August 27, 2021

It was a busy season for the 14 students working at the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) through the Canada Summer Jobs program this year. Most of them are currently heading back to class, though they are bringing some useful experiences with them.

“It’s my first summer working with the RRCA” says Alexandra, a gatehouse and park attendant at the Charlottenburgh Park Conservation Area, also a popular beach and camping spot. “I feel like my communications skills have improved so much since I first started.”

Skilled labourers Rylan and Ben, who spent the summer working on a range of tasks, including clearing trails and building docks, both feel more confident working with their hands. “Learning how to use power tools effectively and safely, that’s something I’ll always be able to use,” says Ben.

While some of this year’s RRCA summer students worked in watershed management, stewardship, and communications, most of them were part of the field operations team.

“We really depend on our summer students to offer all these opportunities for the public to connect with the region’s natural environment,” says Pete Sabourin, RRCA’s Field Operations Team Lead. “They help maintain our 25 kilometres of nature trails, our 3 Conservation Areas, to say nothing of providing access to the beautiful St. Lawrence River through Gray’s Creek Marina.” 

Sabourin says the RRCA experienced an unprecedented increase in visits to its Conservations Areas this summer. He gives credit to his seasonal team’s adaptability throughout the challenges posed by the pandemic and the resulting public health guidelines. “Things could change from one day to the next, but I was impressed by how well they adapted to the different measures we required to keep our visitors safe.” 

Students interested in a summer position with the RRCA next year are encouraged to check the RRCA’s social media and website at rrca.on.ca, where employment opportunities will be posted in the new year. 

For more information, please visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.