Forest Ecology Intern (Forestry Conservation)

Internship

  Hamilton Conservation Authority

  Ancaster, Ontario, Canada

The Hamilton Conservation Authority is currently seeking a Forest Ecology Intern for a 24-week position during the 2016 field season.  The intern will work closely with Hamilton Conservation Authority Terrestrial Ecologist and will be involved in a variety of ecological surveys and monitoring programs.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Develop a restoration plan for a recently harvested pine plantations at Christie Lake Conservation Area including tree regeneration inventory, recommended species for planting, timeframe and potential funders for the project;
  2. Observe and assist with preparations for pine plantation row harvest including public open house and tender development;
  3. Assist in conducting vegetation surveys within 10 Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network Plots (EMAN) including flora identification and tree health.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Hold a degree or diploma in forestry, ecology, biology, environmental sciences or related subjects;
  2. Possess, and be able to enhance the following skills:
    • Field botany, including plant identification and survey techniques;
    • Be familiar with the flora of southern Ontario with a particular knowledge of trees;
    • Knowledge of ecological restoration techniques for forests;
    • Knowledge and experience with a variety of monitoring programs (i.e. Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network or Vegetation Sampling Protocol);
    • Mapping, the use of GPS receivers, and air photo interpretation.
  3. Possess knowledge and be able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, GIS software and Power Point;
  4. Able to work independently;
  5. Ability to work in an outdoor environment in rough terrain, regularly walking all day;
  6. Have a valid driver's licence and access to a vehicle.

This position is funded through the federal government’s Science and Technology Internship Program. This funding program has specific placement requirements that must be met by the prospective intern. This includes being 30 years of age or less at the start of the internship, unemployed or under-employed, a graduate of a relevant university or college program in the natural science field, be a Canadian Citizen, has permanent Canadian residency status, or has been granted refugee status in Canada and is legally entitled to work in Canada, and a first-time youth participant placed in the Career Focus Program under the Youth Employment Strategy (YES).

The intern will work from the main HCA office (Woodend) in Ancaster. Working hours will be 7.5 hours daily, 5 days per week.  Some weekend or evening work may be required during field season.

Start date is June 13, 2016.

Compensation

This position will pay $15.00 per hour for a 37.5 hour work week for 24 weeks.