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 New Brunswick Stewardship Assistant role is primarily to support the Director of Stewardship in the organization and execution of stewardship work in the 2014 calendar year. Externally, they will liaise with partners and volunteers in NB to accomplish stewardship actions.  Internally, they will work closely and cooperatively with other Conservation department team members within the NCC New Brunswick office and Atlantic Region.  The role involves technical and operational/administrative work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Investigate scope of issue and best techniques for invasive species management and recommend/coordinate removal effort;
• Investigate best practices for monitoring the status of ecosystems and species on NCC sites and the effectiveness of conservation actions, and field test methods;
• Investigate techniques for eelgrass mapping, and oversee mapping;
• Undertake fieldwork including biological data collection and threats monitoring on NCC properties (inventories of plants, animals, communities, physical features and anthropogenic influences), in all ecosystems (forest, coastal, wetland, etc.);
• Prepare mapping as required for stewardship planning and reporting;
• Complete land management tasks such as removing invasive species, installing signage, cleaning up garbage, re-blazing property lines and maintaining trails, including engaging contractors to do work such as cabin demolitions and large sign installation;
• Prepare reports for fieldwork and management recommendations, perform data entry, and organize stewardship data in NCC’s Land Information System database;
• Assist with the coordination and delivery of Conservation Volunteer events as needed;
• Assist the Director of Stewardship with ongoing stewardship activities as needed.

Required Skills and Attributes:

This posting is targeted to individuals possessing the following skills:

• Graduate with a biology, forestry, or environmental science degree or equivalent;
• Experience with project planning and management;
• Knowledge of best management practices and field methodology;
• Ability to independently take a project from background research to action in a short period of time;
• Working knowledge of New Brunswick landscapes, communities, species and conservation issues;
• Demonstrated flora and fauna (primarily birds) identification skills for New Brunswick, the ability to key out unknown species, knowledge of invasive plant species and of coastal ecosystems;
• Navigation experience and skills using map and compass, and GPS;
• Working knowledge of  Geographic Information Systems; data management and the use of ArcMap to create maps for fieldwork and reporting a plus;
• Experience working outdoors in various terrain and under various weather conditions;
• Ability to work independently, be self motivated, and display superior time management skills, attention to detail, as well as the ability to meet deadlines;
• Familiarity with common computer software (Microsoft Office Suite);
• Excellent writing and organization skills;
• Strong communication skills, including ability to interact with the public to convey a conservation message, and work with conservation partners;
• English required, French language skills a strong plus;
• Wilderness or Standard First Aid Training;
• Valid Driver’s License, with ability to rent a car.

Terms of Employment

• This is a full-time, 9 month (March 31 – December 31, 2014) position. Wage is $638/week.
• This position is based in Fredericton, NB, but requires the ability to travel throughout New Brunswick to NCC sites with frequent overnight and potentially some weekend work. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should forward their cover letter and resume as a single pdf document to:

Laurel Bernard
Director of Stewardship, Atlantic
Email: atlantic@natureconservancy.ca

Reference position title “NB Stewardship Assistant" in e-mail subject line.

Closing Date: March 7th, 2014

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