Start Date: July 6, 2026
Butternut Creek Nature Reserve Foundation, located on a 150-acre property in Moose Creek, Ontario (45 minutes east of Ottawa), is hiring a Conservation assistant for a 7-week summer position.
This position is ideal for a secondary school student or recent secondary school graduate who is eager to gain hands-on experience in conservation, habitat restoration, and environmental outreach.
No prior professional experience is required—this role is best suited to someone with a strong interest in the natural world, a willingness to learn, excellent communicaiton and written skills, and a positive attitude toward outdoor work. Ideally, the applicant will be local to the area.
Position Responsibilities
Trail Development & Maintenance
- Assist with trail development and improvement
- Manufacture and install trail signage
- Maintain trails to ensure safe and accessible use
- Support basic trail maintenance and upkeep
Horticulture & Native Plant Gardens
- Help maintain native species gardens through weeding, watering, and planting
- Assist in creating simple plant identification markers
Species Monitoring
- Support ecological monitoring activities in wetland, grassland, and forest habitats
- Assist with bird counts, amphibian observations, and basic data recording
Habitat Restoration
*Participate in conservation work including tree planting, invasive species removal, and installation of nest boxes and other habitat features
Community Outreach Support
- Develop social media conduct centred around activities (photos, short write-ups)
- Prepare for and support small public events such as nature walks or citizen science counts
Qualifications
- Strong interest or passion for the environment, nature, and conservation
- Demonstrated interest through school courses, volunteer work, or personal projects related to the environment
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions
- Reliability and a positive, team-oriented attitude
- Basic computer skills and data entry
- familiarity with (or willingness to learn) i-naturalist and Merlin
Indigenous Applicants and Residents of Rural Communities of SDG Encouraged To Apply
Butternut Creek Nature Reserve Foundation recognizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and stewardship practices in caring for the land. It also realizes the importance of local, community-based action in habitat restoration and biodiversity initiatives.
Accordingly, we would be particularly interested in applicants from Indigenous backgrounds and in applicants from the rural communities of SDG, Leeds-Grenville, and Prescott-Russell.
Applicants are welcome to self-identify in their cover letter if they wish
Eligibility
This position is funded through a youth employment program and is open to applicants aged 15 to 30.
Reliable transportation is required.
Application Instructions
Please submit a brief cover letter describing your interest in the position and any relevant school, volunteer, or personal experience, along with your resume (if available) to:
jeanie@butternutcreek.ca
