Habitat Restoration Program Coordinator
Reports to: Director, Invasive Species Program
Term: June 12, 2023 – July 31, 2024
Salary Range: $63,950 – $71,909
Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Habitat Restoration Program Coordinator, for NCC’s Southwestern Ontario (SWO) subregion to join a dynamic and experienced team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain. NCC is the country’s leading private land conservation organization. As a non-profit, charitable organization we work in partnership with individuals, corporations, governments and other non-profit groups to protect our most important natural treasures. We take a collaborative and science-based approach to our mission. Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to conserve 15 million hectares from coast to coast to coast. With National headquarters in Toronto and regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.
Overview:
Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to 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. This position will support the Director, Invasive Species Program (ISPD) in leading invasive species management projects that mitigate threats to habitat and species targets across Ontario with a focus on initiatives that benefit Ontario Region’s priority Natural Areas. The role will coordinate contractors, external partners, including NGOs, government agencies, Conservation Authorities, landowners and landowner groups, and other interest groups, to collaboratively manage invasive species at a landscape scale. The position will work closely with the ISPD to develop and deliver new and existing invasive species and habitat restoration management projects in he southwestern Ontario including NCC’s Phragmites management programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate the implementation of landscape-scale control of invasive species, focusing on existing Phragmites initiatives in the Lambton shores area;
- Organize and lead the operational development and delivery of a multi-stakeholder initiative to restore critical ecosystem-level habitat through control of invasive Phragmites in southwestern Ontario, using the collaborative strength of community-based working groups. Develop and maintain strong partnerships, successful public awareness and outreach strategies and use innovative management techniques to deliver a highly effective landowner extension program for Phragmites control on private, public and NCC lands;
- Undertake communication and outreach efforts and support adaptive management through networks of partners, stakeholders and landowners;
- Navigate, acquire and interpret government policy, necessary permits and ensure associated compliance to achieve tangible results on the ground;
- Provide project management and administrative support to the Director, Invasive Species Program including grant preparation and reporting, budget management and internal conservation planning and tracking;
- Assist with reporting for a budget of several hundred thousand dollars annually under direction of the ISPD.
Key Result Areas
- Immediate key results for this position will be the development and successful implementation of the multi-stakeholder initiative to control Phragmites within the watersheds of the Lake St. Clair Shoreline, including the creation of a collaborative community-based group and engagement of private and public landowners;
- Over time, this position will assist the ISPD to liaise on larger complex files with government, industry and NGO’s relating to invasive Phragmites control technologies and landscape scale control efforts across Southwestern Ontario region.
Knowledge and Experience
- Knowledge of invasive species management principles and practices including emerging threats, control techniques and impacts to biodiversity
- Understanding of the natural heritage and biodiversity found in the Carolinian zone; particularly wetland species and habitats
- Familiarity with COSEWIC and COSSARO designated species and recovery plans as they relate to habitat restoration and invasive species impacts
- Familiarity with Ontario’s Natural Heritage Information Centre and other sources of biodiversity information
- Experience working in remote field conditions under adverse conditions (rain, bugs, hot/cold temperatures, snow/ice etc.)
- Ability to travel within Ontario and the flexibility to work long hours at times
Community and Partnership Liaison
- Complex partnerships are at the core of this position requiring the incumbent to positively engage stakeholders including private citizens, ENGO’s, all levels of government and other landowners in a control program to ensure high levels of participation, which is necessary to achieve true landscape scale control of Phragmites and protect core natural areas;
- Other primary responsibilities include navigating complex and thorough permit requirements, supervising contractors, ensuring clean equipment protocols are used, reporting back to program participants and donors and updating NCC internal stewardship tracking systems.
Skills and Aptitude:
- College diploma or University degree in natural resource management or related field;
Minimum 3 years direct practical experience in invasive species management, resource management and/or habitat restoration; - Strong communications and collaboration skills 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 conditions 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;
- Facilitation, negotiation and team building skills that support and accommodate diverse values and capacities;
- Entrepreneurial, with a strong ability to prepare and manage timelines, goals and expectations wisely;
- Priorities will generally be set by the incumbent in liaison with the ISPD;
- Demonstrated experience working with hand and power tools, large machinery, boats, tractors, ATVs and habitat restoration equipment;
- Mechanical aptitude and resourcefulness to undertake minor/field repairs in order to maintain project timelines is considered an asset;
- Pesticide Exterminator License and an understanding of Integrated Pest Management practices or the ability to obtain;
- Valid Ontario Pleasure Craft Operators License and experience operating large and small watercraft or the ability to obtain;
- Valid Ontario “G” Class Driver’s License;
- Committed to the cause and mission of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
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.
Application Deadline: May 29, 2023 (11:59 p.m. ET)
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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