Nature Conservation Internships

Position: Conservation Technician
Organization: Conservation Internship Program, The Nature Conservancy of Canada
Location: London, Ontario

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for two Conservation Technicians 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 supporters have protected 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.

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;
• Navigational skills including understanding of GPS devices or applications, compass, and air photo interpretation;
• Experience engaging with members of the public or volunteers; 
• Standard First Aid - Level C CPR or Remote First Aid certification.

Terms of Employment:

• Subject to funding, this is a 7 month position from April 28, 2025, until November 28, 2025;
• Compensation: $21.50/hour;
• The position is based out of London. The intern will be responsible for arranging transportation to the meeting place in London on field days.
• The position requires frequent travel for multiple days at a time.
• 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.

How To Apply:

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your application through our Internship Program page in our Career Centre.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

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" target="_blank, hr@natureconservancy.ca to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at hr@natureconservancy.ca" target="_blank, hr@natureconservancy.ca .