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 Waterton Park Front Conservation Coordinator is responsible for the delivery of conservation programs on behalf of the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in the Waterton Park Front (WPF) project area of southwest Alberta. Since 1997, NCC has conserved over 30,000 acres in the WPF in cooperation with local landowners through conservation easements and land purchase.

This is a demanding, interdisciplinary position which requires a highly dedicated, organized and personable individual with a university education in an environmentally related field of study. A background living in or working with the ranching community would also be an asset. The position is based in a home office and requires considerable time in the field undertaking stewardship projects, meeting with landowners, leaseholders and other stakeholders, hosting events and working with summer interns. Externally, the Conservation Coordinator will work with local community members, partner organizations, members of the public, conservation volunteers, funders and others. Internally, the Conservation Coordinator will work closely and cooperatively with the WPF Program Manager and other Conservation Operations team members.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Land Stewardship

• Implement land stewardship activities that maintain or enhance WPF conservation targets as identified in the Waterton Natural Area Conservation Plan (NACP) and Property Management Plans (PMP).  Prepare work plans, budgets and reports for implementation of Waterton NACP and PMPs.
• Coordinate compliance and effectiveness monitoring program; hire, train and supervise Summer Conservation Interns; review and deliver reports.
• Assist in administration of grazing leases, including development of annual lease agreements and collection of grazing records.
• Interface with NCC’s LIS database for tracking stewardship activities in the region.

2. Partnerships

• Establish and maintain positive, productive relationships with landowners and leaseholders working with NCC, and other members of the local community and partner organizations.
• Attend and coordinate meetings and activities of the WPF Advisory Group.
• Coordinate extension/outreach events which encourage community members to follow positive land stewardship practices.
• Assist in planning and implementing Conservation Volunteers events in the WPF.
• Represent NCC on various committees and at meetings or workshops related to land conservation.

3. Communications and Development

• Assist in preparation of donor reports, proposals and other donor communications related to the WPF.
• Assist in operation and promotion of The Weston Family Conservation Centre and Waterton Springs Interpretive Trail at the Waterton Park Front: train and supervise staff, plan and host special events, place advertisements, coordinate facility use and maintenance.
• Implement communication and development activities as identified in the Waterton NACP, PMPs and business plan as appropriate for the WPF, in conjunction with the development and communications team.
• Work with development staff both regionally and nationally to develop fundraising proposals, reports and communications for various aspects of NCC conservation work in the WPF.

4. Land Securement

• Contribute to WPF land securement decision making.
• Review and provide input on WPF land securement proposals and agreements.
• Communicate with landowners and staff regarding potential land securement opportunities.

5. Other duties as assigned from time to time.

Required Skills and Attributes:

Education Required:

A minimum of a B.Sc. in conservation biology, range management, ecology or related field of study with several years related experience.

Competencies Required/Preferred:

• Self-motivated with superior time management skills; ability to complete multiple tasks independently while being an active team member. Comfortable working in a remote office setting with minimal supervision.  
• Excellent personal communication, public speaking and writing skills.
• Credible, proactive, analytical, creative and detail-oriented.
• A background in ranching would be an asset.
• Proficient with MS Word and Excel.  GIS and Trimble experience an asset.
• Knowledge and experience in applying principles of range and riparian management and invasive species management.
• Demonstrated:
• experience and ability to build positive working relationships with diverse audiences such as members of the agricultural community, partner organizations, funders and the general public.
• experience in identifying and implementing positive land management practices.
• experience conducting field work such as weed identification and wildlife/plant surveys.
• ability in planning and delivering successful stewardship programs.  Experience in fence construction, brush control, weed control, use of a ATV/chain saw/hand tools an asset.
• experience and ability in managing public education facilities.
• skill and ability in hiring and supervising staff.

To Apply:

If you have a keen interest in nature and conservation and are interested in joining our team, please forward your resume and cover letter, indicating "Waterton Park Front Conservation Coordinator" in the subject line, to careers@natureconservancy.ca.

Application closing date: March 27, 2013

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