Conservation Intern

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.

**_ 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 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 Pelee Island, Essex County, the Maitland River Valley and Port Franks, 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.

This position will be based out of a home office with frequent travel for fieldwork including overnight trips to Pelee Island and Maitland River. During these trips, accommodation will be provided in NCC-owned cabins. Both cabins are in rural areas remote from city amenities but have a lot to offer in terms of peace, beauty, and nature. Read more about the experiences of previous Conservation Technicians to see if this position is for you

NCC: Land Lines - Cockroaches and colours: Exercises in attention on Pelee Island (natureconservancy.ca)

NCC: Land Lines - What five months in a cabin taught me about conservation (natureconservancy.ca)

**_ Duties and Responsibilities:_**

Participate in a variety of fieldwork on NCC properties across Southwestern Ontario 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;
- 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.

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;
- Experience engaging with members of the public or volunteers;
- Standard First Aid - Level C CPR or Remote First Aid certification.

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