Northwestern Ontario Conservation Technician 2023

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Conservation Technician to join a team committed to protecting 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 local offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

Purpose and General Description: 

Are you passionate about conserving some of Northwestern 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 Northwestern 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 Lake Superior and Rainy Lake – Lake of the Woods, 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: 

– Participate in a variety of fieldwork on NCC properties across Northwestern 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 four-month position from May 8, 2023, until August 25, 2023;
• Compensation: $19.40/hour;
• This position will include at least one week-long (5-day) trip to the Kenora or Sault Ste. Marie region;
• The position is based out of Thunder Bay. The intern will be responsible for arranging transportation to the meeting place in Thunder Bay on field days;
• Evening and weekend work may be required but is infrequent;
• Position will include “office work” that will be completed in a work from home setting.

Location: Thunder Bay is a small city on the north shore of Lake Superior. You can experience Lake Superior by sea kayak and sailboat exploring the islands, lighthouses and picturesque villages like Silver Islet and Rossport. Thunder Bay offers many arts and music events and diverse local food. Thunder Bay is within the traditional territory of the Ojibwe people of Fort William First Nation. The community welcomes visitors to pow wow ceremonies at Anemki Wajiw (Thunder Mountain) each summer. Visitor Guide – Thunder Bay Tourism (visitthunderbay.com)

To Apply: 

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your application through our Conservation Internship Program page in our Career Centre. Please upload your cover letter and resume together under the Curriculum Vitae field in a single pdf document.

NCC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We value and incorporate diverse traditions, heritage, knowledge and experiences in our mission and in our workplaces. We celebrate the full participation of people from all walks of life as we work towards common goals. We strive for a conservation movement in which equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. This is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet for everyone.

Application Deadline: February 26th, 2023, 11:59 p.m. ET 

Interviews to be held virtually on March 1st,  2023