Ecological Restoration Intern

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Ecological Restoration 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 Manitoba’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 people to join the Manitoba team as Ecological Restoration Interns. These positions play an integral role in delivering NCC’s conservation work throughout southern Manitoba. This position joins NCC in Manitoba’s Next Generation of Conservation Leaders (NGCL) Program that is designed to support aspiring early-career professionals.  NGCL Program participants benefit from a diverse work experience with contribution and exposure to several business departments, onboarding and training that includes work planning and goal setting, performance feedback and career guidance from their supervisors and colleagues and becoming part of the NCC team that is well supported to ensure safe work habits and environments. Ecological Restoration Interns will work as a wide-ranging team that contributes to NCC’s work in Manitoba by assisting with ecological restoration and stewardship activities, including prescribed fire, property stewardship and land management activities, and entering data in NCC’s internal databases.

Positions require extensive travel and work alongside fellow team members.  Positions are mainly field-based and may involve liaising with landowners, NCC staff, volunteers, and partner organizations.  Positions are based in Winnipeg or Brandon but require the ability to travel throughout southern Manitoba.  Occasional weekend or holiday work may be required.  Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Position Requirements (positions may include all or a subset of the following):

• Complete training and participate in prescribed fire activities as part of a prescribed fire crew;
  • Perform burn unit and fire guard preparations, including brush mowing, tree cutting, chainsaw work, raking, handline construction, etc.
  • Operate fire equipment during prescribed burns including ignition devices, 4WD trucks, ATV’s, UTV’s, portable pumps, pump engines, port-a-tanks, tractors, backpack blowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, hand tools, computer tablets, GPS units (members will receive associated equipment training and prescribed fire training to Type II level in May);
  • Maintain fire program equipment and tools;
  • Complete fire effects documentation, and mapping;
• When conditions are unsuitable for prescribed fire activities, Ecological Restoration Interns participate in land stewardship activities as guided by NCC’s Property Management Plans and multi-Species At Risk Plans including: grassland, forest, and riparian area restoration, woody encroachment control, invasive species management, and hydrological restoration;
  • Assists with habitat restoration (ie: planting, watering, maintenance of tree planting sites, seed collection, site prep, weed management);
  • Monitor and control invasive plant species;
  • Livestock and grassland management activities including installation and maintenance of fencing and other grazing infrastructure;
  • Installation of signage, property clean-up, property inspections, vehicle maintenance; and other similar stewardship activities;
  • Data collection as part of ongoing ecological monitoring;
  • Prepare reports for fieldwork and land management recommendations
  • Complete data entry in NCC’s Land Resource Manager Information System and GIS databases;
  • Photograph features as part of standardized documentation processes or for use in media;
  • Author/produce at least one media piece that summarizes your NCC staff experience or features a conservation topic for use on NCC’s media platforms;
  • Support community relations via design, construction, and participation on a Canada Day parade float.
  • Assists with the coordination and delivery of Conservation Volunteer events;
  • Follow safety policies specified for work activities;
  • Other duties as assigned as assigned by Ecological Restoration Program Coordinator, Natural Area Managers, Manager of Stewardship Programs, Conservation Science Manager, or Director of Conservation;

Skills and Attributes:

This posting is targeted to candidates possessing several of the following skills and abilities:

• Education – current post-secondary students and post-secondary graduates preferred; however, individuals having several job skill and experience requirements will be considered;
• Working knowledge of Manitoba landscapes, communities, agricultural and conservation issues;
• In-field navigation experience and skills;
• Familiarity with the safe operation and maintenance of prescribed burn equipment, off-road vehicles and hauling trailers, land stewardship tools;
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, data management and the use of ESRI apps (ArcPro) to create maps for fieldwork and reporting a plus;
• Experience working outdoors in various terrain and under various weather conditions;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, yet be self-motivated;
• Familiarity with common computer software (Microsoft Office Suite);
• Excellent time management skills, attention to detail, as well as the ability to meet deadlines;
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to interact with the public to convey a conservation message, and work with agricultural producers and conservation partners;
• English required, French language skills a strong plus;
• Wilderness or Standard First Aid Training;
• Manitoba Pesticide Applicator Certification, or willingness to complete training;
• Basic Wildland firefighter certification and Introduction to the Incident Command System (I-100 ICS), or willingness to be trained;
• Chainsaw Safety Training, or willingness to complete training;
• Must be able to pass a fitness test (walk 2 miles, with a 25 lb. load within 30 minutes);
• Valid Driver’s License, with ability to rent a vehicle.

Application Deadline

March 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.