Director of Conservation

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 Director of Conservation oversees the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s conservation efforts in Saskatchewan through the planning, coordination and program management of all land securement, stewardship and science activities. This includes, but is not limited to the planning and implementation, budgeting and financial management of natural area conservation plans and site plans, strategic planning, supervision and actual securement by the incumbent of lands within approved Natural Areas and the comprehensive stewardship of these lands.

 

Reporting Relationships

The DC reports directly to the Regional Vice-President. The DC will supervise all Saskatchewan securement, stewardship and science staff. As the Saskatchewan program continues to grow, there may be additional program staff reporting to the DC. The DC works closely with National staff and their peers across the country to ensure close coordination and consistency.

Grade: 6

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement Natural Area Conservation Plans

• create NACPs as necessary;
• ensure that all NACPs are based on sound conservation science and planning;
• oversee the implementation and completion of all approved NACPs;
• ensure that all science, securement and stewardship components of NACPs are achievable;
• create short and long term budgets and business plans related to NACPs;
• report annually on NACP progress against plan.

2. Develop, implement and monitor site plans

• oversee the development of all property management plans for fee simple properties, and all baseline documentation reports and Conservation Agreements for easement properties
• ensure implementation of property management plans and annual monitoring and reporting of all Conservation Agreements

3. Community and Partner Liaison

• represent NCC in all appropriate external relations and communications functions relative to NCC’s work in Natural Areas;
• build awareness and support for NCC activities;
• attend appropriate workshops representing NCC;
• foster positive relationships with private and public landowners.

4. Development

• working with the Development Officer, create and deliver proposals for funding;
• take a lead role on federal, provincial and municipal government grant proposals;
• nurture relationships with volunteers, donors and funding partners;
• integrate land conservation themes into marketing and development campaigns;
• lead / assist with donor tours and property dedications.

5. Finance and Administration

• develop and present budgets and business plans for science, securement and stewardship;
• responsible for coordination and approval of land use activities;
• provide timely reports to Board, Science Advisory Committee, National Office, RVP, external partners and donors;
• ensure adherence to NCC’s conservation policies, procedures, guidelines and standards;
• ensure all conservation information is entered into NCC’s Land Information System;
• participate, as required, in Board and Scientific Advisory Committee meetings and present reports and proposals within land conservation.

6. People Management

• provide leadership for conservation staff in achievement of ambitious goals;
• hire and supervise any employees and contractors within area of responsibility;
• establish and evaluate performance metrics for staff;
• foster a collaborative, supportive, and positive work environment for conservation staff.

Required Skills and Attributes:

• Possesses at least a Bachelors degree in ecology, conservation biology or related discipline with a minimum of 10 years of directly related experience;
• Preference given to candidates with a minimum of ten years active experience in all aspects of complicated land negotiations with a variety of landowners, partners, processes and outcomes in a rural setting, inclusive of the science, securement and stewardship aspects ;
• Proven ability and at least 5 years of direct people management experience, able to provide strong leadership, development and coaching to direct reports;
• Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, a “can-do” attitude with the ability to work independently and as a leader;
• Proven operational and project management acumen, able to effectively lead a variety of resources to attain a multitude of deliverables planned, with project management skills, problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail and timelines;
• Experience with all aspects of a not-for-profit conservation organization’s ethics, opportunities and challenges;
• A proven ability to interact comfortably with NCC’s partners, including donors, government representatives, NGO partners, and business people;
• A proven ability to be work comfortably in many different venues, from the day-to-day office environment to corporate boardrooms and in the field;
• Excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to make creative, sound decisions;
• Well-developed written, verbal, listening and overall communication skills;
• A proactive and far-seeing attitude, with a proven ability to anticipate and resolve problematic situations before they arise and/or to deal swiftly and effectively with them when they do;
• Previous success in fundraising activities and working with many kinds of land owners and donors.
• Must be prepared to travel and work flexible hours.

To Apply:

If you are interested in joining our team, please email careers@natureconservancy.cayour resume along with your cover letter (MSWord or PDF only) and refer to “Director of Conservation” in the subject line.

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