Assistant, Conservation Biology – Invasive Species Program – The Nature Conservancy of Canada – Ottawa

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 NCC’s Natural Area conservation targets. This position will support the Director, Invasive Species Program (ISPD), the Invasive Species Program Manager (ISPM) and the Invasive Species Program Coordinator (ISPC) 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 assist with the coordination of 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 ISPM and ISPC to deliver ongoing invasive species management projects in the Southern Norfolk Sand Plain including NCC’s Phragmites management programs.

Key Responsibilities:
Support the implementation of landscape-scale control of invasive species, focusing on Phragmites in NCC’s Southern Norfolk Sand Plain Natural Area;
Support the ISPC in delivering a multi-stakeholder initiative to control Phragmites within the watersheds of the Long Point region;
Lead the acquisition, maintenance and operation of specialized equipment related to invasive species management;
Work to deliver on invasive species management priorities including control work, mapping and reporting;
Assist to 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 Invasive Species Program including internal conservation planning and tracking processes;
Assist with reporting for ISP grants and partnership agreements;
Other duties as assigned by the Director, Invasive Species Program.

Knowledge and Experience
Knowledge of invasive species management principles and practices including emerging threats, control techniques and impacts to biodiversity;
Experience operating and maintaining field equipment (e.g., tractors, sprayers, ATVs, trucks and trailers, chainsaws, brush saws etc. or similar);
Understanding of the natural heritage and biodiversity found in the Carolinian zone; particularly wetland species and habitats;
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;
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.

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;
Mechanical aptitude and resourcefulness to undertake minor/field repairs in order to maintain project timelines is considered a strong asset;
Demonstrated experience towing trailers and working with hand and power tools, large machinery, boats, tractors, ATVs and habitat restoration equipment;
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 willingness and ability to obtain;
Problem solving, planning and organizational skills with a focus on 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.

Our commitment to you:
At NCC, we’re committed to providing a healthy, safe and inclusive workplace where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We invite and welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds based on dimensions such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, ability and other dimensions as long as you share our core values of openness, empowerment and collaboration. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require support at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact mai.metawie@natureconservancy.ca .

To apply:
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter and resumé (in one document) through our Career Centre page.
Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.
Application deadline: August 2, 2022, 11:59 pm ET

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