INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Environmental Education & Community Engagement Student

CompanyYMCA of Three Rivers
LocationKitchener
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMay 21, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Support the planning and delivery of environmental education workshops and community events for newcomers to promote sustainability and climate preparedness. Assist with outreach strategies, participant tracking, and connecting newcomers to community resources to aid settlement.
Internship Type
ft contract
Company Size
398
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
38 hours
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About The Company
The YMCA of Three Rivers marks the official unification of the YMCAs of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo, the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph, and the YMCA of Stratford-Perth as one regional entity. Through this process, we're bringing together our strengths and expertise to better serve our communities, where and how they need us most. For more than 150 years, we've demonstrated our commitment to our communities by showing up and delivering the programs, outreach, and services to our people need. This is the good stuff that we’re all about. And, in unifying, equipped with a re-commitment and a bold, new shared vision and purpose. Our goal? To keep showing up for our communities - where, when, and how the need us most.
About the Role

Environmental Education & Community Engagement Student


 

Location: Waterloo Region


 

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week


 

Employment Type: Full Time - Contract


 

Number of Vacancies: 1

 

Anticipated Start Date: June 29, 2026

Contract End Date:  August 21, 2026 

 

Deadline to Apply: June 5, 2026

 

Guaranteed Starting Hourly Wage: $18.00

 

 

Role Overview…

The Environmental Education & Community Engagement Student supports the work of the Speciality Group Facilitator within Immigrant Services by assisting with the planning, development, and delivery of environmental education and community‑based group programming for newcomers. Under the guidance of the Group Facilitator, the student helps design inclusive workshops, community events, and outreach activities that promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and climate preparedness, while strengthening newcomer settlement, language practice, and community connections.

 

What you will do… 

  • Increase a newcomer’s understanding of Canadian society
  • Assist the Group Facilitator in planning and delivering group‑based environmental education workshops for newcomers
  • Support workshops on topics such as local sustainability initiatives, preparing for extreme climate events (e.g., flooding and heat), and proper waste management
  • Help adapt content to suit diverse age groups, language levels, and cultural backgrounds
  • Support the coordination of group activities and community events aligned with Immigrant Services programming
  • Assist with creative initiatives such as Recycled Art projects and Poster Design Competitions that encourage engagement and informal language practice
  • Help organize community showcases that promote environmental awareness and celebrate cultural diversity
  • Assist with outreach strategies to increase participation in group programs
  • Support promotional efforts through social media, newsletters, and community networks in collaboration with the Group Facilitator
  • Support attendance tracking, scheduling, and preparation of program materials
  • Assist with collecting participant feedback and basic evaluation of group activities
  • Maintain organized records related to workshops and community events
  • Work closely with the Group Facilitator, Immigrant Services staff, volunteers, and community partners
  • Assist in connecting newcomers to community resources, networks, and group activities that support settlement and integration
  • Attend workshops, trainings, conferences and staff meetings as required
  • Assume other duties as assigned

What you will bring… 

  • Current student or recent graduate in environmental studies, sustainability, education, community development, or a related field
  • Interest in environmental protection, sustainability, and newcomer settlement services
  • Ability to work respectfully with culturally diverse populations
  • Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills
  • Computer proficiency (Word, basic Excel, digital tools, and social media)
  • Acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Experience supporting workshops, group programs, or community events
  • Multilingual abilities or experience working with newcomers
  • Knowledge of climate adaptation, recycling, or sustainability practices
  • Adaptability when working with diverse age groups, language levels, and cultural backgrounds
  • Strong collaboration and cross-cultural teamwork skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Creativity and innovative thinking in program development
  • Digital skills for outreach, surveys, and content creation
  • Problem-solving and flexibility in dynamic community settings


Work Environment 

  • Typical office working environment
  • The position requires sitting in one work area much of the time.
  • The position requires normal levels of seeing and hearing and may require increased use of senses on a periodic basis (e.g. concentration) but not continuously or for long periods of time.
  • The position requires the normal dexterity required to do either manual or computerized record keeping.
  • The environment is generally comfortable with exposure to normal levels of elements such as dust with minor fluctuations in heating/ventilating.
  • Some exposure to disagreeable conditions.
  • Minimal risk of injury to worker.
  • Minimal travel requirements – visit sites, meetings


Canada Summer Jobs Eligibility

​

This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. Applicants must:

  • Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
  • Have a valid Social Insurance Number; and
  • Be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with provincial or territorial legislation.


What you will gain….

 

You will join a dynamic team and an organization that has massive impact across our community. You will be joining a local organization, but you will also be part of a global movement. Your work will have impact and the community we all call home will be a little better every day because of you. You will also be eligible for a free YMCA membership, Training & Development opportunities, employee referral bonus and the employee assistance program. 

This role requires regular travel across the region, which may not always be easily accessible through public transit. The employee must be able to arrange their own transportation to these sites. A valid G driver’s license and full-time vehicle access are strongly recommended.


 

Please note: As an organization committed to the safety and well-being of children, youth and other vulnerable populations, we prioritize the protection of those under our care. All employees must meet specific requirements, including obtaining a clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check and providing three professional references.


The YMCA of Three Rivers proudly serves the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. Our purpose is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here. 


The YMCA of Three Rivers embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. 


In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers. The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws.  In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices.  For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy, please visit our website. 


Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted. 


To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page.


 

Key Skills
Environmental EducationCommunity EngagementWorkshop PlanningSustainabilityClimate AdaptationCross-Cultural CommunicationProgram CoordinationSocial Media OutreachMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelPublic SpeakingEvent ManagementMultilingualismProblem SolvingCreative ThinkingRecord Keeping
Categories
Environmental & SustainabilityEducationSocial ServicesGovernment & Public Sector
Benefits
Free YMCA MembershipTraining & Development OpportunitiesEmployee Referral BonusEmployee Assistance Program
Environmental Education & Community Engagement Student - InternshipsHQ