The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is a private, non-profit organization that prides itself on its entrepreneurial, science-based, non-confrontational approach to achieving conservation success. Since 1962, NCC and its supporters have protected over two million acres of natural habitat across Canada.

Conservation Biologist - Ontario Region

Reports to: Conservation Science Manager
Location: Guelph (preferred)

Overview

The Conservation Biologist supports the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s actions to conserve biodiversity in Ontario by providing expertise on conservation science and ecology, developing and implementing conservation projects, assisting in NCC’s participation in multi-site/multi-scale strategies, setting priorities and reporting on conservation measures of success.

Key Responsibilities

Conservation Planning (50%)

• Support data collection, analysis and report writing for landscape-scale conservation planning and biodiversity assessment projects.
• Support the development of Natural Area Conservation Plans (NACPs) and NACP annual progress reports using standardized NCC methods and templates.
• Prepare Conservation Project Assessments and Conservation Project Summaries to support land protection projects.
• Work with program staff to complete Property Management plans using standardized NCC methods and templates.
• Identify, develop consensus on, and advance strategies for abating threats and advancing conservation priorities at ecoregional scales and at priority sites.
• Develop and support landscape-scale, community-based conservation projects.

Biodiversity Information & Reporting (20%)

• Assemble and manage biodiversity, conservation and socio-economic information and keep NCC systems updated (e.g. species lists).
• Lead and support the entry of Element Occurrences into NCC tracking database.
• Assist in quarterly and annual reports on biodiversity and threats on NCC properties and Natural Areas.

Land, Water and Species Management (20%)

• Support emerging province-wide initiatives on invasive species, climate change and freshwater conservation.
• Support field inventories, monitoring and implementation of conservation actions as required.

Fundraising (10%)

• Identify funding prospects and develop proposals to secure funds to support the Ontario’s conservation science and planning program, and to administer and report such projects satisfactorily to funders.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Conservation Science Manager.

Skills and Aptitudes

• Advanced degree (MSc) in a field integral to conservation preferred with a minimum of three years related experience.
• Knowledge of the principles of applied conservation biology and planning.
• Superior knowledge of Ontario’s ecosystems, vegetation communities and species.
• Understanding of policies, legislation and agreements related to biodiversity conservation.
• Familiar with COSEWIC and COSSARO designated species and recovery plans.
• Familiar with Ontario’s Natural Heritage Information Centre and other sources of biodiversity information.
• Experience and understanding of invasive species and aquatic ecology is an asset.
• Existing working relationships with key people in government agencies and non-profit organizations engaged in conservation is an asset.
• Must have excellent skills in written communications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with great attention to detail and ability to design and manage multiple complex projects.
• Must have the ability to solve problems using the available resource and use creativity in producing output products.
• Ability to interact positively with a wide range of people, including scientists, government officials, legislators, and other NCC staff, members, volunteers, and landowners.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

Please e-mail your résumé, which must include your salary expectations and the names and email addresses of three references, and cover letter to careers@natureconservancy.ca by October 30, 2009. Please type the following in the subject line of your email: 0005X Conservation Biologist, Ontario.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.