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 Natural Area Manager - Southwestern Alberta is responsible for the delivery of conservation programs on behalf of the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in the eastern slopes of southwestern Alberta, specifically in NCC’s Crowsnest Pass and Southern Foothills Natural Areas.  The Natural Area Manager will report directly to the Director of Conservation in Calgary and will work closely and cooperatively with other Natural Area Managers, and the rest of the regional team in an interdisciplinary environment.  Externally, the Natural Area Manager will work with local landowners, partner organizations, conservation volunteers, funders and others.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.  Land Stewardship

• Identify and implement land stewardship activities that enhance Natural Area Conservation Plans developed by NCC (e.g. range and riparian management, invasive species management);
• Assist in the commission and coordination of baseline inventories and reports for new NCC projects;
• Develop and implement property management plans for NCC-owned properties;
• Assist with planning and implementing the conservation effectiveness monitoring program;
• Administer grazing and property leases, including development of annual lease agreements and collection of grazing records;
• Conduct annual property monitoring of NCC-owned lands or lands under easement, working with summer interns and volunteers;
• Deliver annual property reports to landowners and partners;
• Deal effectively with any issues identified; and
• Develop and nurture positive relations with landowners, leaseholders and other partners in conservation. 

2.  Land Securement

• With assistance from the Director of Conservation and other regional staff, initiate and lead land securement projects following established procedures and protocols.  This includes negotiations, preparation of Conservation Project Summaries, budgets, and legal agreements, and reporting to funders.

3.  Partnerships

• Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with landowners working with NCC and other members of the local community;
• Coordinate various extension/outreach events, which encourage community members to develop positive land stewardship practices;
• Work with the Conservation Volunteers Coordinator to plan and implement Conservation Volunteers Program events in the delivery area; and
• Represent NCC on various committees and at meetings or workshops related to land conservation.

4.  Conservation Planning

• Prepare annual reports for the Crowsnest Pass and Southern Foothills Natural Area Conservation Plans.
• Assist in the updating and renewal of NACPs.

5. Development and Communications

• Field enquiries from donors and potential donors; 
• In collaboration with the Development team, create proposals and related materials for use in soliciting individual, foundation and corporate gifts in support of program delivery;
• Manage proposal and reporting dates and reminders to meet donor obligations;
• Assist the Development team with donor reports; and
• In collaboration with the Communications team, develop and implement communication strategies with an aim to raise NCC’s profile, develop good relations with conservation partners including landowners and leaseholders, and support overall program delivery.

6.  People Management

• Work closely with other Natural Area Managers to coordinate hiring, work planning, training, and supervision of summer interns and other conservation assistants. 

7.  Budgeting and Workplanning

• Develop annual budgets and workplans in support of conservation programs in the work area;
• Manage and report on progress against budgets and workplans. 

Required Skills and Attributes:

• A Bachelor’s degree in ecology, conservation biology or a related discipline; with a minimum of 5 years of directly related experience, or the equivalent;
• Knowledge of Alberta’s flora and fauna, and familiarity with the ecology of Alberta’s grasslands and foothills 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;
• Supervisory experience;
• Negotiation skills and experience with conservation real estate desirable;
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License;
• Willingness and ability to travel and work flexible hours as needed; and
• A commitment to the cause and mission of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Terms of Employment

• This is a full-time, permanent position, to be filled in April 2014.
• The position is located in the Crowsnest Pass or Pincher Creek area and requires travel throughout southwestern Alberta;
• Occasional evening and week-end work is required to accommodate special events and/or field work.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should forward their cover letter and resume, as a single pdf document, quoting “Natural Area Manager – Southwestern Alberta: to: careers@natureconservancy.ca

Application Deadline: March 14, 2014

No telephone calls please.

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