We know first hand, how work in nature conservation has been gatekept from our community. The intersection between racial justice and nature conservation is very real but so often swept under the rug. That is why Nature Canada has launched the Work to Grow program, which is creating jobs in nature-related fields just for BIPOC youth!

What is the Work to Grow Program?

The Work to Grow program aims to create jobs in nature conservation and appreciation, with a focus on breaking barriers to employment facing racialized youth in nature-related fields. At Nature Canada, we acknowledge that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) communities are often the first to experience the effects of the destruction of our natural environment, yet are disproportionately underrepresented in nature organization and conservation. That is why we have created this unique employment program designed specifically for racialized youth, so that they can lead the way towards climate justice and are at the forefront of positive change.

Protecting nature is a racial justice issue. Equity and anti-racism are crucial to protecting nature. We aim to create a world where people and nature thrive and we must all do our part to push for lasting change.

What are people saying about Work to Grow?

Let’s Get the Facts About Work to Grow

Who can apply for jobs in the Work to Grow program?

Youth from across Canada who are:

• Between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive)
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or granted refugee status

What type of organizations are hiring?

Our diverse range of partner organizations are dedicated to nature conservation or appreciation. Some examples include:

• Non-profits (for example: nature groups, forest schools, social justice orgs)
• For profits (for example: hiking groups)
• Indigenous Organizations/Governments
• Educational and Cultural institutions

What kind of jobs are available?

Our partner organizations will offer a wide variety of positions that lead to all types of career paths in nature conservation and appreciation. Career fields include:

• Education (teaching about nature, guiding walks)
• Field work (practical scientific work)
• Advocacy (non-partisan political work, organizing people)
• Administration (office work, communications, fundraising)
• Research (office-based scientific or social-focused research work)

When can I apply to the jobs with Work to Grow?

We are currently creating partnerships with organizations who will hire youth. Applications are expected to open this month (July).

When and how long are the job placements? 

Job placements are expected to run through the Fall 2023 and Winter 2024.

Our organizations will offer full-time and part-time placements. Full-time placements run at 35 hours per week for up to 15 weeks, while part-time placements may run longer than 15 weeks, depending on the organization.

How much will youth earn?

It’s tough out there for us Gen-Z’ers, and even more so for BIPOC youth. With the rising cost of living and systemic barriers that BIPOC youth face related to housing, healthcare, food insecurity and more, we are encouraging our partner organizations to set a livable wage based on provincial/territorial standards. The average hourly wage is at 20$/hour! 50% of the wages and employer costs will also be covered by the Work to Grow program.

What kind of training for youth is part of the program?

The program will provide skill development opportunities as well as exposure to various BIPOC leaders within the nature sector. Training will include job-specific skills related to nature appreciation and conservation, as well as important soft skills for the workplace, such as communication, networking, organization, critical thinking and more. We will create tailored workshops and training opportunities designed specifically to address the unique challenges that racialized youth encounter in the workplace.

We also want to create community! We will ensure youth in the program are connected and can share what they are learning and what challenges they may be facing.

Are only BIPOC youth eligible?

Protecting nature is a racial justice issue. Equity and anti-racism are crucial to protecting nature. We aim to create a world where people and nature thrive and we must all do our part to push for lasting change.

Racialized youth face unique barriers in developing experience and finding jobs in nature-related activities. The lack of racialized people working in conservation and nature organizations is a barrier to youth seeing themselves in those roles.

While other youth who meet the mandatory criteria may be hired, our preference is to support partner organizations who intend to hire BIPOC youth.

Start your career in Nature now! Sign up for our mailing list for first access to this one-of-a-kind opportunity!