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 Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. NCC takes a collaborative, science-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.

Position Summary

Are you passionate about conserving some of Estrie’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 Estrie stewardship team as a Conservation Intern. Working closely with NCC’s project coordinator, this internship position will help the stewardship team conduct fieldwork in Northern Green Mountains , 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 Eastern Townships including:  

• Classify ecosystems by helping to identify flora and fauna (with assistance) ;
• Conduct property inspections to check for natural disturbances, vandalism, trespassing, emerging threats, risks and liabilities; 
• Assist in the control of invasive plant species using manual and chemical control methods; 
• Monitor biodiversity targets (e.g. endangered species, plant communities) and threats (e.g. intrusions, invasive species); 
• Perform general property maintenance, including trail monitoring, signage and litter pick-up; 
• Patrol on and off trails and educate users;
• Perform data entry, analysis, research and reporting using Microsoft Office and an in-house database system; 
• Assist in the management of volunteers and property stewards; 
• Assist with conservation easement compliance monitoring;
• Attend/participate in local events;
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Required Skills and Attributes: 

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

• Have studied in a field related to biology, ecology, geography or the outdoors;
• Some experience in the outdoors, patrolling, land management or other experience relevant to the job;
• Strong interest in the conservation of natural environments and biodiversity;
• Adaptability/flexibility in daily plans;
• Comfortable hiking and working in remote wilderness areas without trails (ticks, etc.) for long periods and under different weather conditions;
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Communicate clearly, professionally and thoughtfully with landowners, the public and colleagues;
• Reliable, punctual and responsible;
• Willing to learn and follow protocols; 
• Motivated to work independently;  
• Excellent organizational skills;  
• Knowledge of basic software (word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, etc.).
• Physical fitness
• Valid driver's license, ability to rent a vehicle and comfortable driving on highways and rough roads;. 
• Possession of a first-aid certificate valid for the duration of the internship, or willingness to take and pass this course at one's own expense before the start of the internship;
  
  

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;  
• Be bilingual
  
  

Terms of Employment: 

• Subject to funding, this is a 29 weeks position from November 11, 2024, until May 302, 2025;
• Compensation: $20/hour; 
• Part time : 22.5 hr/week
• The position is based out of Sherbrooke. The intern will be responsible for organizing transportation on field days. The regional office is located in Sutton. Travel expenses will be reimbursed if travel exceeds 100 km per day.
• 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.  
• A flat-rate monthly fee of $25 will be paid for the use of the intern's personal computer and cell phone. The devices used must be functional, efficient and up-to-date, as they are the intern's work tools. They must support the organization's various platforms.
  
  

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

October 25, 2024 | 11:59pm EST, 9:59pm Mountain Time, 8:59pm Pacific Time, 10:50pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST

NCC hires based on merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. 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 [email protected] to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at [email protected]