Conservation Planner

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 a private, non-profit organization that prides itself on its entrepreneurial, science-based approach to achieving conservation success through direct action. Since 1962, NCC and its supporters have protected more than 2.6 million acres (1 million hectares) of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC has experienced dramatic growth in recent years, and is now listed as the 13th largest non-profit organization in Canada, with a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country.

Purpose and General Description:

The Conservation Planner is responsible for coordinating conservation planning and GIS and mapping related activities for the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador programs. The position may also entail working on regional (Atlantic Canada) projects.  This includes Natural Area Conservation Plan (NACP) development, Ecoregional Assessment (ERA) projects, management of spatial databases and mapping software, liaison as well as providing support for the stewardship and management of NCC’s conservation lands.  The Conservation Planner will report directly to the Manager of Conservation Science.  Externally, the Conservation Planner will work with other partner organizations, the regional science committee as well as other science experts. Internally, the Conservation Planner will work closely and cooperatively with other Conservation team members within the Nova Scotia and Newfoundland programs as well as other Atlantic Regional staff in the delivery of securement and stewardship objectives as well as those related to the administration and fundraising needed to carry out the regions business.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate Conservation Planning in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (40%)

• Support and occasionally lead the development and annual reporting of NACP’s as required by the region, including mapping analysis using ArcGIS 10
• Meet and exceed the planning standards and submission and reporting timelines set out by NCC policies and procedures.
• Support updates to Ecoregional Assessments (ERA).
•   Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with other land information  and science based agencies that might assist NCC in its data and information needs that enhances our science and allows the organization to stay current of evolving relevant research
• Hire, train and supervise Summer GIS Interns as required.

2. Manage GIS Systems and Data  (30%)

• Administer and manage data-sharing agreements and other partner requirements.
• Create and maintain metadata as required.
• Manage and maintain all GIS data, hardware and software  for the region.
• Seek out and secure new and relevant data sources that could assist NCC in its regional conservation mission.
• Manage and update NCC’s Land Information System (LIS) so that the capacity of the regions GIS system can be fully utilized.

• Assist the Manager of Conservation Science to develop protocols for collecting field data including GIS and GPS data, and photos; and associated documentation including updating metadata, data sharing agreements etc.

3. Provide GIS & Logistical Support  (20%)

• Assist Nova Scotia and Newfoundland Program Managers, Development, Communications and Management with mapping or other information needs as required.
• Train and mentor regional field staff on relevant GIS or other mapping platforms that will assist them in their roles in the region.

4. Fundraise for Science Program (10%)

• Seek and secure sources of funds to support conservation activities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador

5. Other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Attributes:

• Exemplary organization, planning, communication (written and oral), and project management skills
• Ability to assess the scientific merit of conservation planning documents
• Advanced GIS expertise (including knowledge of extensions); advanced programming skills to support GIS analyses
• Exceptional writing skills; attention to detail
• Ability to critically review conservation projects
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop and maintain a dynamic  work plan, and meet deadlines
• Technical knowledge related to natural areas conservation
• Problem-solving skills; ability to make decisions, sound judgment
• Proactive – able to anticipate and plan for future needs;
• Flexibility in approach – the ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Demonstrated drive and ability to listen and learn from colleagues and partners
• A strong commitment to the cause and mission of the Nature Conservancy of Canada

Education and Experience Required/Preferred:

• University degree  in landscape ecology, conservation biology, natural resources management or related field and formal education in GIS
• Working knowledge of Atlantic Canadian landscapes  (i.e. specifically Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador), communities and conservation issues
• Minimum of 5 years of related, practical experience in conservation planning, landscape ecology, natural heritage, or equivalent multi-disciplinary field
• Minimum of 3 years of GIS related experience, computer programming expertise to support GIS analyses

To Apply:

Please submit cover letter and resume as one PDF document via email by June 14th to atlantic@natureconservancy.ca. While we appreciate all applications, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

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