Aquatic Ecology Intern

Located at the head of Lake Ontario and within the municipalities of Burlington and Hamilton, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the largest botanical garden in Canada and one of the nation’s earliest nature sanctuaries. Comprising some 2,200 acres of protected wetlands, botanical collections, parkland and display gardens, and within easy access of millions of nature-starved urban citizens, RBG dedicates its expertise in horticulture, conservation, science and education to connect people, plants and place for the purpose of nurturing and preserving healthy growing life on our planet. RBG directs its efforts, and seeks the support of individuals and organizations, to realize its vision of a world in which everyone is awake to the beauty, diversity and necessity of plants, and from that consciousness more actively works together to protect and preserve plant species and habitats and, by extension, our planet. The primary objective of the Aquatic Ecology Program is to monitor and recover the health of two of the largest remaining Lake Ontario costal wetlands, Cootes Paradise and Grindstone Marsh, as it pertains to the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan.

The position is responsible for assisting the Senior Aquatic Ecologist in implementing monitoring, maintenance and restoration programs within the RBG wetlands. This will include aspects of fishway operation, wetland planting, invasive species management, water quality monitoring, plant and wildlife community monitoring, data input and reporting.

Positions Available: 1

Duration: April 6, 2026 – December 18, 2026

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Assist in various non-native species control programs and the seasonal operation of the Cootes Paradise Fishway, including identification and collection of fish population statistics, measuring fish, tagging fish, as well as presenting scientific information and awareness to both small and large groups.
• Assist ongoing habitat restoration initiatives including site preparation, planting, and seed collection to enhance and restore natural ecosystems, contributing to the recovery of native habitats and improving overall ecological integrity. 
• Assist with collection and recording of scientific data to provide accurate, data-driven insights for ecological research and wetland management planning.
• Assist in coordination of volunteers, temporary staff, and support contractors, taking the lead when necessary, to ensure efficient collaboration and effective implementation of projects by guiding and managing team efforts.
• Operate vehicles, boats and sampling gear e.g. electrofishing, nets, etc. to conduct fieldwork safely and effectively while gathering critical ecological and biological data.
• Database management, record keeping, GIS mapping, data analysis and report writing in collaboration with supervisors to maintain accurate records and generate actionable insights that inform conservation strategies and organizational decision-making.
• Provides data to department manager used to compile reports related to the annual activities and grant requirements to generate actionable insights that inform conservation strategies and organizational decision-making.
• Undertake a presentation for the public on the outcomes of projects associated with the internship to promote knowledge sharing and professional development.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in the Environmental field and experience normally acquired through a combination of formal and informal training and practical hands-on work and/or volunteer experience.
• Familiar with various ecosystem restoration and monitoring techniques for aquatic systems to support the assessment, restoration, and long-term health of aquatic ecosystems.
• Basic statistical analysis abilities to interpret ecological data and provide insights that inform restoration and conservation strategies.
• Knowledge of geography, hydrology, flora and fauna to understand and address the interconnections within ecosystems for effective management.
• Ability to carry out physical labour on a daily basis and work under various environmental conditions to perform fieldwork and implement restoration and monitoring activities in diverse and challenging wetland environments.
• Experience handling of small and large fish to ensure adequate animal care while collecting monitoring information, tagging, or relocation efforts as necessary.
• Possesses Electrofishing License to ensure safe and effective fish population monitoring and removal of invasive fish.
• Knowledge of environmental restoration initiatives aimed at improving water quality and habitat conditions in Hamilton Harbour.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access and ArcGIS software to efficiently collect and analyze data, create reports, and map geographic and ecological information for decision-making.
• Holds a current Standard First Aid and CPR certification to prioritize safety and preparedness when working in field environments.
• Posses a valid class G Driver’s License and a clear Statement of Driving Record.
• Leadership and organizational skills and experience to effectively take a leadership role when needed to ensure tasks are completed correctly and meet deadlines.

Working Conditions

• 35-hour workweek with flexibility, including occasional late evenings and weekend shifts.
• Physical work performed outdoors in various weather conditions.  
• Work primarily conducted from boats or canoes and in-water work in chest waders.
• Repetitive motions such as walking, standing, lifting, and bending.
• Some indoor work performed in a typical office environment that includes prolonged sitting and computer use.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the position the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Under age 30 and qualifying for government employment funding support programs.
• Able to start work on April 6, 2026.

RBG is committed to becoming an environmentally sustainable organization.  This is an integral part of our corporate culture, and we require all our employees to assist us with this goal. Employees need to be committed to making the best ecological decisions possible in the execution of their responsibilities, keeping in mind the possible effects decisions may have on both the human and natural environments now and into the future.

Please submit applications to www.rbg.ca/careers by January 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Please submit your cover letter and resume as one pdf file saved using the naming convention of your first then last name and position title (e.g Jane Smith Garden Interpreter.pdf). 

RBG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodation is available under the Accessibility for Ontarians Act.  We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance our recruitment process, ensuring efficiency and fairness. AI helps us review applications consistently, match skills to job requirements, and streamline communication. All decisions are guided by human oversight to uphold our commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity. If you have questions about the use of AI in this process, feel free to contact hr@rbg.ca.