Terrestrial 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 Terrestrial Ecology Program is to maintain the long-term ecological integrity of the Royal Botanical Gardens’ terrestrial nature sanctuary areas.

The position is responsible for assisting Terrestrial Ecology staff in implementing monitoring, maintenance, and plant community restoration programs. The position will involve activities in the forest and meadow areas of RBG’s nature sanctuaries. This will include aspects such as prairie and forest planting, invasive species removal, plant and bird community monitoring, data input and reporting. 

Positions Available: 1

Duration: April 20, 2026 - December 18, 2026

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Monitor various components of the forest ecosystem, including tree health and understory flora, bird species, and soil conditions, to assess ecosystem health, biodiversity, and environmental changes.
• Support non-native species control programs within the forest and tallgrass prairie, to aid in conservation efforts and mitigate the impact of invasive species on native ecosystems.
• Collect and record scientific data, including Ecological Land Classification, to contribute to ecological research and inform habitat management strategies.
• Coordinate volunteers, temporary staff, and support contractors, to enhance team efficiency and ensure smooth implementation of conservation initiatives.
• Manage risk trees within the RBG nature trail system, to maintain public safety while preserving ecological integrity.
• Maintain database records, analyze data, and produce reports, to support data-driven decision-making and document conservation efforts.
• Operate vehicles and gators, to facilitate efficient transportation and execution of fieldwork activities in diverse terrains.
• Deliver a presentation on a topic related to the internship experience, to promote knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Compile a summary report of the year’s activities in collaboration with supervisors, to document key achievements and insights that inform future conservation strategies.

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.
• Basic statistical analysis abilities to effectively interpret and analyze environmental data, supporting research and decision-making in ecosystem management.
• Understands various ecosystem monitoring techniques to accurately assess and track ecological changes, ensuring the health and sustainability of natural environments.
• Knowledge of local geography, hydrology, flora, and fauna to understand and address the interconnections within ecosystems for effective management.
• Familiar with Species at Risk and the Niagara Escarpment Plan legislation to ensure compliance with conservation policies and contribute to the protection of sensitive species and habitats.
• Understands ecosystem restoration techniques to implement effective restoration strategies that enhance biodiversity and ecological resilience.
• Ability to carry out physical labour and work under various environmental conditions and uneven terrain, including slopes, to perform fieldwork and implement restoration or monitoring activities in diverse and challenging environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, and GIS software to efficiently manage, analyze, and present environmental data for research and reporting purposes.
• Holds a current Standard First Aid and CPR certification to prioritize safety and preparedness when working in field environments.

Working Conditions

• 35-hour workweek with flexibility, including occasional early morning and weekend shifts.
• Indoor work performed in a typical office environment that included prolonged sitting and computer use.
• Physical work performed outdoors in various weather conditions, that involves repetitive motions such as walking, standing, lifting, and bending.

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.

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 February 1, 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.