Nature Conservation Jobs & Summer Jobs

Positions: Eastern Ontario Conservation Technicians 2025
Organization: The Nature Conservancy of Canada

Location: Positions are based out of the Queen's University Biological Station (QUBS) north of Kingston (on Lake Opinicon, near Elgin). 
Accom.: On-site accommodation (cost not covered by NCC) at QUBS may be available for the selected candidates; 

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 Eastern 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 two passionate people to join the Eastern Ontario stewardship team as Conservation Technicians. Working closely with NCC’s Coordinator of Conservation Biology, these internship positions will help the stewardship team conduct fieldwork in the Frontenac Arch and Ottawa Valley, process field data, and prepare reports. There are also opportunities to work closely with partner organizations, local stewards, and volunteers. These positions are intended to provide an inspiring, learning-focused environment for two junior professionals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Participate in a variety of fieldwork on NCC properties across Eastern 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:

• There are two positions available:
  • A 4 month position between May 5, 2025 and August 29, 2025
  • A 7 month position between May 5, 2025 and November 28, 2025.
• Compensation: $21.50/hour;
• Positions are based out of the Queen's University Biological Station (QUBS) north of Kingston (on Lake Opinicon, near Elgin). The candidates will be required to complete fieldwork in Eastern Ontario;  
• On-site accommodation (cost not covered by NCC) at QUBS may be available for the selected candidates; 
• The positions may require occasional weekend and evening work; 
• Positions will include “office work” that will be completed at the QUBS office.

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:

February 23, 2025, 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 hr@natureconservancy.ca, hr@natureconservancy.ca to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at hr@natureconservancy.ca, hr@natureconservancy.ca