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Program Associate, Ecology


 4-Month Co-op Position

As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.

NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.

NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.

Why Work for the NPCA?

  • Professional Development: Opportunity for further training and skills development.
  • Meaningful Work Experience: Gain hands-on experience, contributing to real projects and making a tangible impact.
  • Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: An opportunity to be part of a highly engaged and passionate team of professionals.
  • Competitive Benefits: Voluntary enrollment in the OMERS pension plan.
  • Access to Niagara Peninsula Conservation Area locations!

Summary of Duties
The Program Associate – Ecology is responsible for providing a wide variety of ecological assistance. The individual may be responsible for conducting inventories of various natural spaces and species as well as creating reports on the findings. Maintenance and care of equipment will be required. The successful individual may also be involved in various aspects of restoration projects and watershed monitoring programs at Conservation Areas throughout the watershed.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • The Program Associate - Ecology will assist with:
  • Assist with conducting flora and fauna inventories following standardized protocols, such as vegetation inventories, reptile, butterfly, bat surveys, and Ecological Land Classification
  • Assist with monitoring, health assessment and recording of Species at Risk and invasive species
  • Assist with implementing long-term monitoring and restoration projects, such as prairie and toad habitat, invasive species removal, plant propagation, seed collection.
  • Data entry and creating GIS maps
  • Writing and compiling various ecological reports
  • Other duties as required

Qualifications

  • Knowledge and interest in the area of Ecology
  • Experience in restoration and/or surveying
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to efficiently use common computer software (MS Outlook, Excel, and Word)
  • Experience using GPS and GIS preferred
  • Willing to work outdoors, in different or adverse environmental conditions
  • Must possess a valid Ministry of Transportation Class “G” driver’s license
  • Must be able to work safely in accordance with the NPCA Health and Safety Policies
  • Successful applicants will be required to complete a satisfactory Criminal Records Check

Salary: $18.00-$18.50/hour up to 35 hrs/week
Location: NPCA Main Office - 3350 Merrittville Hwy, Thorold, ON; with travel within the watershed
Deadline: April 10, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The NPCA is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace. We do not condone or tolerate discrimination on the basis of citizenship, race, place of origin, ethnic origin, colour, ancestry, disability, age, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, or record of offence. Our hiring policies help ensure a consistent, diverse and objective hiring process that is non-discriminatory in nature, and compliant with the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health & Safety, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act as well as any other related legislation ensuring equal employment opportunities.

We can provide accommodation for a disability in all employment activities, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation, please contact recruitment@npca.ca.