Conservation Intern

Purpose and General Description: 

Are you passionate about conserving some of Southwestern 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 Southwestern Ontario’s 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 in Norfolk County and Niagara Region, process field data, and prepare reports. 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. 

 Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Participate in a variety of fieldwork on NCC properties across Norfolk County and Niagara Region including:  
• Classifying ecosystems by helping to identify plants (with assistance);
• 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); 
• 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 

Required Skills and Attributes:  

This posting is targeted to individuals possessing the following skills and traits: 

• 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 remote wilderness locations without trails (dense forest with black flies / ticks etc.) for extended periods in various weather; 
• 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. 

The following additional skills and abilities would be assets in this position but are not required to apply. Training will be provided by NCC to further develop these skills: 

• Basic knowledge of plants, wildlife, and birds; 
• Navigational skills including understanding of GPS devices or applications, compass, and air photo interpretation; 
• Experience engaging with members of the public or volunteers;  
• Experience driving trucks and towing trailers;
• Comfortable working around water and able to swim;

• Experience working with herbicides and/or Ontario pesticide exterminator license;

• Experience with power tools, landscaping and small farm equipment (e.g. tractors, ATVs, weed eater); 
• Chainsaw safety certification
• Standard First Aid - Level C CPR or Remote First Aid certification. 

Terms of Employment:

•  This is a 7 month position from March 31^st, 2025 until October 31^st, 2025;
• Compensation: $21.50/hour;
• The position is based out of NCC’s Walsingham office in Norfolk County. There will be occasional day trips to NCC properties in the Niagara Region and there may be multi-day trips (up to 5 days) to NCC’s field station on Long Point. The intern will be responsible for arranging transportation to the meeting place in Norfolk County on field days.  
• Evening and weekend work may be required but is infrequent. 
• Positions will include “office work” that will be completed in a work from home setting or from NCC’s office in Norfolk County.  

How to Apply

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectations through our Career Centre.

Application Deadline

March 2, 2025 | 11:59pm EST, 9:59pm Mountain Time, 8:59pm Pacific Time, 10:50pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST

At NCC, we're committed to providing a healthy, safe, barrier free and inclusive, workplace, where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We strive for bold conservation achievements in which equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are the norm. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. NCC implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. 

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, contact us by email at hr@natureconservancy.ca to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at hr@natureconservancy.ca.