Summer jobs, Student jobs

Position: Conservation Science Intern
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Organization: Ontario Nature
Location: based out of Ontario Nature’s Head Office – 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto ON (near Bathurst Station). The selected candidate must live within a two-hour commuting distance from Toronto or be willing to relocate. Ontario Nature offers flexibility with working location, in accordance with our operational Remote Work Policy.

Position Overview

Ontario Nature is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual for the position of Conservation Science Intern for an 8-week (with possible extension, pending funding) contract starting in May 2025. The Conservation Science Intern will assist with research focused on species at risk snakes including projects in Norfolk County and Georgian Bay. The main duties include conducting detailed ecological inventories and monitoring on conservation lands, data entry, event planning, and community outreach.

The ideal candidate has a keen interest in conservation, working knowledge of species at risk found in Ontario, and has experience conducting field work. The ability to work well as part of a small team, as well as independently, is required.

About Ontario Nature

Ontario Nature is a charitable conservation organization that protects wild species and wild spaces across Ontario through conservation, education, and public engagement. We represent over 150 member groups and more than 30,000 individual members and supporters throughout the province. To learn more about Ontario Nature, visit: ontarionature.org. 

Why Work with Ontario Nature

• Flexible work hours and location, in accordance with our Remote Work Policy 
• Progressive workspace and membership perks at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto 
• Fulfilling, purpose-driven work, alongside 30 passionate and committed colleagues 
• An ongoing commitment to create an inclusive and equitable environment for employees, volunteers, members, and supporters 
• Opportunities for advancement, skill development and cross-sectoral collaboration 
• Support for taking initiative and pursuing aligned personal interest projects 
• Team building and social opportunities

Principal Responsibilities

• Assist with field data collection, entry, analysis and reporting as required to develop and implement research projects.
• Assist with Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas data collection and outreach.
• Assist with planning and leading outreach events for the Conservation Science Program.
• Assist with public and volunteer engagement on conservation lands including training, restoration activities and guided hikes.
• Assist with annual inspections and baseline inventories on Nature Reserves including documenting threats and usage, and species at risk monitoring. 
• Assist with designing, writing, and editing communications for the Conservation Science Program including contributing to social media, blogs, and webpage updates.
• Support the maintenance of well-organized digital and hard copy files for the Conservation Science Program, ensuring easy access for file users.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in conservation in Ontario.
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science or a relevant field.
• Experience with compiling information on conservation lands including natural heritage features and species at risk.
• Experience with detailed notetaking, data collection and entry, and data quality assurance.
• Working knowledge of Ontario’s flora and fauna, and experience using dichotomous identification keys. 
• Good verbal and written communications skills including active listening and the willingness to ask questions. 
• Ability to work well independently within a small team structure and collaboratively with partners.   
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in sometimes challenging conditions (e.g., high temperatures and humidity, heavy rain, dense bugs, ticks) and terrains. 
• Basic navigational skills including experience with field GPS unit, compass, and air photo interpretation.
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. 
• Valid class “G” driver’s license and ability to rent a vehicle in Ontario.
• Must live within a two-hour commuting distance from the Toronto area or be willing to relocate to meet this criteria.
• Meet requirements for Canada Summer Jobs:
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Between 15 and 30 years of age.

Desirable Assets

• Experience capturing and handling reptiles and amphibians.
• Experience conducting breeding bird surveys and using NatureCounts.
• Experience using ArcGIS StoryMaps.
• Experience using R Project for Statistical Computing.
• Experience with Ecological Land Classification and/or Vegetation Sampling Protocol.
• Experience using Canva graphic design platform.

Anticipated Start Date: May 7, 2025

Type of Position: 8-week contract, full-time (with possibility of extension)

Compensation: $20.00-$24.00/hour depending on experience

Location: This position is based out of Ontario Nature’s Head Office – 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON. The selected candidate must live within a two-hour commuting distance from Toronto or be willing to relocate. Ontario Nature offers flexibility with working location, in accordance with our operational Remote Work Policy.

Working Conditions: This job requires frequent travel across Ontario and frequent weekend and evening work. During these trips staff often camp or stay in rustic accommodations. The position requires the ability to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (e.g., high summer temperatures and humidity, heavy rain) and terrains. The job can be physically demanding, including hiking, tree-planting, hole-digging, camping in uncomfortable conditions and lifting heavy objects (up to 40 lbs.). 

To Apply 

• Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one PDF document, addressing your qualifications and experience 
• Include “Conservation Science Intern” in the subject line

Email your application to jobs@ontarionature.org

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Deadline for applications: March 21, 2025, 11:59 P.M.

Although Ontario Nature appreciates the efforts of all those who apply for this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No unsolicited emails or phone calls please. 

Ontario Nature is committed to employment equity, diversity and accessibility. Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should make their requirements known when contacted.