Jobs & Summer Jobs

Position: Reptile Conservation Jobs: Conservation Technicians, Habitat Technicians, GIS Technicians. Seasonal, accom. available
Organization: Scales Nature Park
Location: Based in Orillia, Ontario, with travel to various field sites. Lower-cost accommodation available on-site.

• Duration: Beginning May 2025, minimum of 8 weeks with possibility of extension up to a year
• Salary: Varies depending on the position and funding. At or slightly above minimum wage.
• Complete job descriptions and requirements are available at scalesnaturepark.ca/jobs/.

Scales Nature Park works to conserve wild reptiles and amphibians through a variety of initiatives. In part, this is achieved through ‘boots on the ground’ conservation work, often in collaboration with other organizations.

Conservation Technicians:

• Survey wetlands, water bodies, terrestrial habitats and along roads, day or night in all weather conditions for various turtles, snakes and amphibians with a variety of methods
• Complete road surveys for nesting female turtles and monitor them to help with crossing the road; excavate/extract eggs laid in precarious areas to be transported for captive incubation
• Monitor the reptile hotline, answer calls/texts, assess reports and assign teams to respond, record data
• Assist with educational programs about turtles and snakes, and our conservation efforts to increase community engagement, recruit volunteers, etc.
• Assist with facility operations and maintenance to support and build capacity for conservation work

Habitat Technicians:

• Participate in the maintenance, repair, planning and development of habitat features, nature trails, bridges, gardens, lawns, challenge course elements, animal enclosures, interpretive facilities, etc.
• Identify and remove invasive plant species. Organize removal projects for groups of volunteers
• Participate in firewood splitting, stacking and operating wood burning furnaces
• Operate, maintain and repair various lawn mowers, trimmers, and other outdoor power tools
• Organize and maintain equipment including hand tools, power tools, etc.

GIS Technicians:

• Manipulation of data and creation of maps, models, or tools related to wildlife conservation using geographic information systems (GIS) applications to serve a variety of purposes
• Participating in outreach activities to landowners or other stakeholder groups to solicit species observations, obtain permission to access private properties for surveying, and sharing conservation messaging about habitat protection, etc.
• Assisting with collating data from project staff and volunteers plus public observations, running statistical analyses, and helping to interpret findings and compiling the results into reports and proposals
• Automate data processing in conjunction with MerginMaps data collection app
• Create a replicable and standardized framework for conducting various desired statistical analyses (e.g. mark/recapture and hotspot analysis), using R and possibly integration with JavaScript.

All conservation positions require:

• Able to follow detailed instructions, stay organized, task switch and prioritize conflicting goals
• Ability to work in a variety of conditions (cold, heat, sun, biting insects, tired volunteers, etc.)
• Valid class G or G2 driver’s license and good driving record is an asset
• Oral communication and people skills, time management and leadership skills
• First Aid certification recommended
• Able to lift up to 23 kg (50 lbs)
• Flexibility regarding scheduling according to the needs of projects
• Ability to work and thrive as part of a close-knit team in challenging situations
• Internal motivation and the ability to work without supervision
• Positive attitude and passion for the conservation of reptiles and amphibians

Accommodations (shared) may be available on-site (quad or double bunk room). Candidates should enjoy working both indoors and outdoors, in a variety of settings. The ability to thrive as part of a close-knit team in challenging situations and a live/work environment is important.

To apply:

Please complete the Google Form found here: Application Questionnaire 2025 At the conclusion of the questionnaire, you will be prompted to upload a resume, cover letter, and references as a single PDF file, 4 pages or less. Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Resumes will be reviewed beginning February 3, but applications will continue to be accepted after that.