Aquatic Ecology Intern

Salary Range: $35,672.00 To $35,672.00 Annually

Located at the head of Lake Ontario and within the municipalities of Burlington and Hamilton, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the largest botanical garden in Canada and one of the nation’s earliest nature sanctuaries. Comprising some 2,200 acres of protected wetlands, botanical collections, parkland and display gardens, and within easy access of millions of nature-starved urban citizens, RBG dedicates its expertise in horticulture, conservation, science and education to connect people, plants and place for the purpose of nurturing and preserving healthy growing life on our planet.

RBG directs its efforts, and seeks the support of individuals and organizations, to realize its vision of a world in which everyone is awake to the beauty, diversity and necessity of plants, and from that consciousness more actively works together to protect and preserve plant species and habitats and, by extension, our planet. The primary objective of the Aquatic Ecology Program is to monitor and recover the health of two of the largest remaining Lake Ontario costal wetlands, Cootes Paradise and Grindstone Marsh, as it pertains to the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan.

The position is responsible for assisting the Senior Aquatic Ecologist in implementing monitoring, maintenance and restoration programs within the RBG wetlands. This will include aspects of fishway operation, wetland planting, invasive species management, water quality monitoring, plant and wildlife community monitoring, data input and reporting.

September 21, 2026 – April 16, 2027

• Assist in various non-native species control programs and the seasonal operation of the Cootes Paradise Fishway, including identification and collection of fish population statistics, measuring fish, tagging fish, as well as presenting scientific information and awareness to both small and large groups.
• Assist ongoing habitat restoration initiatives including site preparation, planting, and seed collection to enhance and restore natural ecosystems, contributing to the recovery of native habitats and improving overall ecological integrity.
• Assist with collection and recording of scientific data to provide accurate, data-driven insights for ecological research and wetland management planning.
• Assist in coordination of volunteers, temporary staff, and support contractors, taking the lead when necessary, to ensure efficient collaboration and effective implementation of projects by guiding and managing team efforts.
• Operate vehicles, boats and sampling gear e.g. electrofishing, nets, etc. to conduct fieldwork safely and effectively while gathering critical ecological and biological data.
• Database management, record keeping, GIS mapping, data analysis and report writing in collaboration with supervisors to maintain accurate records and generate actionable insights that inform conservation strategies and organizational decision-making.
• Provides data to department manager used to compile reports related to the annual activities and grant requirements to generate actionable insights that inform conservation strategies and organizational decision-making.
• Undertake a presentation for the public on the outcomes of projects associated with the internship to promote knowledge sharing and professional development.

• Post-secondary degree in the Environmental fieldand experience normally acquired through a combination of formal and informal training and practical hands-on work and/or volunteer experience.
• Familiar with various ecosystem restoration and monitoring techniques for aquatic systems to support the assessment, restoration, and long-term health of aquatic ecosystems.
• Basic statistical analysis abilities to interpret ecological data and provide insights that inform restoration and conservation strategies.
• Knowledge of geography, hydrology, flora and fauna to understand and address the interconnections within ecosystems for effective management.
• Ability to carry out physical labour on a daily basis and work under various environmental conditions to perform fieldwork and…