Conservation Intern

Position Details: Full Time, Contract

Contract Length: 4 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.

Position Summary:

Are you passionate about conserving some of Central 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 Central 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, process field data, and prepare reports for NCC’s stewardship projects in Central Ontario-West, with a focus on the Minesing Wetlands, Simcoe County, and the Eastern Georgian Bay Coast. 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 Central Ontario-West including:

• 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);
• Regularly engaging visitors to NCC properties, assisting with education and outreach initiatives, and representing NCC in a positive and professional manner;
• 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 wetlands, shallow water, and 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 invasive species, species-at-risk, and native plants and wildlife;
• Navigational skills including understanding of GPS devices or applications, compass, and air photo interpretation;
• Experience engaging with members of the public, volunteers, and First Nations communities;
• Standard First Aid - Level C CPR or Remote First Aid certification.

Terms of Employment:

• Subject to funding, this is a 4-month position from July 6, 2026, until October 30, 2026
• Compensation: $22.00/hour;
• The position is based out of the Barrie area or within Simcoe County. The intern will be responsible for arranging transportation to the meeting place in the Barrie area 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.

How To Apply:

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your application through our page in our Career Centre.

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 to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at .