Thunder Bay (Northwestern Ontario) – Conservation Technician 2024
Thunder Bay (Northwestern Ontario) – Conservation Technician 2024
Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Conservation Technician to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the species they sustain.
Since 1962, NCC and its supporters have protected 15 million hectares 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 local offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.
Purpose and General Description:
Are you passionate about conserving some of Northwestern Ontario’s most important natural spaces? Do you want to have a positive, lasting impact on nature? Are you looking for a well-rounded position to kick-start your conservation career with hands-on experience? We want to hear from you!
NCC is looking for a passionate person to join the Northwestern Ontario stewardship team as a Conservation Technician. Working closely with NCC’s Coordinator of Conservation Biology, this internship position will help the stewardship team conduct fieldwork in the Lake Superior and Rainy Lake – Lake of the Woods natural areas, process field data, and prepare reports. There are also opportunities to work closely with partner organizations, local stewards, and volunteers. This position is intended to provide an inspiring, learning-focused environment for a junior professional.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Participate in a variety of fieldwork on NCC properties across Northwestern Ontario including:
- Classifying ecosystems by helping to identify plants;
- Conducting property inspections to check for natural disturbances, vandalism, trespassing, emerging threats, and risks and liabilities;
- Removing invasive plant species using manual and chemical control methods;
- Monitoring biodiversity targets (e.g. species at risk, vegetation communities) and threats (e.g. invasive species);
- General property maintenance such as trail clearing and sign installation;
- Data entry, analysis, research and reporting using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and NCC’s internal database system;
- Assist with volunteer and property steward management;
- Assist with compliance monitoring of conservation easements;
- Prepare for, assist with and attend local outreach events; and
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Attributes:
This posting is targeted to individuals possessing the following skills and traits:
- Ability to navigate in wilderness settings using GPS, compass and maps;
- Adaptability and flexibility with day-to-day plans;
- Enjoy working as part of a team;
- Comfortable on a boat in rough weather (such as wind, waves, rain);
- Comfortable hiking/working in remote wilderness locations without trails (dense forest with black flies/ticks etc.) for extended periods with various weather;
- Sense of humour, compassionate, good-natured, positive attitude;
- Clear, professional and thoughtful communicator to landowners, public, colleagues;
- Reliable, punctual, and responsible;
- Enthusiastic about being outdoors and conserving nature;
- Willingness to learn and follow fieldwork and safety protocols;
- Self-motivated to work independently;
- Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple duties across different projects;
- Proficient with data management and excel;
- Physical work will be required (e.g., strenuous hiking, carrying a heavy backpack, being outside in inclement weather including heat, using power tools, etc.);
- Valid class “G” or “G2” driver’s license, and comfort driving on highways and rough roads.
The following additional skills and abilities would be assets in this position but are not required to apply. Training will be provided by NCC to further develop these skills:
- Basic knowledge of plants, wildlife, and birds;
- Navigational skills including understanding of GPS devices or applications and air photo interpretation;
- Experience engaging with members of the public or volunteers;
- Canoeing experience;
- Herbicide license;
- Standard First Aid – Level C CPR certification.
Terms of Employment:
- Timeline: Subject to funding, this is a 22-week position from April 29, 2024, until September 27, 2024. The start date can be flexible depending on exam schedules and relocation if needed.
- Compensation: $20.70/hour
- Location: Position is based out of Thunder Bay, Ontario
- This position will include 4+ multi-day field trips to Kenora, Sault Ste. Marie, Fort Frances, Rainy River or surrounding areas. Accommodation, transportation and meal allowance will be provided for these trips.
- Some evening and weekend work will be required.
- A component of this position will include computer based “office work” that will be completed with the Coordinator of Conservation Biology in Thunder Bay.
About Thunder Bay:
Thunder Bay is a small city on the shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake. You can experience Lake Superior by sea kayak and sailboat exploring the islands, lighthouses and picturesque villages like Silver Islet and Rossport. Within a one-hour drive, hike the James Duncan Trail at NCC’s Big Trout Bay Nature Reserve or the ‘Top of the Giant Trail’ at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park which overlook the endless waters and islands. In August, you can go out star gazing in the evening for a chance to see the northern lights. For a small city, Thunder Bay offers so many arts and music events offering diverse local food vendors throughout the summer. Thunder Bay is within the traditional territory of the Ojibwe people of Fort William First Nation. The community welcomes visitors to pow wow ceremonies at Anemki Wajiw (Thunder Mountain) each summer.
To Apply:
NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your application through our Conservation Internship Program page in our Career Centre. Please upload your cover letter and resume together under the Curriculum Vitae field in a single pdf document.
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.
Application Deadline: 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, March 3, 2024
Interviews to be held virtually the week of March 4-7, 2024
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To apply for this job please visit www.natureconservancy.ca.