Conservation Intern

The Nature Conservancy of Canada•Utopia, ON

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Conservation Intern to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain. NCC is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962, we have brought people together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, evidence-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on. NCC recognizes that we work on lands that have long been cared for by Indigenous Peoples under their own laws and knowledge systems. We are committed to transforming how we do our work, advancing Reconciliation through conservation, and working with Indigenous Peoples in meaningful, respectful, and supportive ways. Position Summary: Are you passionate about conserving some of Central Ontario’s most important natural spaces? Do you want to have a positive, lasting impact on nature? Are you looking for a well-rounded position to kick-start your conservation career with hands-on experience? We want to hear from you! NCC is looking for a passionate person to join the Central Ontario stewardship team as a Conservation Technician. Working closely with NCC’s Coordinator of Conservation Biology, this internship position will help the stewardship team conduct fieldwork, process field data, and prepare reports for NCC’s stewardship projects in Central Ontario-West, with a focus on the Minesing Wetlands, Simcoe County, and the Eastern Georgian Bay Coast. There are also opportunities to work closely with partner organizations, local stewards, and volunteers. This position is intended to provide an inspiring, learning-focused environment for a junior professional.

Requirements

Enthusiastic about conserving nature
Adaptable/ flexible with day-to-day plans
Comfortable riding on a boat in rough weather (wind, waves, rain)
Comfortable hiking/working in wetlands, shallow water, and remote wilderness locations without trails (dense forest with black flies / ticks etc.) for extended periods in various weather
Enjoys working as part of a team, and has a sense of humour, compassionate, good-natured, positive attitude
Clear, professional, and thoughtful communicator to landowners, public, colleagues
Reliable, punctual, and responsible
Willingness to learn and follow protocols
Self-motivated to work independently
Excellent organizational skills
Proficient with data management and spreadsheet software
Physical work will be required (e.g., strenuous hiking, carrying a heavy backpack, etc.)
Valid class “G” driver’s license, ability to rent a vehicle and comfort driving on highways and rough roads

Nice To Haves

Basic knowledge of invasive species, species-at-risk, and native plants and wildlife
Navigational skills including understanding of GPS devices or applications, compass, and air photo interpretation
Experience engaging with members of the public, volunteers, and First Nations communities
Standard First Aid - Level C CPR or Remote First Aid certification

Responsibilities

Conducting property inspections to check for natural disturbances, vandalism, trespassing, emerging threats, and risks and liabilities
Removing invasive plant species using manual and chemical control methods
Monitoring biodiversity targets (e.g. species at risk, vegetation communities) and threats (e.g. invasive species)
Regularly engaging visitors to NCC properties, assisting with education and outreach initiatives, and representing NCC in a positive and professional manner
General property maintenance including trail monitoring and sign installation
Data entry, analysis, research and reporting using Microsoft Office and an internal database system
Assist with volunteer and property steward management
Assist with compliance monitoring of conservation easements
Assist/attend local events
Other duties as assigned