Assistant, Conservation Biology, Southwestern Ontario – Norfolk Forests and Long Point Wetlands

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its supporters have protected more than 2.7 million acres (1.1 million hectares) of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

Purpose and General Description:

The Assistant, Conservation Biology (ACB) – Norfolk Forests and Long Point Wetlands (NFLPW) works closely with the Southwestern Ontario Coordinator, Conservation Biology (CB) – NFLPW to support conservation programs in the NCC subregion of Southwestern Ontario, specifically contributing to the stewardship, management and administration of NCC properties in the NFLPW Focal Area. NCC currently owns and manages thousands of acres in this area of southern Ontario.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Manage NCC Properties (70%)

• Assist with the fieldwork, data entry, analysis, and reporting required to develop and implement property management plans for NCC properties.
• Assist with monitoring conservation easements.
• Work with the CB, volunteers and partners to manage NCC properties with a focus on controlling invasive species and restoring habitat on NCC properties.
• Work with the CB and other staff to maintain and repair buildings, dams, and other infrastructure, monitor and maintain trails, fences, gates, signage, and address liability issues on NCC properties such as unwanted motorized vehicle access and trespassing.
• Assist in the development and management of leases, contracts and research permits pertaining to NCC properties.
• Assist in monitoring the status of biodiversity targets and threats and the effectiveness of conservation actions on NCC properties.
• Monitor and map the distribution of species at risk, and other conservation targets, on NCC properties.

2. Community and Partnership Liaison (10%)

• Maintain positive, productive and open relationships with landowners, lessees, project volunteers, local planning authorities and conservation partners in the subregion.
• Assist with planning and hosting volunteers and events on NCC properties.

3. Other (20%)

• Work with the CB and others to assist in the coordination and management of contractors, suppliers, researchers, students and volunteers working on science, stewardship and other initiatives in the subregion.
• Conduct site visits to assess the biodiversity values of prospective properties.
• Participate in grant writing and fundraising activities to support the implementation of priority research and management activities.
• Other duties as assigned by the CB and Program Director, Southwestern Ontario.

Required Skills and Attributes:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, conservation biology or related discipline with 1-3 years related experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent fieldwork and infrastructure maintenance and repair.
• Good botanical and wildlife inventory skills, and an understanding of Ecological Land Classification.
• Project management skills, including excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail and timelines.
• Experience with hand tools and power tools, including chainsaw operation an asset.
• Comfortable working in a team setting and independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient with handheld GPS units.
• Ability to carry out physical labour and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Flexibility, reliability, and self motivation.
• Prepared to travel throughout the program area, and work flexible hours.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite.
• Valid “G” Class Driver’s License.
• Pesticide license an asset
• Experience operating small farm machinery an asset.

To Apply:

If you have a keen interest in nature and conservation and are interested in joining our team, please forward your resume and cover letter, indicating Assistant, Conservation Biology, Norfolk in the subject line, by Wednesday, November 25, to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, via e-mail: careers@natureconservancy.ca.

We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.