Careers

Job Title: Communications Intern (Web Development) 

Location: Invasive Species Centre Office, Sault Ste. Marie, ON  

Application Deadline:  Ongoing until position filled  

Tentative Start Date: As soon as possible 

Status: Full-time, Contract – 1 year (52 weeks total internship, 37.5 hours per week)  

Salary: $20.51/hour     

Do you have a strong understanding of web development – especially WordPress – multi-media technologies, and emerging digital trends? If so, please read on. 

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-paced team, please follow the application instructions at the end of this posting.  

Position Summary   

The Communications and Web Development Intern’s objectives will be to amplify positive awareness of the ISC, its mandate and achievements, engage key stakeholders, partners, and potential funders to help fuel ISC’s vision and mission, and facilitate evidence-based information sharing and information transfer about the important issue of invasive species with a strong emphasis on creating new website content, editing existing content, and overall optimizing of the Invasive Species Centre and project websites.  

The intern will place valuable knowledge of invasive species into the hands of invasive species professionals and the public through the Invasive Species Centre and project websites, social media channels, in-person and digital events, and other multimedia products.The intern will support the generation of external communications to engage new and existing stakeholder audiences with credible, up-to-date information regarding invasive species issues and the Invasive Species Centre. The intern will also be well informed of WordPress and digital media tools and resources and apply them to advance the Invasive Species Centre’s communications strategy.  

Principal Accountabilities   

The communications intern will: 

• Support the development and implementation of new website content. Edit existing content to ensure it’s up-to-date and representative of current knowledge and program status 
• Maintain and update web content management system for optimal performance 
• Support event planning for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events 
• Support the coordination and general of plain language digital and print products including articles, video, social media campaigns, reports, graphics, etc.  
• Validate communications products by researching, consolidating and analyzing policy, science, and technical information on invasive species 
• Coordinate expert/peer review of communications products 
• Identify new opportunities and opportunities to improve partner relationships 
• Research and analyze key audiences, their information needs and opportunities for engagement 
• Support the team with outreach inventory needs   
• Monitor and evaluate external relations plans and activities using analytics and search engine optimization tools with predefined performance indicators to consolidate metrics and analyze results with respect to digital engagement, media contact, etc. and provide monthly reports 
• Respond to or refer inquiries received by email and telephone 
• Deliver outreach and/or education at events 
• Gather information from various sources to develop online species profiles of key invasive species 
• Other activities upon request 

Minimum Qualifications   

The successful candidate will be a university or college graduate who has graduated within the last three years from an accredited college or university. The candidate must be a graduate of a post-secondary degree or diploma program. The position will be the first full-time employment in the candidate’s field of study.   

Preferred Qualifications  

• Degree or diploma in Web Development, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism and/or related education in website development and/or digital media; and  
• Bilingualism in either French, English or Indigenous languages and additional educational credentials and/or experience in natural or environmental sciences also considered assets.  

Key Competencies   

• Excellent oral, written, and visual communication skills 
• Strong understanding on WordPress or similar content management system 
• Understanding of photography and videography and associated equipment (ie. DSLR camera, microphones, etc.) would be considered an asset 
• Understanding of digital technologies and emerging digital trends 
• Strong computer proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office, WordPress, social media platforms, email marketing applications and design/video software (i.e., Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, etc.) 
• 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 creativity, self-motivation and initiative 
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while producing high quality results 

Other Requirements   

• The candidate must be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations 
• Candidates chosen for an interview may be asked to share a portfolio of past work 
• The candidate may not have previously participated in an internship program and must be a recent graduate holding a diploma or degree from an accredited post-secondary institution 
• Possess a valid Ontario driver’s license.  Access to a vehicle considered an asset as occasional travel may be required.    
• The successful candidate will work from the Invasive Species Centre offices in Sault Ste. Marie. There is no opportunity for hybrid or remote work.  

Instructions for Applicants  

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as of Oct. 21, 2024, until the position is filled.  

Please submit your application package as a single PDF document. This document must include a cover letter (1 page maximum) and a resume describing your education and related work experience. Please submit via email to:   

• Deborah Sparks, Business Development and Communications Manager,   
• 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.  

Invasive Species Phragmites Regional Coordinator 

Location: Northern Ontario preferred, including Sault Ste. Marie. Other locations in Ontario may be considered   

Start Date: November/December 2024 

End Date: April 2027, with possibility for extension  

Salary Range: $50,000-$65,000 based on qualifications and experience 

Job Type: Full-time, Contract 

The Invasive Species Centre aims to mobilize 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, we have 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 protecting forests, land, and water in Canada and enjoy working as a part of an upbeat and fast-paced team, please follow the application instructions at the end of this posting. 

