• Develop and coordinate cultural, educational, and community engagement programs that create opportunities for people to gather, share knowledge, and learn from one another.
• Build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, local organizations, artists, educators, cultural groups, and community partners.
• Support programs and events that increase awareness and appreciation of the diverse cultural and natural heritage of the region.
• Assist in developing inclusive workshops, exhibits, interpretive materials, community events, and outreach initiatives that connect people, culture, land, and environment.
• Identify new opportunities and partnerships that strengthen the Canadian Ecology Centre as a welcoming community gathering and learning space for all.

• Work collaboratively with CEC management and staff in a combination of office, community, educational, event, and outdoor environments, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Maintain respectful, professional, and culturally appropriate relationships when working with Indigenous communities, cultural groups, partners, participants, and the public.
• Be accountable for assigned projects, timelines, communications, program preparation, documentation, and follow-up while maintaining CEC policies and standards.
• Receive ongoing mentorship, coaching, and supervision from experienced CEC staff, including regular opportunities to review goals, challenges, professional development, and project outcomes.
• Progressively assume greater responsibility for programs and projects while developing practical experience in community engagement, cultural programming, partnership development, project coordination, and public education.

• Post-secondary education and/or relevant experience in community development, Indigenous studies, cultural studies, education, environmental studies, recreation, communications, social sciences, or a related field.
• Experience working or volunteering with community organizations, educational programs, cultural initiatives, events, or public engagement is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated interest in cultural awareness, community development, environmental stewardship, reconciliation, and inclusive learning.
• Experience engaging with diverse individuals, organizations, or communities and an understanding of the importance of respectful relationship building and cultural protocols.
• Willingness to learn, receive mentorship, develop new professional competencies, and participate in ongoing training and professional development.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, facilitation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with diverse audiences.
• Ability to organize and coordinate programs, events, meetings, community initiatives, and multiple project priorities.
• Ability to listen to and incorporate different perspectives, experiences, and ways of knowing while helping create inclusive and welcoming learning environments.
• Strong initiative, creativity, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to develop engaging educational, interpretive, outreach, and digital communication materials that foster cultural awareness, community participation, and connections between people and place.

• Good oral and written communication in English. (Bilingual and/or Trilingual considered an asset)

• Assist in the research, development, delivery, and evaluation of experiential environmental education programs.
• Develop hands-on learning activities focused on climate change, forest ecology, biodiversity, forest succession, ecological resilience, and ecosystem recovery.
• Help establish and implement educational and monitoring initiatives that document forest regeneration and ecological change following the June 2025 downburst storm, using the CEC property as a living laboratory.
• Participate in field data collection, environmental monitoring, citizen science, and stewardship projects, developing practical environmental field skills and experience.
• Create resources, interpretive materials, presentations, field activities, and digital content that translate science into accessible learning experiences.
• Work collaboratively with schools, post-secondary institutions, environmental professionals, researchers, community organizations, and CEC partners to strengthen programming and identify new learning opportunities.
• Support planning and coordination of workshops, special programs, demonstrations, and community outreach initiatives.
• Develop skills in project planning, program coordination, communication, leadership, risk management, and participant engagement.
• Support safe, inclusive, accessible, and engaging outdoor learning experiences while developing the professional competencies required for future employment.

• Physically health, active and able to carry out all responsibilities including being able to frequently walk, stand, sit and talk/listen for extended periods of time, as well as support outdoor maintenance work (ie chopping wood, shoveling snow, etc…) and outdoor program activities
• Must be able to work effectively in both indoor and outdoor environments, including being comfortable working in inclement weather conditions
• Must be able to work effectively where the noise level in the environment may be loud at times (ie. large groups of people, kids’ energy and enthusiasm!)
• Able to perform duties while maintaining a pleasant, professional and positive demeanor, as well as remain calm during stressful situations and/or emergency situations
• Able to take initiative and be self-directed
• Committed to a team approach and a forward thinker
• Able to handle a flexible working environment and able to stay organized
• Must be able to work extended daily and/or weekly work hours (including weekends)

Mentorship and Career Development

A significant component of this internship will be mentorship and professional skill development. The Intern will work alongside experienced staff and community members who will provide guidance, coaching, and opportunities to progressively take on greater responsibility.

The position will provide practical experience in areas such as environmental education, program development, outdoor leadership, public speaking, project coordination, community engagement, environmental monitoring, partnership development, and professional communication.

The goal is to provide the Intern with a meaningful employment experience and a portfolio of practical and transferable skills that will enhance their long-term employability. While opportunities for continued employment with the Canadian Ecology Centre may be explored, the internship is also intended to prepare the individual to successfully pursue employment with other organizations following completion of the placement.

• The successful candidate must possess one or more of the following qualifications related to the position
  • Education, training, experience, or demonstrated interest in environmental science, ecology, forestry, biology, education, outdoor recreation, conservation, or a related area. Individuals who are new to the environmental sector, changing careers, unemployed, or underemployed are encouraged to apply
• A willingness to learn and develop new professional and technical skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Interest in environmental education, climate change, conservation, and experiential learning.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and on forested terrain.
• Previous environmental or outdoor education experience is an asset but is not required.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR upon start of contract
• Current and Successful Criminal Record Check (with vulnerable sector screening)
• The following are considered an asset but not required:
  • Bilingual in French and English (spoken and written)
  • Experience working with youth/adults
  • Advanced Wilderness First Aid
  • Certifications/Training in outdoor skills (ie. Canoe, GPS, Teambuilding, etc…)

The Canadian Ecology Centre is committed to providing a supportive learning environment where the successful candidate can build confidence, develop professional networks, gain meaningful work experience, and strengthen their capacity for long-term employment in the environmental and education sectors.

• Excellent oral and written skills (Bilingual in French and English an asset)
• Computer literate and able to work/learn with programs such as Word, Excel, Canva and social media platforms)
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to prioritize work, work under pressure and work both independently or as part of a team
• Must love working with people of all ages
• Excellent leadership and motivational skills
• Comfortable or willing to learn to speak in front of small and/or large groups
• Energetic and Enthusiastic
• Reliable and adaptable to change
• Willingness to learn new skills, knowledge and experiences
• Able and willing to work on weekends, weeknights and long days