Conservation Intern

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 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 supporters have protected 15 million hectares (more than 35 million acres) 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 Newfoundland and Labrador’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 Newfoundland and Labrador stewardship team as Conservation Interns. Working closely with Newfoundland and Labrador’s Stewardship Coordinator, this internship position will help the stewardship team conduct fieldwork in Newfoundland, 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.

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.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Attributes:

This posting is targeted to individuals possessing the following skills and traits:

• University/college student or recent graduate with a biology, forestry, or environmental science/studies degree. Those having also attended a technical school (forestry/wildlife) a strong plus;
• Enthusiastic about conserving nature;
• Adaptable/ flexible with day-to-day plans;
• 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 driver’s license, ability to rent a vehicle and comfort driving on highways and rough roads.
• Basic knowledge of plants, wildlife, and birds;
• Navigational skills including understanding of GPS devices or applications, compass, and air photo interpretation;
• Standard First Aid - Level C CPR or Remote First Aid certification.

Terms of Employment:

• Subject to funding, this is a 17 week position from May 6, 2024, until August 30, 2024; with the possibility of extension.
• Compensation: $19.00/hour;
• Position will be based in St. John’s, NL with travel throughout the province for fieldwork, with some overnights and some weekend work. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

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.

Application Deadline:

March 7, 2024,11:59pm 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 to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at hr@natureconservancy.ca