Conservation Intern (Northeast Alberta)

Position details: Full Time Contract (4 - 6 months)

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 Alberta’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 Alberta stewardship team as a Conservation Intern. Working closely with NCC’s Northeast Alberta Natural Area Manager, this internship position will help the stewardship team conduct fieldwork mostly in the Beaver Hills area (e.g. east of Edmonton), process field data, and prepare reports. There are also opportunities to work closely with community members, partner organizations, Indigenous-led groups, 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 east and north of Edmonton including:

• Conducting property inspections to check for natural disturbances, vandalism, trespassing, emerging threats, and risks and liabilities;
• Identifying, documenting, and 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 fence repair, trail monitoring, and sign installation;
• Aerial photography review, 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;
• Assist in creating strong partnerships with other conservation organizations and Indigenous-led groups;
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Attributes:

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

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed post-secondary education in biology, environmental sciences, conservation, or related field;
• Enthusiastic about conserving nature and land stewardship;
• Adaptable/ flexible with day-to-day plans;
• Comfortable hiking/working in remote wilderness locations without trails (dense forest with mosquitos / ticks, etc.) that may have limited cell service for extended periods in various weather conditions;
• Good judgement and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations (e.g. what to do if a bear is encountered);
• 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, leaseholders, public, colleagues and volunteers;
• Reliable, punctual, and responsible;
• Willingness to learn and follow protocols;
• Self-motivated to work independently even when not working under direct supervision;
• 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 5 driver’s license, clean driver’s abstract, ability to rent a vehicle and comfortable driving on highways and rough roads;
• Valid Standard First Aid Level C CPR and AED certification.

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 invasive species, plants, wildlife, and birds in Alberta;
• Navigational skills including understanding of GPS devices or applications (e.g. InReach device or iPads) and air photo interpretation;
• Experience engaging with members of the public or volunteers;
• Experience using hand-held tools such as weed removal or fencing tools.

Terms of Employment:

• Subject to funding, this is a 4 to 6 month position starting May 5, 2024;
• Compensation: $19 to $25 per hour;
• Work week will consist of 37.5 hours per week;
• The position is based out of Edmonton, Alberta. The intern will be responsible for arranging transportation to a meeting place on field days;
• Evening and weekend work may be required but is infrequent;
• Positions will include “office work” that will be completed in a work from home setting. Reliable internet connection is required.

Application Deadline

March 3, 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.