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 partners have helped to conserve 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 seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.
POSITION TITLE: NS CONSERVATION INTERN
LOCATIONS: Halifax, NS
NO. OF POSITIONS: 2
The conservation interns will assist in looking after natural areas protected by NCC in the Atlantic Provinces. The interns will work as a team with NCC staff, partners and volunteers, to monitor and manage NCC properties across the provinces, and collect data. The position is a great opportunity for the successful candidate to apply classroom learning to practical hands-on work.
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.
Required Skills and Abilities
This posting is targeted to students possessing the following skills:
• University student preferably entering 4th year, or recent graduate with a biology, forestry, or environmental science/studies degree. Those having also attended a technical school (forestry/wildlife) a strong plus.
• Returning to school for the 2023- 2024 year.
• Demonstrated interest in natural history and land conservation;
• Demonstrated excellent plant, animal (bird) and vegetation community identification skills, ability to key out unknown species;
• Experience working outdoors in various terrains and under various weather conditions;
• Able to undertake physical tasks such as maintaining trails, removing large garbage, and removing invasive species, and long days of hiking;
• Experience navigating using a GPS and/or other mapping apps.
• Ability to work independently and as a team, be self-motivated, display superior time management skills, have attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines;
• Familiarity with common computer software (Microsoft Office Suite, graphics programs);
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) a strong asset;
• Excellent writing, budgeting and organization skills, experience writing reports and entering data;
• Wilderness or Standard First Aid training;
• Valid Driver’s License, and able to rent a car (must be at least 21 years of age to rent).
Terms of Employment
• Contingent on funding, the positions may require the candidate be enrolled at a Nova Scotia university or college.
• For some positions preference to be given to applicants who identify as belonging to one or more of the following: women, Indigenous, persons with disabilities, or visible minority. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.
• Must have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
• This is a full-time, 16-week (May 8 – August 25, 2023) position. Salary is $18/hour ($675.00/week).
• Position will be either based in Halifax, NS with travel throughout the province for fieldwork, with occasional overnights and possibly some weekend work. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Applications
Interested applicants must:
Apply with your resume and cover letter through the Nature Conservancy of Canada jobs website at http://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/who-we-are/work-with-us/ and click on Conservation Internship Program
Application Deadline: February 10, 2023 at 11:59pm AST
NCC is an equal opportunity employer. We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
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.