ABOUT
Employment Opportunities
Nature Interpreter – On Call
10 Month Contract: September 2026 - June 2027
The Nature Interpreter provides support to Conservation Education staff in the delivery of the Authority’s experiential, curriculum-linked, watershed-based environmental education programs to school groups in Conservation Areas and greenspaces in our watershed. The role also supports the delivery of community outreach events and festivals within the watershed.
The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) is a community-based agency that works in partnership with watershed municipalities to protect the natural environment. CLOCA provides environmental services within the Region of Durham, from the Oak Ridges Moraine to Lake Ontario - from Ajax/Pickering in the west to Clarington in the east. CLOCA encompasses a 627 sq. km mix of rural and rapidly growing urban landscapes.
The Nature Interpreter provides support to Conservation Education staff in the delivery of the Authority’s experiential, curriculum-linked, watershed-based environmental education programs to school groups in Conservation Areas and greenspaces in our watershed. The role also supports the delivery of community outreach events and festivals within the watershed.
Responsibilities:
RESPONSIBILITIES
Environmental Education Program
1. Delivers hands-on, curriculum-linked environmental education programs for students from kindergarten to grade 12 within and connected to our watershed.
2. Set-up and clean-up of program materials and facilities (Enniskillen Conservation Area and Purple Woods Conservation Area) before and after program delivery. This includes transportation of materials to and from education sites within the CLOCA watershed.
3. Providing duty of care for children of primary and secondary school age.
4. Assists with the setup and delivery of the Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival, including school group tours, and the Durham Children’s Watershed Festival.
Community Engagement
5. Supports conservation education staff with implementing a variety of community engagement programs. This may occur outside of normal office hours and include evenings / weekends.
6. Interacts with the public within Conservation Areas, providing information/education, and responding to inquiries / complaints.
Other
7. Work in accordance with CLOCA policies / procedures, vision, and fundamentals.
8. Perform other tasks as assigned.
EFFORT
1. Uses creativity, concentration, and reasoning to operate a variety of IT equipment, organize students and co-ordinate activities.
2. Uses all senses to watch and identify flora and fauna, smell scents, touch textures and hear questions.
3. Performs outdoor activities such as hiking/walking on a variety of terrain, stands, bends, stretches, lifts, carries and sits at a computer to perform duties of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS
1. Works outside a significant portion of the time with exposure to a variety of weather conditions (mild and extreme), dealing with multiple demands, working with a variety of age groups and group sizes.
2. Exposure to hazards when snowshoeing, hiking, operating vehicles, using cleaning substances and tools, and potentially dealing with upset or irate individuals.
3. Exposure to potentially disease carrying ticks and mosquitos, poisonous plants, and stinging insects.
4. Will be required to adjust work schedule to accommodate education and public events taking place beyond normal office hours.
Note: All activities are expected to be performed in a safe manner, in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations, along with CLOCA’s Health and Safety policies, procedures and programs. In addition, all necessary personal protective equipment must be used and maintained in good condition.
Qualifications:
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
1. Post-secondary education in Environmental Science/Studies, Natural Sciences, Geography, Outdoor Recreation, or other related disciplines.
2. Minimum of 2 years related experience with a variety of groups (age/needs/abilities).
3. Ontario College of Teachers Certification would be considered an asset.
SKILLS
1. Strong communication abilities, including public speaking, presentation skills, and effective interpersonal communication—even in challenging situations.
2. Proven leadership skills, including classroom and group management, team collaboration, and basic supervisory abilities.
3. Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
4. Strong organizational, time-management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
5. Ability to adapt to changing events, circumstances, environments, and program learner needs with flexibility.
6. Knowledge of recreational activities with the ability to perform activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, and walking.
7. Knowledge of the natural history of the CLOCA watershed and the ability to identify and interpret the flora and fauna within it.
8. An understanding of hazard identification, risk management, and health and safety practices for learners in outdoor settings.
9. Comfortable working with education animals.
10. Ability to use a variety of tools/equipment such as binoculars, a thermometer, a compass, a handheld GPS unit, pond/bug nets, garbage collection tools and light duty equipment such as a cordless drill.
11. Ability to operate a computer and effective use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, TEAMS, SharePoint etc.), plus a scanner, printer, projector, photocopier, laminator and other common office equipment.
12. An understanding of and ability to convey CLOCA’s role in watershed management.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
1. Valid Class G Drivers’ License, in good standing.
2. Police criminal records check with Vulnerable Sector screening required prior to hiring of this position.
3. Valid Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Certification. Wilderness First Aid Certification an asset.
4. Food Handlers Certificate an asset.
5. Bilingual in English/French an asset.
6. Familiarity with local Indigenous history, communities, culture, ways of knowing and relationship with our watershed is considered an asset in support of meaningful relationship building and CLOCA’s commitment toward reconciliation.
Wages and Benefits:
$22.00/hour
Closing Date for Resumes:
August 28, 2026
Or send cover letter and resume to:
Please submit cover letter and resume to: cgregory@cloca.com. If you do not have access to email, please submit cover letter and resume to:
Cara Gregory, Coordinator, Conservation Education
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
100 Whiting Avenue, Oshawa, ON L1H 3T3
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Central Lake Ontario Conservation is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code. CLOCA will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. Personal information provided is collected under the authority of The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.