Quinte Conservation’s offices are buzzing with excitement this summer with the addition of 18 summer student employees. These opportunities are made possible by employment grants from the Provincial Summer Experience Program, the Canada Summer Jobs Program and Job Service. These grants have allowed Quinte Conservation to offer student work terms of up to sixteen weeks this summer.
Quinte Conservation Communications Manager, Jennifer May-Anderson says, “Students are given the opportunity to work hands-on with industry professionals throughout the 6,000 square kilometre watershed area. Our students gain valuable work experience and mentorship and help us protect our natural surroundings while having plenty of fun and excitement in the process. Students are employed in a variety of jobs including Summer Education Staff, Water Resources Technologist Assistants, Campground Attendants at Depot Lakes, Boat Launch Operations, Public Relations and Corporate Services.”
May-Anderson explains, “Summer students are a valued part of Quinte Conservation programs, whether they are out working in the field, educating children on wildlife, or in the office working on special projects. Student workers help Quinte Conservation move forward on environmental initiatives, conservation education and services to the public. Some summer students carry on to become full-time staff. Right now we have thirteen full-time staff who started out as summer or other student workers. That makes up almost half of our full-time workforce.”
She adds, “Summer job opportunities are usually posted on the Quinte Conservation website each December.”
Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency. It serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation’s main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony.