Summer Eco-Recreation Leader

Job title: Summer Eco Recreation Leader

Reports to: Director of Community Development & Recreation, Department of Community Development & Recreation

Job location: 8296 Highway 7, Sherbrooke, NS, B0J 3C0, Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s

Wage: $17.00 / hour

Hours: 35 hours per week (9-week internship)

Start Date: Expected June 25, 2026

Number of Positions: 2

Employment Hiring
Clean Foundation is committed to Employment Equity and our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels. The Clean Leadership Program welcomes applications from qualified self-identifying First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Racialized Youth, Persons with Disabilities, Newcomers and 2SLGBTQIA+ applicants. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on our registration form.

About the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program
The Clean Leadership Summer Internship program helps grow the clean economy by matching interns (age 15-30) with employers for 9- and 15-week summer work placements. Participating interns will receive paid hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, take part in a professional development conference and training, while supporting local environmental projects.

Program Requirements
• Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, person who has been granted refugee status in Canada or legally entitled to work in Canada;
• Must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the start of internship;
• From and/or residing in Nova Scotia for the duration of the internship;
• Must not be an immediate family member of host employer

About the host employer
The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s was founded in 1879 and is governed under the CAO system by a Council made up of Councillors that represent 5 districts. The Municipality’s mission statement is a strong, responsible Municipal Government that provides services and leadership through believing in our communities, facilitating growth and development while enhancing our quality of life and preserving the beauty of our surroundings. The Municipality’s vision statement is providing a sustainable Municipality in which our citizens are engaged while encouraging viable growth in the community.

Summary of position
The host employer for this Summer Internship position through the Clean Leadership program will be The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s. In this position, you will be mainly responsible for planning and delivery of interactive eco recreation activities as apart of Recreation Programs, Services & Events throughout the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s. The intern will spend their day planning, coordinating and delivering eco recreation programs to the community. The successful candidate needs to have knowledge of the environment, leadership and time management skills, safety & risk management skills, and the ability to problem solve.

Duties and Responsibilities
• Design and organize, and lead engaging Day Camp activities centered on environmental education and outdoor recreation
• Develop and lead interactive guided hikes that highlight local ecosystems, habitats, and species
• Create educational materials and tools for species identification and wildlife awareness
• Incorporate sustainability principles and Leave No Trace practices into all activities and programs
• Ensure activities are age-appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with the participants’ interests and abilities
• Lead and supervise groups of varying sizes during hikes and day camp activities
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for participants of all ages and abilities
• Monitor participant engagement and adapt activities to ensure an enjoyable and educational experience
• Collaborate with team members and local organizations to enhance program offerings

Requirements/Qualifications
• Have an aptitude for safe work practices and the ability to multi-task in a busy work environment;
• Be able to work productively as part of a team while responding to feedback;
• Demonstrated interest in future employment in the environmental or clean sector is considered an asset;
• HIGHfive Principals of Healthy Childhood Development;
• First Aid, Level “C”;
• Clean Criminal Record Check• Clean Vulnerable Sector Check;
• Clean Child Abuse Registry Check

Working Conditions
This role involves a dynamic and engaging work environment with frequent interaction with the public, including individuals of all ages. The position requires working closely with children in recreational and educational settings, ensuring a safe, supportive and enjoyable experience for all participants. Many activities will take place outdoors in various settings, such as forests, parks and trails, where exposure to diverse weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain and wind, is common.
Flexibility is essential, as the schedule may include occasional evenings, weekends or holidays to meet program needs. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced and changing environment while prioritizing safety and ensuring a positive experience for participants.

Physical Requirements
The work is physically active, involving tasks such as hiking, setting up equipment, and leading outdoor games, which may require prolonged periods of standing, walking or lifting light to moderate loads.