Development Summer Student - Public Affairs / Government Relations

Location

Ignace

Employment Category

Temporary

Department

Government & External Relations

Closing Date

30/03/2026

Job Reference

10439

Founded in 2002, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. In 2024, the NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace as the hosts for the site for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.

This decision means our office and staff will, in the future, be relocating to Ignace, Ont., and the deep geological repository will be situated in the area near Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace. Infrastructure planning and development are underway to support this transition and ensure that both the community and our employees are well served and supported, now and in the future.

Development Summer Student – Public Affairs / Government Relations

One Temporary Position Available

Employment Period: 16-Weeks Term from May 4, 2026, to August 28, 2026

Position Location: Ignace, Ontario - 304 Main Street

Job Summary

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic Developmental Student – Public Affairs to support government relations and external engagement activities connected to the Deep Geological Repository project in the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation–Ignace area.

This role provides hands-on experience in supporting meetings with elected officials, tracking engagement, managing correspondence, and participating in conferences. The student will work closely with Government Relations and External Relations staff, receive mentorship from experienced public affairs professionals, and also have extended opportunities to support the HR Team with Indigenous recruitment and outreach activities. if interested and time permits. Where appropriate, the student will accompany staff to meetings with Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament in host and regional communities, as well as possible meetings in Toronto and Ottawa. Flexible working arrangements for WLON members will be considered in accordance with operational requirements.

Responsibilities

- Support government engagement by assisting with logistics, participating in meetings with elected officials, and recording engagement notes and follow-ups

- Maintain engagement trackers and support coordination of government relations activities

- Assist with drafting simple correspondence and briefing materials

- Support preparation for and staffing of conference or outreach booths (as required)

- Contribute to post-meeting summaries and action tracking

The students will be given tasks based on business needs and their knowledge/skill level. Training and guidance will be provided to the student regarding the NWMO procedures and assigned tasks. To the extent time allows beyond the duties described above, the student may be assigned to support additional Human Resources Talent Acquisition recruitment and outreach activities. Occasional travel may be required (expenses covered by NWMO).

Qualifications and Experience

- Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program

- Ability to synthesize complex information into accessible, plain language

- Confident and professional communicator

- Strong persuasive and professional writing skills

- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

- Professionalism and discretion when supporting government-facing engagements

- Ability to work on-site in Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation with availability for occasional travel

Preferred

- Studies in Political Science, Public Policy, Indigenous Studies, Communications, Public Administration, or related field

- Demonstrated interest in government relations, public affairs, Indigenous–Crown relations, or public service

- Strong political acumen and interest in stakeholder engagement

- Experience supporting events, advocacy initiatives, student governance, or community programs

Other Information

Eligibility:

Students must be returning full-time to their program at their university/College following the completion of their work term or be full-time students requiring the work term or co-op placement to graduate.

Students must be eligible and available to work in Canada for 35 hours a week, (7 hours per day), and meet the security clearance requirements. At times, this position may require modified 7-hour workdays involving external events and activities.

Other Information:

Please submit your application by visiting https://www.nwmo.ca/Careers and applying by Sunday, March 29, 2026

The NWMO is committed to contributing to Reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce. The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities.

We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience to ensure full consideration.

The NWMO is committed to a fair, transparent, and efficient recruitment process. While we sincerely appreciate every expression of interest, only those candidates selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted directly.