Invasive Phragmites Regional Coordinator

Overview

HIGHLIGHTS:

Successful candidate must reside within 2h drive from Toronto.

Job Description
This position leads key elements of the Ontario Phragmites Action program including coordination of efforts in Central Ontario. The role includes key external partner engagement, supporting dissemination of technical guidance and critical partnership development across Ontario.

Position Summary
The Invasive Phragmites Regional Coordinator will work collaboratively to reduce the impact of the invasive plant, Phragmites across Ontario. A focus of this position is to work with partners to connect and catalyze local action on Phragmites in communities in Central Ontario. They will work with municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, non-governmental organizations and many others to promote collaborative approaches to invasive species management. The successful candidate will accomplish these priorities by building local partnerships in communities throughout Central Ontario (e.g. GTA, Niagara, Durham, Kawartha, Muskoka, Georgian Bay, etc.). They will be an effective communicator and presenter, and they will support local partners in building capacity to map, monitor and control Phragmites.

This position may be asked to supervise contract staff and/or external contractors from time to time. They may also assist with other organizational priorities, including fielding public inquiries, sitting on related committees, provide logistics for and attend strategic engagement events, and other tasks as required.
The ISC offers a fun, vibrant workplace with flexibility and shared passion for protecting the environment. We believe in supporting our team as much as possible, with a competitive compensation package including wages, minimum of 2 weeks of vacation, 12 paid holidays, paid personal days, paid sick leave, flexible work arrangements, contribution to personal and professional development and many opportunities to learn new skills. The ISC offers hybrid work opportunities for team members in Sault Ste. Marie and full remote arrangements for those based elsewhere in Ontario.
Secondments or time-bound work assignments may be considered. For further consideration please inquire with hiring manager.

Principal Accountabilities

• Project management for implementing Phragmites management coordination program in Central Ontario, and assigned program area(s) including tracking program deliverables, key performance indicators and associated reporting
• Development of program budgets, expense tracking and associated reconciliations

Relationship Development

• Identify, and grow relationships with key partners (e.g. municipalities, conservation authorities, indigenous communities, NGOs, etc.) in new communities to support collaborative invasive species action
• Establish and develop positive and constructive relationships with colleagues at other partner conservation organizations working to implement the Ontario Phragmites Action program

Support Access to Key Resources

• Assist program partners in accessing key resources to support their invasive species collaborations including access to funding, training, mapping, genetic testing services and other resources
  Support external partners and local groups in the development of strong collaborative projects and actions to reduce Phragmites
• Assess funding proposals and make recommendations for funding allocations
• Assist ISC team in the negotiation and management of contracts that support local partner implementation

Outreach and Communications

• Attend public meetings and events to grow awareness and engagement of Phragmites program with key audiences and potential partners
• Support the development of new and updated resources including technical documents, outreach materials, advertisements, and other materials

Other Activities

• Represent the ISC and related programs on committees, working groups and other key forums
• Periodic travel to attend conferences, key meetings and other in-person events throughout Ontario, Canada and internationally
• Support of grant writing and business development team as required
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience leading complex environmental programs and strategic partnerships
• Successful completion of Undergraduate or Graduate studies in environmental program (e.g., ecology, biology, environmental science, geography, etc.)
• Strong project management and multitasking skills
• Experience managing various aspects of program budgets including reconciliation, tracking and reporting
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Excellent collaboration and synergy skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritize and triage work tasks, and provide sound judgement on decision making
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software
• Ability to travel 15-20 days per year, including day and periodic overnight travel
• Passionate about and aware of environmental issues

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English, French, and/or Indigenous languages considered an asset
• Experience with GIS and mapping is an asset

Key Competencies

• Budget oversight and management – tracking, reconciliation, regular reporting
• Project Management – Plans and executes complex projects and events from start to finish, managing timelines, resources, and logistics.
• Key Partner Engagement – Builds strong relationships with partners, stakeholders, rights holders, speakers, and participants across sectors.
• Communication – Delivers clear, compelling messaging across event materials, promotions, and outreach.
• Technical Proficiency – Navigates virtual platforms and event tools with confidence and efficiency.

Other Requirements

• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations
• Ability to undergo a background check as required
• Possess a valid Ontario Class G driver’s license
• Access to a personal vehicle is beneficial
• Willingness to comply with all ISC policies
• First Aid Certification or willingness to complete

Instructions for Applicants

Applications will be reviewed beginning April 7, 2026 8:00 AM EST.

Please submit your application package as a single PDF document with a file name containing your first and last name. This document must include a cover letter (1 page maximum) and a resume describing your education and related work experience. Please submit via email, with “Invasive Phragmites Regional Coordinator” in the subject line, to:

Chelsea McIsaac, Partnerships & Policy Manager
Invasive Species Centre, 1219 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2E5
Email: careers@invasivespeciescentre.ca

No telephone calls please. Only candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.