Job post for Conservation Areas Assistant
Job Posting – Conservation Areas Assistant
April 20 to September 4, 2026
Date of posting: February 4, 2026
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is accepting applications for the 20-week position (April 20th – September 4th, 2026) of Conservation Areas Assistant.
This position has the possibility of being extended until October 30th. ABCA’s stewardship and lands team is looking for an energetic, enthusiastic individual who is interested in a hands-on employment opportunity.
- Download the Job posting for 2026 Conservation Areas Assistant summer student position – 200 KB (medium-sized) PDF file
The position is part of a positive teamworking environment and contributes towards the health of the environment and connecting the community to the environment.
The position is based out of the ABCA Administration Centre, located at 71108 Morrison Line, Exeter, Ontario. However, you will get to work outside across the Ausable Bayfield watershed!
The ABCA is one of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities with the mandate to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of Ontario’s water, land and natural habitats through programs that balance human health, environmental and economic needs.
Duties may include:
- Help to maintain ABCA’s conservation areas. Tasks include maintaining both trails, and facilities such as privy washrooms. Tasks often require the use of field equipment, such as mowers and trimmers; as well as hand tools, such as pruners and saws.
- Assisting ABCA’s tree planting program. Tasks include handling nursery stock, preparing customer orders, and planting trees by hand, as well as with equipment.
- Assist Conservation Educators with facilitating summer nature day camps. Tasks include preparing educational materials, and supervising children aged 5 to 12 in outdoor activities including forest exploration.
- Implement best management practices to support ABCA’s invasive species management.
- ABCA is a positive teamworking environment, providing the opportunity to assist other departments with a wide range of projects that ABCA works on.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge and skills to safely operate field equipment used for conservation areas maintenance.
- Ability to work outdoors in a variety of working conditions and complete hands-on tasks that may involve lifting.
- Team player with good organization and interpersonal skills. A willingness to learn alongside a team who is passionate about healthy watersheds!
- Ability to tow and back up a trailer considered an asset.
- Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada and possess a valid Ontario Driver’s Licence.
Remuneration: $22.84 to $28.55 depending on qualifications and experience.
Hours: 35 hours per week; with flexibility.
Please provide your résumé and cover letter with position title clearly marked ‘Conservation Areas Assistant’ by Friday, February 27, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. local time to:
Abigail Gutteridge, Corporate Services Coordinator
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
71108 Morrison Line, R.R. #3, Exeter, ON N0M 1S5
(519) 235-2610; Fax: (519) 235-1963; Email: agutteridge@abca.ca
Applicants will be contacted only if an interview is required. The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is an equal-opportunity employer, which delivers a wide array of environmental services for 12 watershed municipalities and the general public. Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Upon request, applications will be notified of accessibility accommodations and assistive devices.