Ontario Nature seeks a creative and goal-oriented individual for the position of Conservation Intern. Reporting to the Conservation Science Manager, the Conservation Intern will be responsible for helping with the monitoring and restoration of Ontario Nature’s nature reserves, and for leading stewardship project volunteers.
The ideal candidate is committed to the voluntary sector, and has a love and appreciation for nature. S/he will be energetic and dynamic, knowledgeable about conservation and restoration practices, and will posses strong leadership skills.
This position is restricted to candidates who are 30 years of age or younger and are recent graduates (graduated within the last 2 years). Candidates must be first-time participants in a placement of the Career Focus Program of the Youth Employment Strategy, must be unemployed or underemployed, and not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
Ontario Nature protects and restores natural habitats through research, education and conservation, connecting thousands of individuals and communities with nature. We champion woodlands, wetlands and wildlife, and preserve essential habitat through our own system of nature reserves.
Working with members of Ontario Nature’s conservation and science team, the Conservation Intern will be involved in projects relating to nature reserves and the Volunteer for Nature program. This position is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates to gain experience with hands-on biodiversity protection in a not-for-profit environment.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assisting stewardship staff with monitoring and conservation work on nature reserves.
- Leading volunteer stewardship events on Ontario Nature’s reserves.
- Working with the Volunteer for Nature program to connect conservation volunteers with management and restoration activities.
- Assisting conservation and science staff with organizing stewardship events.
- Answering inquiries about conservation issues and the Volunteer for Nature program.
- General duties as assigned within the nature reserve and Volunteer for Nature programs
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Studies, Resource Management, Ecology, Biology or related discipline
- Knowledge of conservation, restoration and ecological research techniques.
- General knowledge of natural history, conservation and wildlife issues in Ontario.
- Experience working with and supervising volunteers.
- Ability and willingness to participate in multi-day (2-5 days) conservation projects on nature reserves and with 3rd party partner organizations – will involve some weekends.
- Current first aid and CPR certification.
- A valid class G drivers license is required.
Desirable Assets:
- Field skills and experience with hands-on conservation work.
- Experience working or volunteering for a non-profit conservation organization
- Ability to work effectively as a part of a team and independently.
- A love of nature and the outdoors.
This is a six-month full-time position paying $15/hour, and will start in April-May, 2007. The Conservation Intern will work out of Ontario Nature’s Toronto office and at various field locations throughout the province.
Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your interest and qualifications to:
Lisa Richardson
Volunteer for Nature Coordinator
Ontario Nature
366 Adelaide St. W., Suite 201
Toronto, ON M5V 1R9
Email: lisar@ontarionature.org
This position will remain open until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.