Assistant, Conservation Biology – Norfolk Forests and Long Point Wetlands (1 Year Contract)
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (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 2.8 million acres (more than 1.1 million hectares), from coast to coast to coast. With a National headquarters in Toronto and regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.
Overview
The Assistant, Conservation Biology (ACB) supports the Southwestern Ontario Coordinator, Conservation Biology (CB) and the Invasive Species Program Coordinator (ISPC) in conservation efforts in the NCC subregion of Southwestern Ontario with a focus on the Southern Norfolk Sand Plain Natural Area. The Assistant, Conservation Biology will contribute to the stewardship, management and administration of NCC properties in the Southern Norfolk Sand Plain Natural Area where NCC currently owns and manages over 2,400 ha (6,000 ac), and in the Niagara area. The ACB will also assist the Invasive Species Program Coordinator in the delivery of a private land stewardship program focused on controlling Phragmites in the Big Creek Watershed in collaboration with local partners.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Manage NCC Properties (70%)
- Assist with the fieldwork, data entry, analysis, and reporting required to develop and implement property management plans for NCC properties.
- Assist with monitoring conservation easements.
- Work with the CB, volunteers and partners to manage NCC properties with a focus on controlling invasive species, restoring habitat on NCC properties and, in some areas, providing safe public access.
- Work with the CB and other staff to maintain and repair buildings, dams, and other infrastructure, monitor and maintain trails, fences, gates, signage, and address liability issues on NCC properties such as unwanted motorized vehicle access and trespassing.
- Assist in the development and management of leases, contracts and research permits pertaining to NCC properties.
- Assist in monitoring the status of biodiversity targets and threats and the effectiveness of conservation actions on NCC properties.
- Monitor and map the distribution of species at risk, and other conservation targets, on NCC properties.
2. Community and Partnership Liaison (10%)
- Maintain positive, productive and open relationships with landowners, lessees, project volunteers, local planning authorities and conservation partners in the subregion.
- Assist with planning and hosting volunteers and events on NCC properties.
3. Other (20%)
- Work with the CB and others to assist in the coordination and management of contractors, suppliers, researchers, students and volunteers working on science, stewardship and other initiatives in the subregion.
- Work with the ISPC to deliver on invasive species management priorities including control work, equipment maintenance, mapping and reporting.
- Conduct site visits to assess the biodiversity values of prospective properties.
- Participate in grant writing and fundraising activities to support the implementation of priority research and management activities.
- Other duties as assigned by the CB and Program Director, Southwestern Ontario.
Skills and Aptitude:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, conservation biology or related discipline with 1-3 years related experience.
- Demonstrated experience conducting independent fieldwork and infrastructure maintenance and repair.
- Good botanical and wildlife inventory skills, and an understanding of Ecological Land Classification.
- Project management skills, including excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail and timelines.
- Experience with hand tools and power tools, including chainsaw operation an asset.
- Comfortable working in a team setting and independently.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Proficient with handheld GPS units.
- Ability to carry out physical labour and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
- Flexibility, reliability, and self motivation.
- Prepared to travel throughout the program area, and work flexible hours, including multi-day trips away from home and occasional weekend work.
- Proficient with MS Office Suite.
- Valid “G” Class Driver’s License.
- Pesticide license an asset.
- Experience operating small farm machinery an asset.
- Pleasure craft operator’s license an asset.
TO APPLY
Fill out our brief questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2DS3T2Z
Email your application to the email address provided at the end of the questionnaire.
To be considered for this position, please ensure your:
– email subject line is “Assistant, Conservation Biology, Norfolk Forests and Long Point Wetlands”
– cover letter is a maximum of one page long
– cover letter and resumé are saved together in one pdf file
– pdf file name is your: First name Last name (e.g. “Jane Smith.pdf”)
Applications that do not fulfil these submission requirements will not be considered.
Application Deadline: June 21, 2020 (11:59 p.m. EST)
Late applications will not be considered.
No telephone calls please. We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
At the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) we strive to promote diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
NCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources staff of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.
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