Trails & Land Management Intern

Job title: Trails & Land Management Intern

Reports to: Jordan Keeling, Director of Public Works

Job location: 150 Reservation Road, Whycocomagh

Wage: $18.00 / hour

Hours: 35 hours per week (15-week internship)

Start Date: Expected May 11, 2026 

Number of Positions: 1

This position is designated and limited to applicants from the following groups:

• Indigenous People (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit)

Employment Hiring

Clean 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 will be residing in Nova Scotia for the duration of the internship; 
• Must not be an immediate family member of host employer;

About the host employer

We’koqma’q First Nation is bordered by the Bras D’or Lake and a mountainous range known as Skye Mountain. The Miqmaq were the first people to populate the shores of the lake. The area is rich in hunting and fishing grounds and the landscape is tranquil and picturesque. The Chief and Council, along with the management team, have been focused on building a self-sustaining economy for their community members. The have taken a holistic approach to improving the quality of life for their entire community, while also investing in essential infrastructure, like housing, water, sewer, the health centre and much more. Wekoqmaq has continued to reinvest revenues into their community for housing, and other necessary infrastructure, such as roads, water, sewer, healthcare and resources for the elders and youth. As a community, they’ve worked hard to build a self-sustaining economy that has created robust employment opportunities in the community of We’koqma’q all while staying true to their culture and demonstrating their incredible strength and resilience. 

Summary of position

The host employer for this Summer Internship position through the Clean Leadership program will be Waycobah First Nation. In this position, you will be mainly responsible for working with Public Works, the youth and elders of Waycobah First Nation to clean trails to keep them safe and accessible, provide education and knowledge of medicinal plants and provide a clean environment.

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Trail Maintenance & Improvements:
  • Perform regular inspections of community trails to identify maintenance needs or safety issues. 
  • Clear overgrown vegetation, branches, and debris to keep trails safe and accessible. 
  • Repair or replace basic trail infrastructure (signage, markers, small footpath improvements). 
  • Assist in installing wayfinding signs or trail information posts. 
  • Document hazards such as erosion, flooding, washouts, or fallen trees and report them to supervisors. 
• Land Management Support:
  • Participate in land cleanup, shoreline cleanup, or community beautification activities. 
  • Assist in maintaining public spaces, parks, or outdoor gathering areas. 
  • Support habitat-friendly land care activities, such as planting native plants in trail surroundings (nonforestry). 
  • Help identify areas where erosion control or soil stabilization may be needed. 
• Environmental Stewardship Activities:
  • Participate in projects that protect natural spaces, water access points, and culturally significant outdoor sites. 
  • Assist in mapping trails, taking GPS points, and documenting conditions (training provided). 
  • Help with monitoring wildlife activity along trails and reporting concerns (e.g., damaged nesting areas). 
  • Promote environmentally responsible practices during all field activities. 
• Data Collection & Reporting:
  • Track daily and weekly trail maintenance activities. 
  • Take photos and notes to document improvements or issues. 
  • Support the development of simple trail maps or update existing mapping materials. 
  • Assist with compiling a Trail Status & Land Care Report at the end of the internship. 
• Community Engagement & Education:
  • Create posters or social media content promoting trail safety, environmental respect, and outdoor use. 
  • Assist with youth or Elder-led land-based learning events (medicine walks, plant identification, land teachings). 
  • Support community events that encourage walking, outdoor recreation, and connection to the land.

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;

Working Conditions

N/A

Physical Requirements 

N/A