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 worker for a 7-week summer position.
This position is ideal for a secondary school student or recent secondary school graduate or freshman post-secondary student who is eager to gain hands-on experience in conservation, habitat restoration, and environmental outreach.
Indigenous Applicants and Residents of Rural Communities of SDG Encouraged To Apply
Butternut Creek 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. No prior professional experience is required—this role is best suited to someone with a demonstrated interest in habitat restoration and species ID, a willingness to learn, excellent communicaton and written skills, and a positive attitude toward outdoor work.
Position Responsibilities
Species Monitoring
- Support ecological monitoring activities in wetland, grassland, and forest habitats
- Assist with bird counts, amphibian observations, and basic data recording
Habitat Restoration and Horticulture Work
- Help maintain native species gardens through weeding, watering, and planting
- Assist in creating simple plant identification markers
- Carry out 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
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
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
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
