Summer jobs, Student jobs

Position: Biology Assistant
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Organization: Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
Location: Swan Lake, Victoria BC (on site)

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society is hiring four ‘Biology Assistants’ (Biological technicians) (Contingent on successful Canada Summer Jobs funding)

To be eligible to participate in this initiative, individuals must meet the Canada Summer Jobs criteria:

• Between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive)
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or granted refugee status

About Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary:

The Nature Sanctuary Society is a registered non-profit charity organization that fosters understanding and appreciation of nature through direct experience. For 50 years the Sanctuary lands have provided a conserved space for an incredible array of native plants and animals, and educational programming for millions of people to forge deeper connections to nature.

We acknowledge the lək ̓ʷəŋən-speaking Peoples (Songhees and Esquimalt/Kosapsum) on whose territory the Nature Sanctuary stands, and the lək ̓ʷəŋən-speaking and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples — including the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum) and MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat) — whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

We respect the vital relationships of First Peoples with these lands and waters for countless generations. We are honoured to receive Indigenous guidance and welcome collaboration in stewardship and appreciation of the Nature Sanctuary.

The Nature Sanctuary lands are owned by Saanich, except for two small parcels which are Nature Trust BC Lands. The lands are governed by the volunteer Board of Directors of the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society, a non-profit and Registered Charity organization, under the terms of a Land Management Agreement between the Society and the Municipality of Saanich.

Read more about the Nature Sanctuary by navigating the links at the following URL.

About the positions:

The Biology Assistants will help with ecological restoration and conservation of the lands and waters. To be successful in this role, you should have a pleasant personality and the ability to work in all types of weather. You should also be able to deal with emergencies in a timely and effective manner, while streamlining work tasks. Flexibility is a plus!

Specifications:

• Four positions available on site in Victoria, BC
  • First block anticipated for the following dates: May 11 – July 3 2026 (two positions)
  • Second block anticipated for the following dates: July 6 – August 28 2026 (two positions)
• Full time 35 hours/week, $22.00/h, 8-week contract with possibility for extension
• Some schedule flexibility required to support occasional meetings and other events

The Biology Assistants will help with:

• Support the conservation and restoration efforts at Swan Lake and Christmas Hill
• Actively engage in invasive plant removal in and around freshwater and riparian area (Swan Lake) and Blenkinsop and Swan Creeks
• Actively engage in restoration efforts in a deep-soil Garry Oak Ecosystem
• Support seed conservation and the growth of native plants
• Lead volunteers during restoration events
• Document and record information regarding restoration efforts.
• Collaborate with other team members on restoration and conservation initiatives – such as species and phenology monitoring.
• Additional related duties as required.

Responsibilities:

• Regular, punctual attendance at work, in person, on site.
• Attention to detail in restoration and conservation work,
• Hold an understanding of environmental science including native vs invasive species, factors that are beneficial vs adverse to our local ecosystem, etc.
• Work with tools related to this position (e.g. landscaping tools - hand and power tools).
• Be physically able to take part in outdoor nature restoration, for full days, in all weather, to complete duties of this position.
• Clear communication skills (written, verbal) with colleagues, the public and in any emails/meetings required for projects.
• Skilled in computer software required for this position, including, but not limited to MS Office Suite.
• Able to work independently after having received training.
• Work collaboratively with other team members and volunteers.
• Collaborate along with all team members to maintain cleanliness and safety of all building areas as well as the overall site and trails.
• Engage in all aspects of the organization’s risk management, safety procedures, and protocols.
• Track and analyze data to inform planning, budgeting, and engagement strategies, and use insights to recommend process improvements.
• Track activity attendance, engagement, and participant feedback for internal reporting.
• Proactively contribute to documentation needed for organizational continuity, fully participating in the development and maintenance of shared management systems and tools (e.g. tracking spreadsheets).
• Maintain composure and professionalism while using forward-thinking problem solving as any challenges or stressors arise.
• Approach projects and time at work professionally, understanding the need to represent the values of the organization in one’s daily approach to task completion.
• Maintain openness and capacity for dialogue around feedback and coaching.
• Maintain tidy, organized work area, with respect for tools and all property.
• Fully participate in daily work to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for all visitors, staff colleagues, and volunteers.
• Able to report to Supervisor(s) and take direction from Supervisors and Mentors.
• Provide a positive representation of the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society in interactions with colleagues, visitors, and the public.

Qualifications:

• Able to use landscape tools and assist with site maintenance
• Excellent communicator and able to work comfortably both independently and in a team environment
• Willing to work both outdoors and indoors in all types of weather
• Ability to identify hazards and work in a safe manner (need to wear CSA certified steel toe work boots and other personal protective equipment for some tasks)
• Willing to regularly work on Saturdays
• Valid Class five drivers’ license
• Scientific skills including plant identification would be an asset
• Must be able to provide a clear Criminal Record check following an offer of employment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of this work, however the list is not exhaustive and other duties and responsibilities will occur. The Nature Sanctuary retains the right to amend responsibilities as needed.

Eligibility:

To be eligible to participate in this initiative, individuals must meet the Canada Summer Jobs criteria:

• Between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive)
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or granted refugee status

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society is committed to creating mutually respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples. We strive to create opportunities for knowledge-sharing and understanding. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a community-focused organization. We are committed to building a diverse staff and will be hiring through an equity lens.

We centre human dignity and growing our connections to each other and to our environment. We believe that each of us is responsible for addressing discrimination and that we co-create peace and good relationships as a daily practice.

To learn more about our workplace and possible accommodations, please email hiring.swanlake@gmail.com

To Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter demonstrating your experience as it relates to the job requirements to hiring.swanlake@gmail.com

• Please use the position title as the subject line.
• Attach a single PDF file for your one-page cover letter and your resume with two references (email addresses and phone numbers). Please name the file your first and last name (e.g. JesseSingh.pdf).
• Your cover letter should express why you are interested in this position and clearly outline what past experiences that you have had that qualify you for the work.
• Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Application deadline: March 23 2026. Please apply as soon as possible for consideration.

These positions are scheduled to begin May 11, 2026 (first block) or July 6 2026 (second block).

We are grateful to all applicants, however, due to the volume of applications that we receive and the size of our staff team, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are unable to provide feedback or career coaching, but refer people to the following provincial resources and other local resources [URLs embedded].