Jobs

Job Posting: Nature-based Tourism Internship

Job Description

Ontario Nature is seeking a self-motivated individual, committed to the conservation of northern Ontario’s wild species and wild spaces, for the position of Nature-based Tourism Intern. Reporting to the Boreal Program Manager, the intern will support the delivery of Ontario Nature’s boreal programs. This is a dynamic position that will include developing and sharing nature-based educational materials, research, analysis and public outreach on the benefits of protected places.

The ideal candidate is hard-working, highly organized and knowledgeable about tourism, outdoor recreation, edible wild plants, northern wildlife and conservation. The ability to work well with people and support excellent public outreach is required. The intern must have a keen interest in connecting people with nature.

Principal Responsibilities

• Assist with research and preparation of communications for Ontario Nature’s Boreal Program on conservation and nature-based tourism opportunities in northern Ontario.
• Respond to requests for information from the public, including research, fact-checking and proof-reading of written materials.
• Promote program activities through social media (and other web-based resources), newsletters and print media.
• Work respectfully and effectively with project partners, participants and volunteers to deliver nature-based tourism programs.
• Provide logistical support for meetings and workshops with tourism outfitters, lodge owners and park staff.
• Represent Ontario Nature at events across northern Ontario.

Qualifications and Job Requirements:

• Love of nature and being outdoors.
• University and college graduates who have graduated within the last three years from an accredited college or university, with a background in environmental or outdoor education, biology, environmental studies, education or other equivalent experience. Candidates must be graduates of post-secondary degree or diploma programs.
• Previous experience working with the public and/or delivering outreach and educational programs.
• A positive, outgoing attitude with strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills, and ability to work well independently.
• Knowledge of edible plants, flora and fauna in northern Ontario.
• Proficiency in all applications of the Microsoft Office suite of programs including PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Word.
• GIS (ArcMap) experience would be an asset.
• Driver’s license required.

Payment Description: Full–time, 1-year position, at $16/hr

Location: Ontario Nature’s Boreal Conservation Office — 10 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Working Conditions: The job requires evening and weekend work as well as potential travel throughout northern Ontario

To apply

• Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one document (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF), addressing your qualifications and experience
• Include “Northern Ontario Internship” in the subject line
• Submit your application by email to the attention of Boreal Program Manager, annad@ontarionature.org
• Deadline for applications: March 15, 2019

Although Ontario Nature appreciates the efforts of all those who apply for this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No unsolicited emails or phone calls please.

Ontario Nature is committed to employment equity, diversity and accessibility. Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should make their requirements known when contacted.

Nature Reserves Intern (2 positions)

Job Description

The Nature Reserves Interns will assist with our Nature Reserves Program which aims to protect and conserve imperiled and vulnerable habitats across Ontario. This program protects 25 Nature Reserves and 2 conservation easements stretching from Pelee Island to Deep River. To manage the Nature Reserves, Ontario Nature is responsible for conducting detailed inventories of the ecosystems on each property, tracking species at risk and invasive species and monitoring threats to species and ecosystems. Ontario Nature staff and interns work with local stewards in order to complete management needs for each one. The interns will assist with key aspects of the program through field work, event planning and community outreach.

Principal responsibilities

• Assist with data collection, data entry, analysis and reporting as required to develop and implement property management plans;
• Use standardized survey methods to classify the habitat on nature reserves into vegetation classes;
• Conduct annual inspections and baseline inventories for Ontario Nature’s reserves; including identifying early detection and management of natural disturbances, vandalism, trespassing, emerging threats, invasive species, and risks and liabilities;
• Conduct biological research on ecological features or threats to biodiversity found on our nature reserves;
• Assist with public engagement activities on nature reserves such as species monitoring, invasive species removal, trail maintenance and guided hikes;
• produce content on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Blog posts) to promote events and achievements on Nature Reserves;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in conservation issues in Ontario;
• Experience/knowledge in compiling information on conservation lands, including natural features, threats etc.;

• Experience in data entry and quality assurance;
• Ability to identify common Ontario plants, wildlife and vegetation communities as well as experience using dichotomous identification keys;

• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• A can-do attitude to handle tasks associated with multiple projects and varying timelines;
• Ability to work well both independently and within a small team structure;
• Proficient with word processing and spreadsheet software (i.e. Microsoft Excel);
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (e.g. high summer temperatures and humidity, heavy rain, dense bugs) and on various terrain;
• Able to carry heavy equipment;
• Navigational skills including experience with field GPS unit, compass, and air photo interpretation;
• Valid class “G” driver’s license and ability to rent a vehicle in Ontario.

Desirable assets

• Experience/knowledge of the Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario;
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software;
• Standard First Aid – Level C CPR first-aid certification.

Anticipated Start Date: May 1, 2019

Duration of position: 16 week full-time * dependent on funding

Rate of Pay: $14/hour depending on experience

Number of positions: 2

Location: Ontario Nature head office—214 King St West, Suite 612, Toronto, ON

Note: While positions are based out of Toronto, the conservation interns will spend some of their time traveling to and from our various properties throughout southern Ontario, including overnights away from the home office location. Some weekend and evening work will be required.

All applicants must meet and address the following eligibility criteria:

• Are either:
  i) currently in, and returning to school (university, college, post-secondary school of technology, post-secondary institution, CEGEP or high school);

OR

1. ii) graduated from a post-secondary institution in the last 5 years

• Are legally entitled to work in Canada (includes individuals who are Canadian citizens, those with permanent Canadian residency status, those with a valid Canadian work permit to work on a full-time basis, or persons who have been granted refugee status in Canada);

To apply

• Include your resume and cover letter in one attachment, addressing your qualifications and experience
• Include “Nature Reserves Intern” in the subject line
• Submit your application by email to the attention of Anna Dipple, annad@ontarionature.org
• Deadline for applications: March 15, 2019

Although Ontario Nature appreciates the efforts of all those who apply for this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No unsolicited emails or phone calls please.

Ontario Nature is committed to employment equity, diversity and accessibility. Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should make their requirements known when contacted.