Position Overview

Ontario Nature is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual for the position of Municipal Protected Places Intern for an 8-month contract starting in October, 2023. The Municipal Protected Places Intern will provide critical support for a collaborative initiative to encourage and assess municipal contributions towards Canada’s target of protecting at least 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030. They will work closely with the Protected Places Assessment Coordinator and the Conservation Planning Coordinator who will provide guidance and mentorship.  

The ideal candidate has strong analytical and communication skills and a keen interest in protected areas policy and management. The ability to work well independently and as part of a small team is essential.

About Ontario Nature

Ontario Nature is a charitable conservation organization that protects wild species and wild spaces across Ontario through conservation, education and public engagement. We represent over 150 member groups and more than 30,000 individual members and supporters throughout the province. To learn more about Ontario Nature, visit: www.ontarionature.org. 

Why Work with Ontario Nature

·        Flexible work hours and location, in accordance with our Remote Work Policy 

·        Progressive workspace and membership perks at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto 

·        Fulfilling, purpose-driven work, alongside 30 passionate and committed colleagues 

·        An ongoing commitment to create an inclusive and equitable environment for employees, volunteers, members, and supporters 

·        Opportunities for advancement, skill development and cross-sectoral collaboration 

·        Support for taking initiative and pursuing aligned personal interest projects 

·        Team building and social opportunities

Principal Responsibilities

·        Assist with assessments of municipal conservation lands, including their biodiversity values (habitats, species) to determine whether they meet national criteria for protected areas. This will involve sharing information with land use managers, interpreting natural heritage policy, and using GIS to identify, measure and assess vegetation cover.

·        Assist with summarizing and communicating assessment outcomes to Ontario Nature staff, partners and interested members of the public through presentations, factsheets, blogs, e-newsletters and social media.

·        Assist with the preparation of communications tools for outreach to municipal staff and community groups to highlight municipal natural resource management best practices and encourage involvement in opportunities to contribute to Canada’s protected areas target.

·        Assist with communications about protected places and other effective conservation measures as nature-based climate solutions.

·        Assist with carbon storage modeling of select candidate protected areas of interest.  

·        Assist with responses to inquiries and requests for information about opportunities to support municipal best practices in land conservation.

·        Contribute to team discussions about strategic opportunities for municipal engagement and means of raising broader public awareness and support for protected places.

Qualifications

·        Demonstrated commitment to the conservation and protection of Ontario’s wild species and wild spaces.

·        Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

·        Excellent verbal and written communications skills. 

·        Ability to work well independently and within a small team.

·        Excellent interpersonal skills.

·        Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

·        Meet requirements for ECO Canada wage funding:

o  Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

o  Valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada.

o  Between 15 and 30 years of age.

Desirable Assets

·        Working knowledge of ArcGIS.

·        Familiarity with land use and protected area policies.

·        Experience with visual communications and design, including Canva graphic design platform.

Anticipated Start Date:         October 2, 2023

Type of Position:                        8-month contract, full-time

Compensation:                           $20.00 per hour

Location: This position is based out of Ontario Nature’s Head Office – 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON.    

·        Ontario Nature offers flexibility with working location, in accordance with our operational Remote Work Policy.

To Apply 

·        Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one PDF document, addressing your qualifications and experience 

·        Include “Municipal Protected Places Intern” in the subject line

·        Email your application to jobs@ontarionature.org

·        Deadline for applications: August 31, 2023

 

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.