July 27, 2026

RRCA's Gabrielle Davidson Adams assisting with surface water quality monitoring.

Summer students are helping the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) deliver its programs and services during one of the busiest times of the year while gaining valuable on-the-job experience. The conservation authority is employing 18 students through the Canada Summer Jobs program this year. Their work includes supporting Conservation Area operations, administrative projects, community outreach, and more.

“This summer, I’ve been helping digitize and organize records for an archive project while also assisting other departments with activities like water quality sampling and community outreach events,” says Gabrielle Davidson Adams, a sociology graduate from Harvard University. “I’ve really enjoyed working with colleagues from different areas of expertise and getting a behind-the-scenes look at everything the RRCA does to protect our local environment’s health and resilience.”

For Brandon Poirier, a police foundations graduate from Algonquin College working as an RRCA conservation lands assistant, the opportunity to work outdoors and connect with visitors has been a highlight of the summer. He’s also gained experience from a wide range of projects to keep RRCA Conservation Areas in top shape, including signage installation, nature trail upkeep, and various maintenance work. “Every day, we’re working on something different,” he says.

Through a partnership with the OFAH Foundation, the RRCA is also hosting two Invading Species Awareness Program technicians. Their work has included delivering invasive species outreach, helping establish a native plant demonstration site, and mapping and controlling invasive species on RRCA properties. Among their accomplishments was removing 49 bags of garlic mustard, one of Ontario's most aggressive forest invaders: “It felt really good to make a large dent in the populations at Gray's Creek and Cooper Marsh especially," says Lily Mackenzie, who is studying biology and environmental science at Dalhousie University.

“Summer students provide invaluable support during our busiest Conservation Area and field season,” says Claudia Munafo, RRCA Public Information Coordinator. “These positions not only help us deliver important programs and services but also give students and recent grads meaningful opportunities to develop practical skills, explore environmental careers, and learn alongside experienced staff.”

For those interested in summer employment with the RRCA next year, Munafo recommends following RRCA’s social media channels to be notified when opportunities are posted on the RRCA website early in the new year. The RRCA also regularly hosts students through co-op placements. For more information, visit rrca.on.ca or contact the RRCA at (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.