Invasive Species Program Manager
Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a motivated Invasive Species Program Manager to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.
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 14 million hectares (more than 35 million acres) 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.
Position Summary
This 3-year contract position will be responsible for program management to control invasive species that threaten habitat and species targets in NCC Ontario Region’s priority Natural Areas (NAs). As a primary function, this role will be responsible for managing a landscape-scale invasive species control program in the Southern Norfolk Sand Plain NA, a collaborative effort that involves working closely with many external partners. The role will actively engage and coordinate NGOs, government agencies, Conservation Authorities, landowners and landowner groups, and other interest groups to control and manage Phragmites and other invasive species through planning, removal, monitoring and maintenance. The position will also provide advice to staff and oversight to contractors working on NCC and partner lands in other 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 using the latest tools and strategies is necessary to maintain and restore NA conservation targets.
Key Responsibilities/Result Areas
• Provide leadership in planning and implementing Canada’s largest invasive Phragmites control program in the Long Point region of the Southern Norfolk Sand Plain Natural Area. This multi-stakeholder initiative will be achieved via public awareness and outreach, mapping and monitoring, demonstrating innovation through the use of leading-edge technology and techniques to control phragmites and an effective landowner support and extension program
• Deliver on medium term invasive species management commitments to governments and other agencies as required by contract and funding agreements
• Build program support and awareness via communication and outreach efforts using networks of stakeholders and landowners and innovative techniques
• Navigate and interpret government policy, permits and associated compliance to achieve tangible results on the ground
• Supervise program staff such as the Invasive Species Program Coordinator and a shared Assistant Conservation Biologist
• Manage finances and reporting for several government funding agreements and service contracts for a budget of $600,000+ dollars annually
• Provide leadership and support internally and externally to manage other existing and emerging invasive species threatening NCC’s Natural Areas including advising on projects
• Maintain NCC’s capacity to support invasive species control over time through fundraising, networking, monitoring and reporting on achievements, adaptive learning and success
• Supervise the maintenance of NCC’s Invasive Species Program specialized tools and equipment (MarshMasters, boats etc.) and delivery of training for their safe and effective operation
Position Requirements
• Minimum college diploma or university degree in biology, ecology, resource management – at least 5 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 complex projects with multiple interests and achieving results
• Experience working with rural communities and agricultural groups to identify and achieve common conservation goals
• Creative analytical skills and the ability to adapt and problem solve to achieve success under challenging and diverse rules and processes
• Strong project management experience including grant writing and reporting skills, financial budgeting, tracking and reporting, and the ability to manage numerous agreements and deliverables simultaneously
• Supervisory and team building skills that support and accommodate diverse values and capacities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) of programs a must. Experience with the ArcGIS suite of programs including ArcMap and ArcGIS Collector an asset
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to create positive and productive working relationships with diverse internal and external groups and stakeholders with varying perspectives
• Must be prepared to travel and work flexible hours at times, including remote conditions, weekends and longer stays away from home
• Successful candidate must hold a valid Ontario driver’s license to travel to work sites from time to time
How to Apply
NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectations through our Career Centre (https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/who-we-are/work-with-us/).
NCC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
We value and incorporate diverse traditions, heritage, knowledge and experiences in our mission and in our workplaces. We celebrate the full participation of people from all walks of life as we work towards common goals. We strive for a conservation movement in which equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. This is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet for everyone.
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