Coordinator, Conservation Science

Number of Positions: 1 (one year maternity leave replacement)
Posting Date: December 18, 2009
Location: Atlantic Regional Office (Fredericton, New Brunswick)

General Overview

As the primary contact between various conservation planning project partnerships, the incumbent will assemble and update existing biological and physical data; assist with the interpretation and communication of Conservation Blueprints and Natural Area Conservation Plans; present results to a wide consortium of organizations, industry and government within the ecoregion; conduct threat assessments of priority sites, ecological systems and species populations; take the lead in developing and coordinating landscape plans for priority sites representative of the biodiversity of the ecoregion; participate in working groups to further advance conservation goals established in the Conservation Blueprint; oversee the initiation of an Aquatic Conservation Blueprint.

Reporting and Relationships

The Coordinator, Conservation Science reports to the Associate Regional Vice President, Conservation. The individual also works closely with Program Managers and stewardship staff and colleagues from the National Office.

Key Responsibilities

Conservation Planning
• Assume a leading role within the NCC Atlantic Office regarding the communication and implementation of the Northern Appalachian-Acadian Terrestrial Conservation Blueprint (Ecoregional Plan); oversee the initiation of an Aquatic Conservation Blueprint in cooperation with partners.
• Support the development of Natural Area Conservation Plans (NACPs) and NACP annual progress reports using standardized NCC methods and templates.
• Lead landscape-scale conservation planning and biodiversity assessment projects and undertake data collection, analysis and report writing in cooperation with program staff
• Identify, develop consensus on, and advance strategies for abating threats and advancing conservation priorities at ecoregional scales and at priority sites.
• Provide external liaison to the science community and to partnership conservation planning projects, coordinate and organize activities related to NCC Atlantic’s Scientific Advisory Network (SAN) ;

GIS Management & Support
• Support all GIS needs for the Atlantic region, including creating maps and other GIS products for use in securement, stewardship, science, communication and philanthropy activities.
• Assemble and manage biodiversity and conservation information and keep NCC systems updated (e.g. species datasets, protected areas database etc).
• Manage the creation, interpretation, documentation, and use of GIS datasets; and acquire, compile and verify third party datasets.

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

Skills and Aptitudes
• Master’s degree or equivalent in conservation science, biology, ecology, forestry or regional planning, and at least 3 years experience in applied land-use planning or conservation science, with course work in geographic information systems (GIS) or have a certificate in GIS from an accredited college, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Knowledge of the principles of applied conservation biology and planning;
• Demonstrated knowledge of ecosystems, vegetation communities and species that occur in Atlantic Canada;
• Demonstrated ability to organize and integrate complex information from diverse disciplines in support of conservation planning;
• Strong organizational, communication and presentation skills to deal with a varied audience including landowners, partner groups and government officials, both in group settings and individually;
• Demonstrated ability to work as an interdisciplinary team member, providing leadership as required;
• Ability to coordinate and organize complex information and project planning processes, set priorities and manage multiple tasks;
• Minimum of 2 years experience with ESRI GIS software (ArcGIS), as well as various database, spreadsheet and graphics software; ability to produce maps and written reports;
• Ability to create, update, manipulate, analyze, and document spatial and non-spatial data;
• Commitment to the conservation goals, priorities and organizational values of The Nature Conservancy of Canada;
• Fluency in both official languages is a significant asset;
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed (valid passport).

If you have a keen interest in nature and conservation and are interested in joining our team, please forward your resume and cover letter to:

John Foley
Associate Regional Vice President, Conservation
The Nature Conservancy of Canada
924 Prospect Street, Suite 180
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 2T9
Email: John.Foley@natureconservancy.ca
Fax: (506) 450-6010

Reference position title: "Job ID:15-291 - Coordinator, Conservation Science"
Closing Date: January 8, 2010

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