Assistant Conservation Biologist, Southern Norfolk Sand Plain
Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for an Assistant, Conservation Biology, 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 14 million hectares (35 million acres), 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
Under the direction of the Program Director, Southwestern Ontario and the Director, Invasive Species Program, 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, partner and private 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 field implementation of a private land stewardship program focused on controlling Phragmites in the coastal wetlands and watersheds of Southern Norfolk Sand Plain in collaboration with local partners.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Manage NCC Properties (35%)
• 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 (5%)
• 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. Implement Invasive Species Program (ISP) (40%)
• Assist the Coordinator, ISP with all aspects of implementation of landscape-scale control of invasive species, focusing on Phragmites in NCC’s Southern Norfolk Sand Plain Natural Area;
• Assist with the delivery of a multi-stakeholder initiative to control Phragmites within the watersheds of the Long Point region, using the collaborative strength of the community-based Long Point Phragmites Action Alliance.
• Support ISP public communication and outreach efforts;
• Assist with acquiring necessary permits and authorizations for invasive species control and ensure associated compliance to achieve tangible results on the ground;
• Provide administrative and project delivery support to the ISP including data management, reporting, and internal conservation planning and tracking;
4. Other (20%)
• Work with the CB and ISPC 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 and invasive species threats of prospective and partner properties.
• Participate in grant writing and fundraising activities to support the implementation of priority research and management activities.
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Director, Southwestern Ontario and Director, Invasive Species Program.
Skills and Aptitude:
• College diploma or University degree in natural resource management or related field in ecology, conservation biology or related discipline with 1-3 years related experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent fieldwork and infrastructure maintenance and repair.
• Demonstrated experience towing trailers and 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;
• Pesticide Exterminator License and an understanding of Integrated Pest Management practices or the ability to obtain;
• Comfortable working with and around pesticides as part of regular job duties
• Valid Ontario Pleasure Craft Operators License and experience operating watercraft or the ability to obtain;
• Good botanical and wildlife inventory skills with a working knowledge of Ontario’s Species at Risk, and an understanding of Ecological Land Classification.
• Project management skills, including excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail and timelines.
• Comfortable working in a team setting and independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient with handheld GPS units.
• Demonstrated interest and ability to carry out physical labour and work outdoors in all types of weather and environmental conditions.
• Flexibility, reliability, and self-motivation.
• Must be prepared to travel throughout the program area, work flexible hours, including multi-day trips away from home in remote situations and weekend work.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite.
• Valid “G” Class Driver’s License.
• Valid first aid training an asset
This is a one year, contract position.
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/current opportunities) by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, May 9, 2021.
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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