Summer jobs, Student jobs

Positions: Field Technician
Type: summer jobs / age 30 & under
Organization: Ontario Nature
Location: Toronto ON + frequent travel (see below)

Position Overview

Ontario Nature is seeking three early-career conservation professionals for the position of Field Technician.

The length of the positions will be based on funding, with all starting in May 2026. The technician will assist with Ontario Nature’s Nature Reserve and Conservation Science programs, which work to protect vulnerable habitats and species across the province. This role supports the management of 26 nature reserves and 3 conservation easements, and contributes to conservation research projects for at-risk snakes, birds and plants including the snake Long-Term Monitoring Protocol (LTMP). The technician will support field work activities, assist with trail maintenance, contribute to community engagement initiatives and assist with biological and spatial data management to support conservation and property management efforts.

The ideal candidate has a keen interest in conservation, working knowledge of species at risk and invasive species found in Ontario, and has experience conducting field work. The ability to work well as part of a small team, as well as independently, is required.

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: ontarionature.org. 

Why Work with Ontario Nature

• Flexible work hours and location, in accordance with our Remote Work Policy
• Strong organizational values with commitment to upholding them at all levels of the organization
• Progressive workspace and membership perks at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto
• Fulfilling, purpose-driven work, alongside 35 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 the collection and documentation of natural heritage, species, and habitat data on nature reserves and project sites using standardized methods, including the snake LTMP and Ecological Land Classification (ELC).
• Assist with maintaining 3.5km of public nature trails, including a 538m accessible trail to support nature access for seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children/strollers.
• Assist with community outreach near nature reserves, including supporting the planning and delivery of free public events to engage people in nature and conservation.
• Assist with preparing communication and outreach materials (e.g., blogs, social media content) related to project activities.
• Support Ontario Nature staff, volunteers and stewards during stewardship activities such as plantings and invasive species removal.
• Assist with the entry, organization and basic analysis of spatial, temporal, species and habitat data collected for both programs, under staff guidance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in conservation in Ontario.
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science or a relevant field.
• Experience (academic, volunteer or employment) compiling information on conservation lands including natural features, threats, species at risk and invasive species.
• Experience with detailed notetaking, data collection and entry, and data quality assurance.
• Familiarity with Ontario’s flora and fauna, and experience using dichotomous identification keys. 
• Good verbal and written communications skills including active listening and the willingness to ask questions. 
• Ability to work well independently within a small team structure and collaboratively with partners.   
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in sometimes challenging conditions (e.g., high temperatures and humidity, heavy rain, dense bugs) and terrains. 
• Basic navigational skills including experience with field GPS unit, compass and air photo interpretation.
• Basic familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. 
• Valid class “G” driver’s license and ability to rent a vehicle in Ontario.
• Must live within a 90-minute commute of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) or be willing to relocate to meet this criteria.

• Meet requirements for Canada Summer Jobs:
  • Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
  • Valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
  • Between 15 and 30 years of age.

Desirable Assets

• Experience with Ecological Land Classification and/or Vegetation Sampling Protocol.
• Experience capturing and handling reptiles and amphibians.
• Experience with Landscape land conservation software.
• Experience conducting breeding bird surveys.

Anticipated Start Date: May 4, 2026

Type of Position:

• Position 1: minimum 8-week contract, full-time
• Position 2: minimum 8-week contract, full-time
• Position 3: minimum 16-week contract, full-time with possibly of extension
• Length of positions are dependent on funding

Compensation: $21.00-$25.00/hour depending on experience

Existing Vacancy: Yes

Location: This position is based out of Ontario Nature’s Head Office – 192 Spadina Ave, Suite 110, Toronto, ON. The selected candidate must live within a 90-minute commute of the GTA or be willing to relocate. Ontario Nature offers flexibility with working location, in accordance with our operational Remote Work Policy.

Working Conditions: This job requires frequent travel across Ontario and frequent weekend and evening work. During these trips staff often camp or stay in rustic accommodations. The position requires the ability to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (e.g., high summer temperatures and humidity, heavy rain) and terrains. The job can be physically demanding, including hiking, tree-planting, hole-digging, camping in uncomfortable conditions and lifting heavy objects (up to 40 lbs). 

To Apply 

Include your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications and experience. Submit your application at https://ontarionature.applytojobs.ca

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Deadline for applications: March 30, 2026, 9:00 A.M.

Ontario Nature is committed to workplace equity and welcomes applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of communities we serve. We encourage applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, women, persons with disabilities and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.  

Ontario Nature thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No unsolicited emails or phone calls please. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes and work environments in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process.