Job Title: Forest Pest Intern
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario preferred and other remote locations in Ontario considered
Start Date: July 27, 2026
End Date: July 26, 2027
Salary: $21.40/hr
Job Type: Full-time, Contact
The Invasive Species Centre (ISC) mobilizes action against invasive species that harm the 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 inclusion, innovation, stewardship, collaboration, and commitment to excellence to achieve our vision of a Canada where land and water are protected from invasive species.
If you are passionate about environmental protection, science communication, outreach and action, and enjoy working as part of an upbeat and fast-faced team, please follow the application instructions at the end of this posting.
Position Summary
The main role of the Forest Pest Intern is to support the forest sector by strengthening pest monitoring, outreach, training, research, and partner coordination to help communities and stakeholders protect forest health and respond to emerging threats. The ideal candidate is passionate about our mission to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species on lands and waters and will be able to bring new innovative ideas to enhance our strategic communications and outreach.
Principal Accountabilities
- Review and update the Invasive Species Centre’s forest pest training modules
- Support crisis communications related to emerging forest pests
- Attend forest pest working group meetings and support note taking
- Respond to public inquiries on forest pests through the ISC info line
- Support the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Monitoring Network, including kit assembly and dissemination to volunteers
- Assist with the Black Ash Monitoring Network project work
- Liaise & provide tools, resources, and most current knowledge and information to communities to inform and support their work managing their land, water, and natural resources and land management plans, if applicable
- Assist in the development of workshops, events, training, and meetings
- Support information requests from partners, the public, and media
- Prepare, and deliver presentations, work plans, briefings, and reports
- Develop and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations, federal/provincial/municipal staff, other partners and supporters
- Help develop, implement, and support projects. May include tracking project activities, including reviewing and monitoring project progress, key deliverables, timelines, and budgets
- Assist with event and meeting organization for project-related activities
- Support team members on similar community support work
- Write related content for reports, websites, species profiles, newsletters, and other communications products
- Conduct research and analysis for program initiatives
- Build and maintain strong knowledge of invasive species and natural resource management through ongoing professional and personal development
- Develop and deliver forest pest communications campaigns for public outreach, including blog posts, social media, and website content
- Support the ISC webinar series and virtual presentations
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant science and/or adequate experience
- Bilingual in French, English, and/or Indigenous languages would be considered an asset
Key competencies
- Eager to learn about forest invasives in Canada
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to translate scientific and technical information into publicly accessible language
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Excited to learn and adapt quickly to new projects and tasks
- Ability to connect and communicate effectively with stakeholders
- Demonstrate self-motivation and initiative
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while producing high-quality results
Other Requirements
- Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations
- Not currently enrolled in school
- Possess a valid Ontario driver’s license. Access to a vehicle considered an asset as occasional travel may be required
Instructions for Applicants
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until position is filled.
Please submit your application package as a single PDF document. This document must include a cover letter (1 page maximum) and resume describing your education and related work experience. Please submit via email to:
Madison Sturba, Terrestrial Invasives Team Lead
Invasive Species Centre, 1219 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marine, ON P6A 2E5
Email: info@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. The Invasive Species Centre will provide accommodation for candidates with disabilities during the recruitment process, upon request.