Position Summary  

The Invasive Species Phragmites Regional Coordinator will work to implement a new program to reduce the impact of the invasive plant, Phragmites across Ontario. A focus of this position is to work with partners to connect and catalyze local action on Phragmites in communities in Northern Ontario. They will work with municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, non-governmental organizations and many others to promote collaborative approaches to invasive species management. The successful candidate will accomplish these priorities by building local partnerships in communities throughout northern Ontario. They will be an effective communicator and presenter, and they will support local partners in building capacity to map, monitor and control Phragmites. 

The Coordinator may be asked to supervise contract staff and/or external contractors from time to time. They may also assist with other organizational priorities, including fielding public inquiries, sitting on related committees, and other tasks as required.  

The ISC offers a fun, vibrant workplace with flexibility and shared passion for protecting the environment. We believe in supporting our team as much as possible, with a competitive compensation package including wages, minimum of 2 weeks of vacation, 12 paid holidays, paid personal days, paid sick leave, contribution to personal and professional development and many opportunities to learn new skills. The ISC offers hybrid work opportunities for team members in Sault Ste. Marie and full remote arrangements for those based elsewhere in Ontario. 

Principal Accountabilities 

• Project management for implementing Phragmites program in northern Ontario, and assigned program area(s) including tracking program deliverables, key performance indicators and associated reporting 

• Development of program budgets, expense tracking and associated reconciliations  

Relationship Development 

• Identify, and grow relationships with key partners (e.g. municipalities, conservation authorities, indigenous communities, NGOs, etc.) in new communities to support collaborative invasive species action 

• Establish and develop positive and constructive relationships with colleagues at other partner conservation organizations working to implement the Ontario Phragmites Action program 

Support Access to Key Resources 

• Assist program partners in accessing key resources to support their invasive species collaborations including access to funding, training, mapping, genetic testing services and other resources  

• Support external partners and local groups s in the development of strong collaborative projects and actions to reduce Phragmites  

• Assess funding proposals and make recommendations for funding allocations 

• Assist ISC team in the negotiation and management of contracts that support local partner implementation 

Outreach and Communications 

• Attend public meetings and events to grow awareness and engagement of Phragmites program with key audiences and potential partners 

• Support the development of new and updated resources including technical documents, outreach materials, advertisements, and other materials 

Other Activities 

• Represent the ISC and related programs on committees, working groups and other key forums 

• Periodic travel to attend conferences, key meetings and other in-person events throughout Ontario, Canada and internationally 

• Support of grant writing and business development team as required 

• Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications 

• 3 or more years of professional experience in competencies related to this position 

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent additional certification in biology, fisheries, environmental science/studies, geography, environmental policy or other related fields 

• Possess a valid G-class drivers licence, ability to travel periodically for work 

• A valid passport and ability to travel internationally for work 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Excellent organization, interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written 

• Strong knowledge and experience in budget planning, reporting and project management 

• Ability to work flexible hours to meet with external partners 

Minimum Competencies  

The successful candidate will have strong: 

• Organisational skills: ability to quickly design and implement programs and processes, communicate with team, track grants throughout granting cycle, respond to requests in a timely way 

• Project Management skills: Ability to develop, manage and track projects, keeping activities on time and on budget and report back to funders 

• Administrative skills: Knowledge of office procedures, knowledge of or willingness to learn invoicing, tracking expenses 

• Strong Science Communication Skills: The ability to express themselves clearly in conversations and interactions with others, through writing, speaking, and images 

• Technical and data management expertise: computer proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office software especially Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, social media, email marketing, and survey applications 

• Knowledge of invasive species: Working general knowledge of environmental science, biological diversity and invasive species considered an asset 

• Teamwork skills: Have a can-do and optimistic outlook, help to set a tone of cooperation within the work group and across groups; coordinate own work with others, 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  

Other Requirements  

• The candidate must be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations 

• Bilingual in French, English, and/or Indigenous languages would be an asset 

• Must work within standard business hours and occasionally evening and weekends depending on work requirements 

• Willingness to travel as required  

• The candidate will need to comply with all ISC policies  

• Ability to start position as soon as possible  

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis beginning November 15, 2024. The posting will close once a candidate has been selected. 

Please submit application package by email using the subject “Phragmites Regional Coordinator” to info@invasivespeciescentre.ca. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file and include a cover letter (1-page maximum) and resume (3-page maximum), which includes your education and work experience. Please address to: 

• Colin Cassin, Policy Manager
• Invasive Species Centre, 1219 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, 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.