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.
Employment Period: 16-Weeks Term from May 4, 2026, to August 27, 2026
Position Location: Ignace, Ontario - 304 Main Street
We are currently seeking an enthusiastic Developmental Student – Site Characterization (Data Acquisition) to support NWMO’s Site Characterization field programs in the Ignace and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation study area.
This role provides hands-on exposure to environmental monitoring, groundwater sampling, contractor oversight support, and field data quality assurance within a large national infrastructure project. The student will support internal field programs, observe and assist with contracted field work, maintain field equipment (with training), and contribute to reporting and documentation supporting the NWMO’s Site Characterization program.
- Support internal field work programs, including groundwater sampling and environmental monitoring activities
- Provide support to other data collection programs, including core sampling and core photography
- Conduct reviews and quality control / quality assurance data
- Maintain and operate equipment (with required training)
- Support field audits for work performed by NWMO’s contractors
- Participate in development of internal work plans, field procedures, and governance documentation
- Participate in workshops and training activities, including occasional travel to NWMO’s head office in Toronto, Ontario.
To the extent time allows beyond the duties described above, the student may be assigned to support additional Site Characterization activities based on business needs.
- Strong work ethic and willingness to learn new skills
- Strong attention to detail and numeracy skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and with other project rightsholders and interested parties.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel.
- Willingness to be based in Ignace or Dryden for the duration of the placement
- Enrollment in post-secondary environmental science, geology, environmental engineering, or related programs relevant to key responsibilities.
- Interest in applied field science and environmental monitoring.
- Comfortable, engaging, and interacting with members of the public.
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 to work in Canada for 35 hours a week and meet the security clearance requirements.
Students must be available to work full-time, 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day. At times, this position may require modified workdays to accommodate field work and support external events and activities.
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.