Director, Program Coordinators and other CSISS staff to deliver invasive species Outreach, Terrestrial, and Aquatic programs.
• Help to deliver CSISS messaging through door to door, boat launch outreach, festivals and events, and school programs throughout the region, including the delivery of our main behavior change programs: Plant Wise, Clean Drain Dry, Play Clean Go, and Don’t Let It Loose.
• Help to build relationships with Indigenous Peoples, partners, and other stakeholders in the region to enhance collaboration on invasive species issues.
• Assist with invasive species inventories (surveying plants / aquatic sampling) and InvasiveAlien Plant Program (IAPP) data
• Mechanically treat small scale invasive plant infestations.
• Track and report on successes of program.

 SKILLS REQUIRED:

The Program Assistant will be engaging with partners and the public on a daily basis and therefore needs to be energetic, positive, outgoing, charismatic and confident.  Successful candidates must be self-motivated, highly organized, responsible, and work well in a team.  All applicants must have completed Grade 12 or equivalent and preference to those who have or are completing a relevant post-secondary program.  All activities are physically demanding, and the position requires extensive driving throughout the region, therefore experienced driving skills are required.

Ideally, you will have a strong combination of the following skills:

• Experience and ability to interact and effectively engage people while delivering public presentations, approaching the public with outreach materials and surveys, and engaging the public at information booths;
• Confidence public speaking;
• Experience working with youth and/or community groups;
• Strong motivational skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Knowledge and interest in invasive species;
• Ability to quickly acquire skills in conducting surveys and field work;
• Enjoy working outdoors in variable field conditions;
• Enjoy physically challenging work, such as weed pulling;
• Comfortable working in remote settings;
• Experience driving with long days and distances;
• Experience working around water and watercraft, and;
• Have or are working towards a certificate or degree;
• Willingness to travel, and work weekends.

Additional Assets:

• Experience interacting and presenting to a wide variety of audiences;
• Knowledge of communication techniques used in interpretation (storytelling, theatre, music);
• Training in communications, psychology, marketing, and/or natural sciences;
• Social marketing and social media skills;
• Experience with iPads, GIS Mapping software and Microsoft Office: Word, Excel and Power Point;
• Experience in data collection, organization and management; and
• Experience with report writing.

Applicants MUST Possess:

• Current Worksafe BC OFA Level 1 or equivalent First Aid certification; and
• A valid BC driver’s license with 3 years Driving record and claims history

 Applicants must be eligible to participate in the 1. Eco Canada Student Work Placement Program and/or 2. Canada Summer Jobs Program (requirements listed below):

 Eco Canada Student Work Placement Program Requirements:

To be eligible, applicants must:

• If you currently study at a university or college in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Math (STEAM) and Business, you qualify!
• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment*; and,
• have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

Students on a work permit or visa are not eligible.

 Canada Summer Jobs Program Requirements:

To be eligible, youth must:

• be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment*; and,
• have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

  About CSISS

The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteer members representing private & public agencies, clubs and organizations in the Columbia-Shuswap Region of British Columbia. Members of the society are dedicated to increasing awareness of invasive species and associated losses caused to the natural and domestic resources of our Region. The Society performs invasive species inventory, treatment programs, promotes best management practices, and coordinates invasive species action, education and awareness activities throughout the Columbia-Shuswap Region.