Seasonal positions, Work outdoors

Position: Okanagan Conservation Field Crew
Type: summer positions
Organization: Nature Trust of British Columbia (NTBC)
Location: Penticton BC

This is a seasonal, full-time, and in-person role based in our Penticton office, BC

About Us

The Nature Trust of British Columbia (NTBC) is a leading non-profit land conservation organization dedicated to conserving BC’s biodiversity through securement, restoration, and management of ecologically significant lands. Since 1971, we have secured over 180,000 acres of ecologically significant land. The treasured landscapes we have protected forever includes the Xwésam (Salmon) River on Vancouver Island, Boundary Bay in the Lower Mainland, White Lake Basin in the Okanagan, and the 10,000-acre Hoodoos conservation complex in the Kootenays. To maintain or restore ecological integrity on our conservation areas, we are seeking adventurous Conservation Field Crew members in the Thompson-Okanagan region from May 5, 2026 to August 28, 2026, with potential extension depending on funding availability.

About the Role

You’re an outdoor enthusiast who believes in NTBC’s mission to protect BC nature for future generations of wildlife, plants, and people. As our Crew Member, you will report to our Okanagan Field Operations Coordinator and complete regional workplans by restoring habitats, collecting data, and maintaining site access or boundaries.

A typical day as a Crew Member in the Okanagan begins by gearing up at the office. The crew then travels 75km on average with the team in a work vehicle to the conservation area. Most of the day is spent in the field, focusing on ecological monitoring, e.g. photographic monitoring, invasive species removal and inventory, and restoration projects. Crews may work in groups under the supervision of the Field Operations Coordinator or Land Manager, or occasionally solo. At the end of the day, the crew travels back to store gear and completes end-of-day field activity reports.

Responsibilities

• Site assessments on conservation lands that include but are not limited to: wildlife and habitat inventory, mapping functions (e.g. ArcGIS Field Maps), and reporting of land management issues including illegal activities
• Site maintenance including signage inventory and replacement, repair of infrastructure (fences, bird boxes), and litter removal
• Invasive species removal, maintenance of restoration sites, and replanting of native vegetation using hand tools and power tools
• Community or volunteer events facilitation and content capture for NTBC social media
• Support for specific projects, such as installing and maintaining Beaver Dam Analogs, Antelope Brush Restoration and Planting, and burrowing owl release and supplemental feeding
• Represent and promote NTBC and land conservation efforts in a respectful and professional manner

Requirements

• Knowledge of British Columbia’s flora and fauna, with particular interest in sensitive, threatened and endangered species and ecosystems in the Thompson-Okanagan
• Ability or willingness to learn to safely operate and handle various tools and equipment, including chainsaws, brush saws, power tools and hand tools
• Ability to work outdoors in summer weather on-foot, crossing various terrain for long hours with regular heavy lifting up
• Ability to problem-solve and adapt to change
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team, and comfortable to occasionally work alone
• Ability to consistently communicate and engage with colleagues and community partners in ways that uphold dignity, prevent harm, and support both physical and psychological safety
• Willingness to occasionally work remotely for several days at a time, which may include camping
• Eligibility: Must be legally entitled to work in Canada, have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment, and willing to provide a Criminal Record Check

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• One of the following, or combination of:
  • Education (enrolled or recent graduate) relevant to the environmental sector (environmental studies, biology, forestry, resource management, etc.)
  • Paid, volunteer or lived experience working outdoors in the environmental field, such as land stewardship, invasive species removal, and tree planting
• Familiarity with general approaches to land restoration and enhancement
• Experience working with Indigenous Groups and First Nations, community partners, and other stakeholders in a collaborative environment
• Current Basic First Aid (previously OFA-1) certificate or greater
• Age 21 or older with ability to drive work vehicle (pick-up truck) alone between conservation areas and Penticton office
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license, driver’s abstract will be requested to prove good standing

What We Offer

• Work Term: May 5, 2026 - August 28, 2026, with potential extension depending on funding availability
• Schedule: 36hrs/week, 9 hour days (Monday-Thursday)
• $22 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay
• Opportunities to expand your professional network and mentorship opportunities with Land Management staff members
• 2 positions are available, subject to funding

How To Apply

Please submit your résumé and cover letter at our BambooHR Career portal by April 06 to Tess McCall. In your cover letter, please address how you meet the qualifications identified above and the following questions:

• What do you expect from others when working as a Team?
• How do your personal goals align with the goals of NTBC?

Applications will be reviewed as received until April 06, with position filled 2 weeks before start date.

The Nature Trust of BC is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of BC. We encourage applications from underrepresented communities in the environmental sector, including racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+, and all those who contribute to a diverse society. NTBC will facilitate accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, such as contact outside of regular work hours or low-stimulus interview environments

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