Summer positions & internships

Position: Community Engagement & Ecological Forestry Intern
Organization: Medway Community Forest Co-operative Ltd.
Close date: March 1, 2026

Background on Medway Community Forest Cooperative:

The Medway Community Forest Co-op (MCFC) is Eastern Canada’s first crown land community forest based in the rural community of Caledonia, Nova Scotia. Our primary aim is to support local communities through sustainable and ecologically based forest management. On a daily basis, the MCFC sustainably manages a diverse 15,000 hectare land base using practices that reflect ecological and multi-value forest management.

MCFC is leading the implementation of ecological forestry in Nova Scotia, demonstrating sustainable Crown land management through research, monitoring, and best practices. Committed to transparency and community engagement, MCFC fosters rural economic growth while creating opportunities for education, recreation, and value-added wood production.

Job Description:

Duration: 16 weeks
Hours: 37.5 hours/week
Pay: $23/hr

Location: Caledonia, Nova Scotia
Remote Work Expectations: We may be able to assist in finding accommodations, or else individual is expected to commute to our office and license area in Caledonia, NS +/- 3 days/week.

The Community Engagement & Ecological Forestry Intern will play a key role in connecting people to the Medway Community Forest and the surrounding communities by promoting community events, engaging the public, and managing visitor experience. The position will support a wide range of activities across MCFC’s forestry operations, community outreach, biodiversity monitoring, recreation management, and forest health initiatives, blending field
based forestry and conservation work with community engagement, digital communications, and campground support. The intern will work closely with the MCFC’s Operations Manager and Ecological Forestry Co-ordinator, and engage with several partner organizations involved in sustainable, community-based forest management.

This role is ideally suited for someone passionate about rural community development, ecological forestry, public outreach and outdoor fieldwork.

Key tasks and responsibilities include:

Forestry and Field-Based Responsibilities:

• Assist with forestry and silviculture data collection, layout, and pre-treatment assessments.
• Conduct silviculture and harvest monitoring, post-harvest data collection, and tree marking.
• Support old forest surveys and wildlife feature identification.
• Lead or support sampling for biodiversity monitoring within the MCFC Crown Land license area (vegetation, trees, mammals, migratory birds, etc.).
• Participate in species-at-risk (SAR) bird monitoring and other research initiatives.
• Maintain accurate data records and compile results for biodiversity studies.
• Support general forest health assessments and monitoring activities.
• Provide operational support for the MCFC campground by managing reservations, maintaining facilities, assisting guests, and contributing to trail and campsite maintenance.

Outreach-based Responsibilities:

• Maintain MCFC’s social media presence and contribute to regular website updates.
• Develop outreach content using photography, videography, and written communications.
• Plan, promote, and support woodland tours and community engagement activities.
• Design promotional materials such as newsletters, information sheets, posters, and digital content.
• Engage with community members and partners to promote ecological forestry and conservation initiatives.
• Contribute to the design and distribution of promotional materials, such as information sheets, posters, and event invitations.
• Plan and execute summer outreach events, including the annual Forest Market, covering logistics, promotion, partner coordination, volunteer support, and post-event follow-up.

Minimum Requirements:

• Completion of a minimum of 2 years of a post-secondary program in forestry, environmental or natural resource studies, communications, marketing, environmental graphic design or similar.
• Recent training in Wilderness First Aid and WHMIS
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions and in varying terrain and have experience with forestry field work
• Passion for rural economic development and sustainability
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgement in decision making
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• Demonstrated ability to work independently without direct supervision
• Self-starting, strong work ethic and initiative
• Some knowledge of Nova Scotia forestry, regulations and legislation
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to work in a remote rural community

Additional Assets:

• Local community resident
• Knowledge of the Nova Scotia Forest Ecosystem Classification system, Silvicultural Guide to the Ecological Matrix and Pre-Treatment Assessment system
• Experience working in a campground or outdoor recreation facility
• Experience with customer service
• Some experience planning and facilitating community outreach programs
• Experience using accommodations management/web reservation platforms
• Experience with ArcMap GIS, Arc Online, Survey 1-2-3, QGIS and Avenza Maps

Application Process:

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter combined into a ingle PDF file to info@medwaycommunityforest.com . Please include your last name in the title of the file.

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.

The MCFC encourages applicants from a diversity of backgrounds or self-identify as part of an underrepresented group to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.