Team Lead – River Technician 

Job title: Team Lead – River Technician

Reports to: PCRA Executive

Job location: Fieldwork – various locations in Pictou County, and 1105 Foxbrook Rd., Stellarton, NS, B0K 1S0

Wage: $18.50 – $20.00 / hour, depending on experience

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

Start Date: Expected May 11, 2026

Number of Positions: 1

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 

Established in 1990, the Pictou County Rivers Association (PCRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of watersheds in Pictou County. PCRA has led numerous education, outreach, conservation and physical restoration initiatives across the county contributing to the fostering of environmental and watershed stewardship. PCRA’s office address is PO Box 586, Westville, NS  B0K 2A0.

Summary of position  

The host employer for this Summer Internship position through the Clean Leadership program will be Pictou County Rivers Association.  In this position, you will be responsible for supporting the Project Coordinator as lead hand of the field crew all working towards meeting necessary PCRA project deliverables.  This includes performing river restoration (inspection and installation of in-stream structures), data collection (water quality monitoring), and riparian restoration (tree planting, litter cleanups). The role entails working outside in or near the seven main watersheds of Pictou County with the occasional office day to organize data and complete reporting tasks. The successful candidate needs to be a strong leader and a productive member of the team with a foundation of safety and leadership. The ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions is required. Staff will be provided on the job training and certifications, as well as receive hands-on field experience.

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Manage a field crew and field activities safely and responsibly; 
• Support the Fish Friends Program: attend schools to collect the salmon fry and equipment then conduct fish releases; 
• Provide support for invasive species and species at risk initiatives as needed; 
• Support the Project Coordinator to prepare for field season including inventory, material procurement and maintenance; 
• Deploy/retrieve temperature sensors and conduct bi-weekly water quality monitoring;  
• Install, maintain and retrieve waste line collectors; 
• Build in-stream restoration structures (digger logs, rock sills, deflectors); 
• Inspect and repair previously installed in-stream structures; 
• Identify locations for future habitat restoration work; 
• Complete tree planting and litter cleanups; 
• Conduct habitat assessments; 
• Liaise/collaborate with government, community groups, NGOs, and indigenous groups; 
• Collaborate on projects with all levels of government (federal, provincial, and municipal), community groups, other NGOs, and indigenous communities. 
• Collect, analyze and upload data, presenting it through reports and presentations; 
• Complete necessary training (ie: Chainsaw Safety, Certified Installers Course, Digger Log, HSI, First Aid); 
• Attend PCRA meetings and community events as required; 
• Undertake any other projects that arise.

Requirements/Qualifications 

• Aptitude for safe work practices and ability to multi-task in a busy work environment; 
• Experience in leading small teams and managing project deliverables; 
• Ability to work productively as part of a team while responding to feedback; 
• Demonstrated experience in the environmental or clean sector; 
• Physical capability for fieldwork, including manual labor and heavy lifting; 
• Willingness to work in outdoor environments in a variety of weather conditions; 
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing environments; 
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Working Conditions  

• Most work days will take place outdoors in streams, rivers, and wooded areas; 
• Some office work may be required intermittently; 
• Working in varying weather conditions and be comfortable in an outdoor environment.

Physical Requirements  

• Endurance for long, outdoor hours; 
• Ability to lift moderately heavy equipment and perform manual labor; 
• Conduct fieldwork, surveys, and habitat management.

Safety  

• Adhere to safety protocols and use the personal protective equipment provided; 
• Abide by environmental regulations; 
• Participate and complete all safety training; 
• Ensure team members are properly trained and are working in a safe manner; 
• Immediately address any health/safety issues.