Join our team! We’re hiring a Freshwater Stewardship & Outreach Intern in the Columbia Valley, BC
Title of Position: Freshwater Stewardship & Outreach Intern
- Reference Number: 2604
- Term of Employment: April 20 – August 28, 2026 (4 months)
- Wage: $23.35/hr
- Location: Between Invermere and Brisco, BC
- Deadline to Apply: February 6, 2026
- Submit Application to: Sarah Gower, HR Coordinator: hr@livinglakescanada.ca
- Hours: 40 hours/week
About our Organization:
Living Lakes Canada’s science-driven, community-based water monitoring, assessment, and restoration programs bridge the gaps between science and action to foster freshwater stewardship. Our mandate is to increase public knowledge of watershed health and empower Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Canada to protect their threatened freshwater sources.
We are committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse work environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected. We actively promote equitable opportunities and strive to build a team that reflects the richness of perspectives and experiences of people across Canada.
Job Summary:
The Intern will support the following programs:
- Columbia Basin Water Monitoring Framework (CBWMF)
- Water Resource Mapping to Support Wildfire Response
- National Lake Blitz (Water Connections)
This role will involve a combination of in-person field work throughout the Columbia Valley and remote work from a home office.
Responsibilities:
Reporting to Living Lakes’ Program Managers and Coordinators, the responsibilities of the Intern may include:
Program Operations & Outreach
- Liaise with community volunteers and partners
- Represent the organization at meetings and community events
- Engage residents of the Columbia Basin in freshwater education, training, and stewardship activities to strengthen public climate resilience and promote local water stewardship
- Capture field photos and videos to create social media content showcasing the work of Living Lakes Canada and freshwater education content for a national audience
- Support fundraising, reporting, and other administrative tasks as required
Water and Climate Monitoring
- Conduct hydrometric site visits and take stream flow measurements
- Conduct groundwater well site visits
- Maintain and calibrate equipment and support inventory tracking and management
- Support the maintenance and operation of climate monitoring stations
- Collect measurements for a water resource inventory to support wildfire suppression
Data Management
- Support data management and recordkeeping for the program
- Support the operations of the Columbia Basin Water Hub database
- Carry out preliminary data analysis and interpretation
Core Competencies:
The ideal candidate will be:
- Skilled in media, including video capture and social media, and be comfortable in front of a camera
- Organized, with attention to detail
- Experienced in environmental monitoring, preferably relating to hydrometrics
- Willing to adhere to standards and protocols for water monitoring
- Comfortable working and hiking in remote wilderness areas
- Experienced working in and around swiftwater
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Capable and willing to work long hours in the field
- Safety oriented
- An experienced, strong written and oral communicator with a background in community outreach
- Reliable, self-motivated, and independent with a demonstrated ability to collaborate well within a team
- Able to support multiple projects, set priorities, meet deadlines, and support others to do the same
- Committed to Living Lakes Canada’s mission
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate:
- Is working towards or holds a certificate, diploma, or degree in environmental sciences or related field, or equivalent experience
- Holds a Basic First Aid (previously OFA Level 1) qualification or greater, with additional Transportation Endorsement an asset
- Is qualified in Swiftwater Rescue
- Owns their own vehicle; has a valid Class 5 driver’s license
Other Requirements:
- Able to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends and evenings
- Owns a computer and has access to reliable internet
- Willing to provide a Police and Vulnerable Sector Check
- Is enrolled at and/or graduating in 2026 from one of the following universities: University of BC, Simon Fraser University, University of Northern BC, University of Victoria
Benefits:
- Paid vacation days, equivalent to 20 paid vacation days annually, prorated for term of employment
- Connectivity allowance for phone/internet access
- Flexible working hours
- Extensive onboarding for enhanced engagement and integration
- Mentorship from experienced Program Managers
- Mix of field work and office work
To Apply:
- Please submit a resume and cover letter as a single document in PDF format with three references listed to hr@livinglakescanada.ca no later than Friday February 6th, 2026 at 5pm PT.
- Please include the job reference number (2604) in the subject line of your email.
- We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
*Funded through the Pacific Institute of Climate Solutions (PICS) Climate Internship Program*
