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 Conservation Science and Natural Areas Manager – Saskatchewan Region, is responsible for ensuring that land protection, stewardship and conservation programs are strategically aligned with NCC’s mission and informed by the best available scientific information. The position is principally responsible for identifying priority biodiversity targets and working with the Director of Conservation and other Natural Areas Managers to develop effective conservation strategies through eight Natural Area Conservation Plans (NACPs). The position is the key scientific liaison with NCC’s national science staff and with other science-based conservation organizations as well as local landowners, conservation volunteers, funders and others.   The position has overall responsibility for the conservation science program budget and will facilitate fund raising activities necessary to meet budgets. The position is also responsible for securement and stewardship activities for 24 properties within the West Parklands and Saskatoon Prairie Natural Areas (NA).

Grade: 4

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conservation Planning / Science

• Oversee and support the development of NACPs and provide advice and guidance on open standards, viability assessments, and prioritization methodology in order to select priority areas and properties;
• Coordinate the completion of Annual Progress Reports for NACPs; ensure they receive appropriate and consistent review and approvals;
• Coordinate the Science Advisory Committee (SAC) to support the region’s core science activities and programs.

2. Development and Communications

• In collaboration with the Development Officer, create and deliver proposals, and related materials for use in soliciting individual, foundation and corporate gifts;
• In collaboration with Communications, develop and implement communication action in support of program delivery;
• Manage proposal and reporting dates and reminders to meet donor obligations;
• Field enquiries from donors and potential donors; and
• Assist the Development Officer with donor reports.

3. Land Stewardship

• Identify and implement land stewardship activities that enhance the West Parklands and Saskatoon Prairie NACPs (e.g. range and riparian management, invasive species management);
• Develop and implement property management plans for NCC-owned properties;
• Coordinate compliance and effectiveness monitoring programs and deal effectively with any issues identified;
• Assist in the commission and coordination of baseline reports for new NCC projects;
• Administer grazing and property leases, including development of lease agreements and collection of grazing records;
• Conduct annual property monitoring of owned lands or lands under easement, working with summer interns and volunteers.

4.  Land Securement

• Initiate and lead land securement projects, as aided by the Director of Conservation, which may occur in the West Parklands and Saskatoon Prairie NAs following established procedures and protocols.  This includes negotiations, preparation of legal agreements, preparation of Conservation Project Summaries and budgets and reporting to funders.

5. Partnerships

• Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with public agencies, private organizations, scientists, landowners and other members of the local community;
• Represent NCC on various committees and at meetings or workshops related to land conservation.

6. People Management

• Work closely with other Natural Area Managers to coordinate assistant(s) including work planning, hiring process, training and management.

7. Budgeting and Workplans

• Develop annual budgets and work plans;
• Manage progress against budgets and workplans.

Required Skills and Attributes:

• Advanced university degree and at least eight years professional experience in landscape ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management or related field;
• A superior working knowledge of Saskatchewan’s flora and fauna, and familiarity with the ecology of Saskatchewan’s  grasslands and parklands regions;
• Ability to work independently from a remote or regional office; self-directed and self-motivated;
• Attention to detail and the ability to prepare and manage timelines, goals and expectations wisely; Excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills;
• Excellent writing skills for reporting, proposals and business correspondence.  Experience writing conservation documents such as conservation project summaries for acquisition, property stewardship management plans, baseline inventories an asset;
• Great team work skills  and the ability to  communicate easily with a wide range of people from the public and private sectors;
• Experience in delivering land/resource management programs in a rural community, including working with land owners and ranchers to implement land use/land management changes;
• The ability to build and support effective partnerships, both within the region and within NCC, to achieve the organization’s goals;
• Experience conducting field work and data collection in a variety of terrains and habitat types;
• People management experience;
• Negotiation skills and experience with conservation real estate desirable;
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License;
• The willingness and ability to travel and work flexible hours at times; and
• A commitment to the cause and mission of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

To Apply:

If you are interested in joining our team, please email saskatchewan@natureconservancy.ca your resume along with your cover letter (MSWord or PDF only) and refer to “Conservation Science and Natural Areas Manager” in the subject line.

Applications for this position will be accepted until August 15, 2014 at 5 pm CST.

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