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 2.8 million acres (more than 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 Technician will work closely with NCC Coordinator – Conservation Biology in Norfolk Ontario to support conservation programs. The Conservation Technician will assist in the implementation of the stewardship and management program for significant natural lands protected by NCC, by working closely with NCC staff, partner organizations, local stewards and volunteers.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Enter data into NCC’s Land Information System;
- Conduct baseline inventories and vegetation community classification for NCC properties;
- Conduct property inspections to ensure early detection and management of natural disturbances, vandalism, trespassing, emerging threats, and risks and liabilities;
- Monitor biodiversity targets (e.g. species at risk, vegetation communities) and threats (e.g. invasive species);
- Implement recommended stewardship and management actions on NCC properties, with a focus on invasive species monitoring and removal, assisting with volunteer events, and installing property signs;
- Assist with data collection, data entry, analysis and reporting as required to develop and implement property management plans.
Required Skills and Attributes:
- Demonstrated interest in conservation issues in Ontario;
- Ability to identify common Ontario plants, wildlife and vegetation communities as well as experience using dichotomous identification keys;
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (e.g. high summer temperatures and humidity, heavy rain) and on various terrain;
- Proficient with Microsoft office (Excel, Word);
- Experience/knowledge in compiling information on natural areas, including land tenure, natural features, threats etc.;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Ability to work well within team structure;
- Experience working with volunteers;
- Able to carry heavy equipment;
- Navigational skills including experience with field GPS unit, compass, and air photo interpretation;
- Valid class “G” driver’s license and ability to rent a vehicle in Ontario.
Other Requirements:
According to the funding requirements for this position, applicants must:
- be between 15 and 30 years of age;
- be a student in a secondary, post-secondary, vocational or technical program;
- have been registered as a full-time student during the preceding academic year;
- intend on returning to school on a full-time basis during the next academic year;
- be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred;
- Applicant must have their own reliable transportation to get to/from the 579 Hazen Road, Walsingham office;
- Applicant will be responsible for their own accommodations.
Terms of Employment:
This position is 30 hours/week, 8-week position. The start is date to be determined based on the successful applicant’s availability. The offered salary is $16/hour ($480/week). Applicants must be able to start on or by Monday, July 4th.
To Apply:
- Email your application to the ontario@natureconservancy.ca.
To be considered for these positions, please ensure your:
- email subject line is “Conservation Intern - Walsingham”.
- cover letter is a maximum of one page long.
- cover letter and résumé are saved together in one pdf file.
- the pdf file name is your: First name Last name (e.g. “Bob Smith.pdf”).
Applications that do not fulfil these submission requirements will not be considered.
Late applications will not be considered.
No telephone calls please.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, June 15, 2016.
We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.