Co-op Student – Climate and Environment Department

At YVR, we believe in unlocking potential and shaping the future of aviation through meaningful student experiences. As part of our Talent-First Strategy, we’re committed to building a strong early talent pipeline by offering co-op opportunities that go beyond the job description. Here, students aren’t just part of the team—they’re contributors to our long-term vision. Just as students learn from us, we recognize the tremendous value in learning from you, your fresh perspectives, bold thinking, and new ideas are critical to how our organization grows.

If you’re curious, motivated, and ready to help shape the future of travel, we want to hear from you. Whatever your background, area of study or experience —you belong at YVR. If you have questions about accessibility or need assistance applying, please contact us at careers@yvr.ca

Position Overview

Are you passionate about environmental sustainability and interested in making a real impact through your work? The Vancouver Airport Authority is offering an exciting full-time, 8-month co-op opportunity in our Climate and Environment Department, starting May 2025. This is a great opportunity for a student who wants to be part of meaningful projects that contribute to climate action, conservation, and sustainable airport operations.

As a co-op student, you’ll work alongside a dedicated team of professionals to help develop, analyze, coordinate, and implement initiatives aligned with YVR’s Environmental Management Plan (EMP). From waste reduction and water conservation to noise management and heritage planning, this role offers a diverse and dynamic experience in environmental stewardship.

The department also leads the development of the Archaeology Plan and Heritage Plan for Sea Island, with programs spanning:

• Waste reduction
• Water conservation
• Energy and carbon management
• Hazardous materials management
• Environmental assessment
• Archaeology and heritage
• Water quality
• Natural habitat
• Noise management

The diverse nature of these programs creates a varied and engaging work environment. This co-op role will report to the Manager, Climate and Environment and collaborate closely with a Senior Environmental Specialist to deliver outcomes that support both YVR’s Strategic Plan and EMP goals.

We welcome applications from students of all backgrounds who are curious, collaborative, and eager to apply their skills to real-world environmental challenges in the aviation sector.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Contribute to Real-World Projects: Support the team in identifying and delivering key environmental initiatives related to waste management, water conservation, and archaeology & heritage—helping YVR meet its sustainability goals.
• Build and Manage Data Systems: Assist in the development of database structures and strategies for organizing and maintaining new datasets that support programs such as archaeology, waste management, and water quality.
• Analyze and Interpret Data: Conduct observations and perform data analysis to uncover insights and identify opportunities for environmental improvements.
• Support Outreach and Awareness: Help roll out environmental awareness campaigns and create engagement materials to educate and inspire employees about YVR’s environmental initiatives.

We’re looking for a motivated and curious student who brings a mix of technical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for the environment. The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong computer skills, particularly in Office 365 applications like Excel, Word, and Outlook—you’ll be working with data regularly.
• Experience with data management, analysis, and GIS tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS—you’ll help us turn data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—to clearly share ideas and engage with others.
• Comfort working with a wide range of stakeholders across departments and disciplines.
• Familiarity with field work and data collection—you may have opportunities to get out in the field and contribute to on-the-ground efforts.

Note that the successful candidates must be able to qualify for a Restricted Area Identity Card and a Transportation Security Clearance; as such, you must be able to provide a place of residence in Canada (if in Canada for less than 5 years, former addresses will be required)

Work will be performed physically at the Vancouver International Airport, with an option to work remotely up to two days a week.

Additional Information: 

• Application deadline: April 13, 2025
• Start and End Date:  May 5, 2025 – December 19, 2025
• Hours of Work: 37.5 hours
• Dress Code: Westcoast Business Casual
• Number of Openings: 1
  

Salary Range : $24.08/hr + Living Wage top up to $27.05/hr

At YVR, your work experience goes beyond the paycheck. We support your personal and professional development, well-being, and a thriving work culture with generous vacation days, extensive health benefits, retirement savings matching, wellness programs, community engagement, commuting support, and continuous learning opportunities. Learn more at https://careers.yvr.ca/benefits.

YVR is more than just an airport. We connect our beautiful province and all it has to offer to the world. We are all leaders and trailblazers for change and innovation, so no matter the department or team you’re a part of, the work you do matters.

At YVR, we are flexible in everything we do. We will work together to find ways to deliver customer excellence that helps us all thrive.

Whatever your background and wherever you’re from, you belong at YVR. If you have any questions about accessibility or require any assistance applying, please reach out at careers@yvr.ca.