Conservation Intern

About the Position

NATURE CONSERVANCY OF CANADA 

CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP PROGRAM  

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for Conservation Interns 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, NCC and its partners have helped to conserve 15 million hectares of ecologically significant land across Canada. 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 TITLE: CONSERVATION INTERN 

LOCATIONS: Fredericton, NB (1), Halifax, NS (2), St. John’s, NL (2), Charlottetown, PE (1) NO. OF POSITIONS: 6 Work Week: 37.5 hours per week  The conservation interns will assist in looking after natural areas protected by NCC in the Atlantic Provinces. The interns will work as a team with NCC staff, partners and volunteers, to monitor and manage NCC properties across the provinces, and collect data. The position is a great opportunity for the successful candidate to apply classroom learning to practical hands-on work.   We strongly encourage applicants to refer to the specific job description for each province as there may be some variations in the following information.  More details can be found on the Conservation Internship Program page (linked below).  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Complete inventories of plants, animals, communities, and physical features on NCC properties, in all ecosystems (forest, coastal, wetland)
• Complete monitoring of NCC properties to identify stewardship actions and threats, and prepare monitoring reports including maps
• Map property features, rare plant locations, wildlife observations, and threats such as invasive species
• Complete physical land management tasks such as installing signage, removing invasive plant species, cleaning up garbage, restoration work, and maintaining trails
• Enter field data into NCC’s property database
• Assist NCC stewardship staff with stewardship outreach activities and administration as needed. 

Qualifications

This posting is targeted to students possessing the following skills:  

University student preferably entering 4th year, or recent graduate with a biology or forestry degree or related field, or equivalent experience. Those having also attended a technical school (forestry/wildlife) a strong plus; 

• Demonstrated interest in natural history and land conservation
• Demonstrated excellent plant, animal (bird) and vegetation community identification skills, ability to key out unknown species
• Experience working outdoors in various terrains and under various weather conditions
• Able to undertake physical tasks such as maintaining trails, removing large garbage, and removing invasive species, and long days of hiking
• Experience navigating using a GPS and/or other mapping apps. 
• Ability to work independently and as a team, be self-motivated, display superior time management skills, have attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines
• Familiarity with common computer software (Microsoft Office Suite, graphics programs)
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) a strong asset; Excellent writing, budgeting and organization skills, experience writing reports and entering data
• Fluency in English; bilingual in French a plus (NB)
• Wilderness or Standard First Aid training preferred
• Valid Driver’s License, and able to rent a car (ideally be at least 21 years of age to rent).    
  
  Terms of Employment  
  This is a full-time, 16-week (May 8 – August 25, 2022) position. Salary is $18/hour ($675/week). Position will be either based in Fredericton, NB, Halifax, NS, St. John’s, NL or Charlottetown, PEI with travel throughout the province for fieldwork, with some overnights and possibly some weekend work. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.  Position funding may require the candidate to have been attending university or college in the areas of Science or Technology, and returning to school in the fall. Some position funding may require the candidate be aged 30 or under.  NS positions may require the candidate be enrolled at a Nova Scotia university For some positions preference to be given to applicants who identify as belonging to one or more of the following: women, indigenous, persons with disabilities, or visible minority.
  
  Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify. Must 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.   
  
  How to Apply 
  Application Deadline: February 10, 2023  NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter, resume and preferred work location through our Conservation Internship Program page.
  
  We value and incorporate diverse traditions, heritage, knowledge and experiences in our mission and in our workplaces. We celebrate the full participation of people from all walks of life as we work towards common goals. We strive for a conservation movement in which equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. This is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet for everyone.    
  
  We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or emails please.  

***NSCC Students Please Note: All work placements must be pre-approved by your faculty and workexperience@nscc.ca in order to receive credit towards your NSCC Credential. Please check in with your faculty before accepting any job offer*** 

About the Company

Nature Conservancy of Canada
337-7071 Bayers Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 2C2

Company Contact

Kelly Castle MacKaracher
kelly.castlemackaracher@natureconservancy.ca
Preferred Contact: via website: https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/who-we-are/work-with-us/conservation-internship-pro

Documents to be Forwarded

• Resume
• Cover letter