Summer jobs, Student jobs

Co-op Student Work Placement

Position: Environmental Technician – Water Quality and Aquatic Plant Surveying 2
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Employer: U-Links Centre for Community Based Research

• Hours: 35 hours per week, for up to 16 weeks starting in May 2026 (2 positions see bottom for details)
• Compensation: $22.50/hour
• Reports to: U-Links Program Coordinator
• Office Location: U-Links office, Minden, Ontario.
• Fieldwork will be conducted in field locations throughout Haliburton County. Work may be conducted, as required, from a home office.

SUMMARY OF POSITION: Under the direction of the U-Links Program Coordinator, the Environmental Technician will assist with the Water Quality Monitoring and Aquatic Plant Inventories by conducting a water sampling and aquatic plant surveys on upper watershed lakes in Haliburton County. The purpose of the monitoring and surveys is to collect water quality data, inventory the aquatic plants on these lakes and identify any invasive aquatic species that may be present. Training on the sampling protocols and aquatic plant identification will be provided.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be in a post-secondary program in the field of environmental technology, environmental sciences, biology, ecosystems management or a similar field.
• Field knowledge of water quality monitoring and/or aquatic plant monitoring or other ecological monitoring protocols
• Understand how to use a GPS device in the field and how to integrate collected data with GIS data
• Be comfortable working in a boat and around water
• Reliable access to a vehicle and a valid driver’s license is required. No public transportation exists in Haliburton County and the incumbent will be expected to transport themselves to field sites.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
• Knowledge of environmental research practices, and an ability to remain cognizant of changing environmental issues relative to Haliburton County.
• Competency with Microsoft Office applications and with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).

ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong time management and organization skills. Must be able to assess, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Strong work ethic and self-starter, able to effectively manage multiple priorities, and adapt to change within a fast-paced environment.
• Punctual and well organized with time management.
• Ability to meet physical demands of the job and perform moderately rigorous fieldwork, including but not limited to carrying equipment up to 50 lbs. in all types of weather, all seasons while often exposed to biting insects.
• Able to work in a team environment and collaborate with fellow employees, community partners, and post-secondary students.
• Able to work independently.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Priorities will shift during the employment term. The incumbent works with the U-Links Program Coordinator to determine current priorities on a biweekly basis to ensure workload does not exceed time available. Priorities will shift during the employment term.

• Liaise with the Program Coordinator, Director, and Administration/Logistics Coordinator.
• Assist with the Water Quality sampling and Aquatic Plant Inventory by conducting a series of surveys on upper-watershed lakes in central Haliburton County.
• Logistics: Assist the Program Coordinator in coordinating site access and field work logistics with local project partners involved in the project as required.
• Equipment Maintenance: Clean, maintain and calibrate field operation equipment and report any damages or concerns to the Program Coordinator.
• Committee Relationships: Attend U-Links Management Committee and Woodlands and Waterways EcoWatch Steering Committee and subcommittee meetings; follow up on action items.
• Special projects as required and other duties as directed by the Program Coordinator.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send a detailed cover-letter and resume to admin@ulinks.ca by 23:59 EST by May 8th, 2026. Please note, applicants will be interviewed as applications are submitted. Apply early.

For one position, applicants must be an active student enrolled in an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution and returning to their program in September. Please pre-register at EcoCanada to make the eligibility process quicker: https://eco.smapply.ca/acc/r/

For the second position, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited Canadian post-secondary program with a mandatory co-operative education (co-op) or work-integrated learning component, in accordance with Ontario Chamber of Commerce Student Work Placement Program eligibility requirements.

Both jobs are open to students who hold Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, or Canadian refugee status. Priority will be given to female students in STEAM fields, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous students, first-year students, and recent immigrants. Applicants on a studey visa are not eligible.

We thank all those interested in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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