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
This position will provide leadership by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in managing invasive species that threaten habitat and species targets across Ontario with a focus on Ontario Region’s priority Natural Areas. The role will actively engage and coordinate external partners, including NGOs, government agencies, Conservation Authorities, landowners and landowner groups, and other interest groups, to collaborate to manage invasive species at a landscape scale. The position will also provide leadership to staff working on NCC lands in Natural Areas regarding the latest techniques, technology and strategies that will advance invasive species control. Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to native biodiversity on NCC lands and in NCC’s Natural Areas in Ontario. Aggressive and ongoing control based on the latest tools and strategies is necessary to maintain and restore Natural Area conservation targets.
Duties and Responsibilities
- provide leadership in planning and implementing landscape-scale control of invasive species, initially focusing on phragmites in southwestern Ontario in NCC’s Natural Areas
- lead a multi-stakeholder initiative that will have a collective impact of dramatic reductions in phragmites with a pilot in the Long Point region. This will be achieved via mapping and monitoring, public awareness and outreach, leading edge technology and an effective landowner support and extension program
- undertake communication and outreach efforts and support adaptive management through networks of stakeholders and landowners
- provide leadership and support internally and externally to manage other existing and emerging invasive species threatening NCC’s Natural Areas
- navigate and interpret government policy, permits and associated compliance to achieve tangible results on the ground
- maintain NCC’s capacity to support invasive species control over time through fundraising, networking, monitoring and reporting on achievements, adaptive learning and success
- manage finances and reporting for a budget of several hundred thousand dollars annually
Key Results:
- in the short term, key results will include successful engagement and action of stakeholders in phragmites control efforts and widespread support for and control of phragmites in the Long Point region across private and public lands
- over time, results will include stakeholder engagement and landscape-scale control achieved in other NCC Natural Areas for phragmites and other invasive species
- increase awareness of invasive species and support for control efforts in NCC’s Natural Areas and ultimately participation by key landowners to address these threats
Required Skills and Attributes
- minimum is university degree in biology, ecology, resource management or related field
- at least 7 years’ experience working in conservation-related field and with a wide variety of stakeholders and interest groups, including rural landowners
- direct experience managing invasive species
- demonstrated leadership skills coordinating multiple interests and achieving results
- experience working with rural communities and agricultural groups
- experience managing project finances including proposals, budgets, tracking and reporting
- strong communications skills and the ability to create positive and productive working relationships with diverse groups and stakeholders
- creative analytical skills and the ability to adapt and problem solve to achieve success under challenging and diverse rules and processes
- strong project management and reporting skills, including financial budgeting, tracking and reporting, and the ability to manage numerous agreements and deliverables simultaneously
- team building skills that support and accommodate diverse values and capacities
To Apply
NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please forward your resumé, cover letter and salary expectations, in a single pdf, indicating “Invasive Species Program Director” in the subject line to the Nature Conservancy of Canada via e-mail: careers@natureconservancy.ca. Deadline for applications is May 8, 2017.
We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
For positions situated in Ontario:
At the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) we strive to promote diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
NCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources staff of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.
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