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Internship Opportunity (Environmental Education and Climate Resilience Intern)
The Canadian Ecology Centre (CEC) is seeking an enthusiastic Environmental Education & Climate Resilience Intern who is interested in developing a career in environmental education, outdoor learning, environmental science, or a related field.
This position is designed as a career-development and capacity-building opportunity, particularly for an individual who is unemployed, underemployed, new to the environmental sector, or transitioning to a new career. The successful candidate will receive hands-on work experience, mentoring, and opportunities to develop transferable skills that will strengthen their ability to secure future employment within the environmental, education, conservation, tourism, or related sectors.
Working alongside experienced CEC staff and community partners, the Intern will help create and deliver educational programs focused on climate change, forest succession, ecological resilience, and forest regeneration following the June 2025 downburst storm. The CEC site will provide a unique living laboratory where the Intern can develop practical skills while contributing to meaningful environmental education initiatives.
Location: The Canadian Ecology Centre (Located within Samuel de Champlain Prov. Park), Mattawa Ontario
Weekly Hours: Approximately 40hrs/week. Additional weekly hours are banked as paid lieu time.
Pay and Rate: Hourly (Starting $22 hour + 4% vacation pay).
Incentives: FREE on-site shared cabin accommodation included for up to 1 year.
- Opportunity for paid training/certifications and professional development
- Meals provided when working with groups utilizing food services
Position Status: Internship – 1 year
Position Eligibility: This internship (if approved) will be funded for candidates that:
- Are new entrants into the work force, are transistioning to a new career, or are unemployed or underemployed wo are entering a new field;
- Have not previously participated in a funded internship
- Are at least 18 years of age; and
- Reside, and be legally entitled to work, in Canada
- Start Date/Length: Anticipated mid/late fall start date (proposed start date of November 2nd -pending funding approval). 52 week length contract. Possible opportunity for contract extension and/or Permanent Contract at completion of internship
Interested candidates should forward a resume and cover letter to: Laura Kielpinski (Director of Education/Operations) – laura@canadianecology.ca
Deadline: Friday October 2nd, 2026 (or until a successful candidate is found). Only successful candidates will be contacted via email for a face-to-face interview (available in-person OR virtual format setting)
SUMMARY of KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ACCOUNTABILTIES and MENTORSHIP
- 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCES
- 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.
ABILITIES and SKILLS
- 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
Spring/Summer 2026 Contracts
The CEC is currently looking for the following positions for our 2026 Spring/Summer Season. Some positions are part of the Canada Summer Jobs Program Funding which applies only candidates under the age of 30, if this applies to you, please let us know in your cover letter.
Please submit your cover letter and resume (email only) to Laura Kielpinski, Assistant General Manager, laura@canadianecology, by Friday May 29th, 2026.
Resumes will be accepted after this time with offers for interviews based on job avaialability.
Day Camp Counselors
Day camp counselors will report to the day camp coordinator helping to facilitate daily camp activities and routines. The ideal candidate will be available for all 6 weeks of the day camps. The ideal candidate has some experience with day camps either having attended them, or previous experience as a counselor. Successful candidates must have reliable transportation to and from the camps in North Bay. Standard First and CPR is considered an asset upon application. (2-3 positions available, starting wage $18.00/hr)
Short-term Summer Contracts
Candidates who are interested in working short-term contracts with our summer day camp programs (ie. 1-week only) or a 2-week session of our Credit Course In-residence Program should submit a cover letter and resume with stated availability and interest.
Certifications in Advanced Wilderness First Aid, NLS or Bronze Cross and Canoe Certifications are required for working as a recreation specialist in our 2-week summer school program.