Job title: Aquatic Invasive Species Intern
Application Deadline: applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with interviews starting July 27, 2026
Status: Full-time temporary (52 weeks at 37.5 hours per week)
Rate of Pay: $21.40/hour
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Intern required to work in office 5 days/week
The Invasive Species Centre (ISC) connects stakeholders, knowledge, and technology to prevent the spread of invasive species to protect Canada’s environment, economy, and society. Incorporated as a not-for-profit in 2011 as a hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing, the ISC has grown into a respected collaborator and leader in invasive species knowledge and action. We rely on values of sustainability, collaboration, credibility, professionalism, and efficiency to achieve our vision where lands and waters in Canada are protected from invasive species.
If you are passionate about protecting lands and waters in Canada and enjoy working as part of an upbeat and fast-paced team, please follow the application instructions at the end of this posting.
Job Summary
The Aquatic Invasive Species Intern will support the objectives of the Invasive Species Centre by assisting with invasive species identification, research, reporting, and related program activities.
The Intern will sort and analyze water samples, and compile and organize datasets for tracking and reporting purposes, which will contribute to research and peer-reviewed publications, public reports, and invasive species management efforts.
The Intern will also support aquatic invasive species programs by responding to public inquiries, developing outreach materials, attending public outreach events, creating social media content, tracking performance metrics, and assisting with communications and marketing initiatives.
The Intern will collaborate with staff, partners, and working groups to advance invasive species prevention and management efforts while gaining valuable experience in research, data analysis, science communication, and program delivery to protect biodiversity and natural resources.
Principal Accountabilities
The Aquatic Invasive Species Intern will:
- Analyze water samples for presence or absence of zebra and quagga mussel veligers, and spiny water flea.
- Track zooplankton diagnostic results and create final reports for partner organizations.
- Assist with data entry.
- Maintain an organized, clean, and safe lab space.
- Respond to public inquiries about aquatic invasive species.
- Support invasive species programs at the Invasive Species Centre, especially related to aquatics.
- Participate in outreach, webinars, or workshop events to support invasive species education and awareness.
- Communicate scientific and technical information effectively and accurately to public audiences.
- Develop new aquatic invasive species outreach materials.
- Create content for the Invasive Carp Canada social media channels and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Support the Aquatics Program Coordinators with influencer outreach, social media marketing, paid advertising, especially with regards to invasive carps and invasive aquatic plants.
- Participate in the collaborative groups working to address invasive species.
- Additional duties upon request.
Qualifications
- University and college graduates who have graduated within the last three years from an accredited college or university with a degree or diploma in biology or a related field.
- Candidates must be graduates of post-secondary degree or diploma programs.
- The position must provide the intern with first full-time employment in their field of study.
- Candidates are only eligible to participate in the internship program one time. If you have been an intern in the past, please identify the funder.
- Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Additional educational credentials and/or experience in natural or environmental sciences would be an asset.
Minimum Competencies
The successful candidate will have strong:
- Oral and written communication skills and the ability to express themselves clearly with others.
- Experience collecting and analyzing data and synthesizing/summarizing results into written reports.
- Ability to maintain an organized, clean, and safe lab space.
- Computer proficiency using Microsoft Office software.
- Teamwork skills: help to set a tone of cooperation within the work group and across groups; coordinate own work with others, demonstrate concern for satisfying external and/or internal customers, respond positively to instructions, procedures, and feedback.
- Time management and flexibility skills: manage multiple projects; determine project urgency in a practical way; create detailed action plans and budgets, adapt well to changing priorities, deadlines, and directions.
- Initiative: identifying what needs to be done and doing it before being asked or before the situation requires it; plan work and carry out tasks without detailed instructions.
- Thoroughness: ensuring that one’s own and others’ work and information are complete and accurate; following up with others to ensure that commitments have been fulfilled, maintaining high standards and considering excellence and continuous learning a fundamental priority.
Other Requirements
- Bilingual in French, English, and/or Indigenous languages would be an asset.
- Familiarity with GIS tools and geospatial concepts, including mapping, spatial analysis, and data management, would be an asset.
- The candidate must be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations.
- The candidate must be a new entrant into the work force, transitioning to a new career, or unemployed or underemployed entering a new field.
- The candidate must not have previously participated in a NOHFC-funded internship. The candidate will need to comply with all ISC policies, including security clearance.
- The candidate must possess a valid G Class driver’s license and be willing to travel throughout Ontario and beyond as needed (approximately 10 days total over the course of a one-year contract).
Please submit a single PDF document that includes a cover letter and resume (which includes your education and work experience history) to:
Sydney Currier, Aquatics Program Coordinator
Invasive Species Centre, 1219 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1E5
Email: careers@invasivespeciescentre.ca
No telephone calls, please. Only candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.
The Invasive Species Centre is an equal opportunity and accessible employer and encourages Indigenous and visible minority candidates and candidates with disabilities to apply. The Invasive Species Centre will provide accommodation for candidates with disabilities during the recruitment process, upon request.
