Conservation Intern (Newfoundland and Labrador)

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 Intern 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, we have brought people together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, evidence-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.

NCC recognizes that we work on lands that have long been cared for by Indigenous Peoples under their own laws and knowledge systems. We are committed to transforming how we do our work, advancing Reconciliation through conservation, and working with Indigenous Peoples in meaningful, respectful, and supportive ways.

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 a passionate person to join the Newfoundland and Labrador stewardship team as a Conservation Intern. This will be a shared role that will focus on assisting NCC’s NL stewardship staff as well as supporting the Qalipu First Nation Environment & Natural Resources division. The intern will work as part of a team with NCC staff, partners and volunteers, to monitor and manage NCC properties across the province, collect data, and prepare reports. Shared time with Qalipu First Nation will include supporting the Environment & Natural Resources team with Species at Risk monitoring and research conducted on the west coast of Newfoundland. 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 (such as invasive species), and map property features using ArcGIS Field Maps.
• Execute organized and timely data management tasks including uploading field data into internal databases, mapping and generating reports.
• Complete physical land management tasks such as installing signage, removing invasive plant species, cleaning up garbage, and maintaining trails.
• Assist NCC stewardship staff with organizing and attending outreach activities as needed.
• Support Qalipu First Nation staff with various projects, involving both invasive and at-risk species monitoring, research, and data entry, as required
• Assist with American Eel, Banded Killifish, and European Green Crab trapping surveys, including setting traps and handling live specimens.
• Monitor Piping Plover through conducting beach and nest surveys.
• Deploy and retrieve Tunicate towers on various wharfs to identify presence/absence of species.
• Help conduct research on Marine Resource Inventory projects, including Eelgrass surveys.
• Aid in bat research in both central and western Newfoundland, involving the deployment and retrieval of acoustic monitors and conducting mobile and stationary surveys.
• Attend community/youth engagement events, such as outreach at local schools.

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;
• Knowledge of plants, wildlife, birds and vegetation communities;
• 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;
• Physical work will be required (e.g., strenuous hiking, carrying a heavy backpack, etc.);
• 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;
• Self-motivated to work independently;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Proficient with data management and spreadsheet software;
• Navigational skills including understanding of GPS devices or applications, compass, and air photo interpretation, and experience using Field Maps or other GPS technology to collect field data is an asset;
• Standard First Aid - Level C CPR or Remote First Aid certification a strong asset.
• Valid driver’s license, ability to rent a vehicle (must be 21 years of age) and comfort driving on highways and rough roads.

Terms of Employment:

• This is a 17-week position from May 5, 2025, until August 29, 2025,;
• Compensation: $20/hour;
• The position is based out of Corner Brook, NL
• Regularly scheduled travel to NCC properties throughout the west coast of the province including some overnight trips and occasional weekends. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
• Position funding may require the candidate to have been attending university or college in the areas of Science or Technology, and returning to school in the fall. Some position funding may require the candidate be aged 30 or under.
• Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants.

Application Deadline

February 28, 2025 | 11:59pm EST, 9:59pm Mountain Time, 8:59pm Pacific Time, 10:50pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST

At NCC, we're committed to providing a healthy, safe, barrier free and inclusive, workplace, where respect and diversity are recognized assets. 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.