Intern - Climate Change and Reconciliation
Halton Region is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value, welcome and respect the unique perspectives and contributions of all individuals. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples (First Nation, Métis, Inuit), Black and racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Accommodations are available at any point upon request for candidates participating in the selection process.
Looking for an exciting job opportunity that will launch your career? Halton Region’s internship program provides a paid one-year professional opportunity that allows you to gain valuable experience and build the skill set you need to build a successful career.
The internship position will be onsite. The opportunity to participate in Halton’s Hybrid work program may be discussed with your supervisor.
Posting ID: 4969
Department: The CAO's Office
Division: Strategic Initiatives & Government Relations
Compensation: $58,887 + 3 weeks' paid vacation and partial benefits (health & dental)
Job Type: Intern
Contract Duration: June 8, 2026 to June 4, 2027
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Work Location: Halton Regional Centre - 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville (Office of the Chair)
Employee Group: OCT
Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Posting Date: February 10th, 2026
Application Deadline: February 24th, 2026
To be eligible to apply for an intern position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Legally entitled to work in Canada.
- In possession of a Social Insurance Number at time of hire.
- You have graduated or will graduate with a recognized post-secondary degree or diploma, post-graduate certificate or diploma between January 2025 and June 2026.
Job Summary
The Climate Change & Reconciliation Intern will support the Region’s work to advance climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainability initiatives, and Reconciliation and Indigenous relationship‑building efforts. Working as part of the Strategic Initiatives team and alongside Climate Change and Indigenous Relations staff, the Intern will contribute research, analysis, and coordination support to a range of projects.
This internship offers a unique opportunity for a motivated student to gain hands‑on experience, build tangible research and policy skills, and learn how climate action and Reconciliation intersect within a municipal government setting.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Support the implementation of climate‑related initiatives, including the Regjon’s Climate Change Response Framework.
- Assist with Reconciliation and Indigenous relationship‑building initiatives with Indigenous People, Communities and First Nations.
- Conduct background research related to climate change, sustainability, and Indigenous priority and advocacy issues.
- Gather, organize, analyze, and summarize information and data from reports, policies, and other sources.
- Prepare draft briefing notes, summary documents, jurisdictional scans, environmental scans, and resource materials.
- Support knowledge‑sharing across the organization, including helping to coordinate internal learning materials or events.
- Review and summarize Indigenous and climate‑related research, reports, and best practices.
- Respond to internal research requests under the guidance of staff.
- Provide general administrative, coordination, and project support as required.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Skills & Qualifications
- Current enrollment in, or recent graduation from, a post‑secondary program in climate change, environmental studies, Indigenous Studies, public policy, public administration, or a related field.
- Demonstrated interest in climate action, sustainability, Reconciliation, and Indigenous relations.
- Basic understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation concepts and/or Indigenous histories and contemporary issues.
- Strong research, analytical, and information‑synthesis skills.
- Ability to prepare clear written materials such as briefing notes and summaries.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while also contributing as part of a collaborative team.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Preferred:
- Coursework or practical experience related to climate action planning, sustainability, and/or Indigenous relations.
- Familiarity with municipal government, public policy, or community‑based initiatives.
- Experience working with research, data, or policy analysis.
- Self‑identification as an Indigenous person. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on how their lived experience would contribute to this role and to Halton Region.
- Knowledge of Halton’s local Indigenous communities.
- Knowledge of an Indigenous language.
- A reference letter from an Indigenous community, Indigenous non‑profit organization, or academic institution (if available).
Important information about your application:
- In accordance with requirements in Ontario Regulation 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Halton Region will accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition representative of the nature of the accommodation(s) you require.
- Please submit your application online. We will accommodate individual needs for applicants with disabilities and others who are not able to apply online. If you experience any issues with submitting your application, please contact HR Access at 905-825-6000 extension 7700.
- Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date specified on the posting.
- We encourage applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.
- Personal information collected through the job application process will only be used for the purpose of determining qualifications for employment.
- If selected for an interview, you will be contacted by email and/or phone. Please ensure the contact information provided on your resume is up to date and that you check your email and voicemail regularly.
Halton Region serves more than 650,000 residents throughout Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. We are committed to the delivery of high quality programs and services that make Halton a great place to live and work. We engage great people who contribute to meaningful work that makes a positive difference in our community. As an intern at Halton, you will gain professional growth and development working alongside your mentors. You will be part of a progressive, service-focused and award winning employer.
