Assistant Conservation Biologist – Southwestern Ontario (Norfolk

The Nature Conservancy of Canada • Walsingham, ON

3d • CA$55,648 - CA$62,608 • Onsite

About The Position

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is seeking an Assistant Conservation Biologist to support conservation efforts in Norfolk and Niagara. This role involves assisting with property stewardship activities such as habitat restoration, invasive species control, trail maintenance, and species surveys. The position also includes supporting property administration, contributing to conservation planning, managing visitor access, and organizing volunteer events. NCC is dedicated to protecting important natural areas and the species they sustain, working collaboratively and evidence-based, and is committed to advancing Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Requirements

• Good botanical and wildlife inventory skills, experience using identification keys, and an understanding of Ecological Land Classification.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent fieldwork, comfortable working in wilderness settings and knowledge of field safety practices.
• Demonstrated interest and ability to carry out physical labour and work outdoors in all types of weather and environmental conditions.
• Previous experience with invasive species identification and control.
• Comfortable working with and around herbicides as part of regular job duties.
• Experience using power tools and other mechanized stewardship equipment (backpack sprayers, mowers, brush saws, hydraulic spray systems).
• Navigational skills including understanding of GPS devices or applications, compass, and air photo interpretation.
• Project management skills, including excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail and timelines.
• Experience in trail management, visitor engagement, and/or mitigating impacts of visitors on natural lands.
• Experience engaging with members of the public or volunteers.
• Experience in delivering land/resource management programs in a rural community.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and/or volunteers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient with word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheet software.

Nice To Haves

• Pesticide exterminator license
• Standard First Aid – Level C CPR certification
• Mechanical aptitude for maintaining and repairing equipment
• Previous experience working with species at risk and maintaining confidential species at risk information
• Experience implementing property or natural area management plans
• Experience in delivering land/resource management programs in a rural community

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of recommended stewardship and management actions on NCC properties, with a focus on habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and visitor management.
• Work with the Coordinator, Conservation Biology 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.
• Monitor the status of biodiversity targets (including species at risk) and threats and the effectiveness of conservation actions on NCC properties.
• Assist with monitoring conservation easements.
• Provide infield supervision of seasonal Conservation Technicians.
• Assist with the development, preparation, and implementation of baseline inventories, property management plans, and natural area conservation plans.
• Work with the Coordinator, Conservation Biology to ensure that accurate and current property information and records are available to regional and national managers.
• Work with administrative staff to ensure the enrollment of all NCC eligible properties into applicable tax incentive or reduction programs.
• Ensure that NCC’s Land Resource Management System is populated with accurate and complete data, including required digital layers.
• Work with the Coordinator, Conservation Biology to ensure all liability issues are dealt with promptly and accurate records are maintained for insurance related matters.
• Support the Coordinator, Conservation Biology to ensure that conditions of all agreements (e.g. agricultural lease agreements) are administered in a timely fashion.
• Planning and hosting Conservation Volunteers events on NCC properties.
• Foster and maintain positive relationships with landowners, lessees, volunteers, contractors, and local partners.
• Become a known presence on the ground at NCC properties to help deter unwanted behaviour and promote positive visitor interactions and compliance.
• Represent NCC on specific committees and at meetings or workshops related to land management and conservation as required.
• Work with the Program Director and the Coordinator, Conservation Biology to identify new resources and programs to help achieve strategic conservation goals.
• Assist the Program Director and Coordinator, Conservation Biology in advising Development staff of funding priorities, amounts and deadlines for ongoing stewardship needs.
• Assist with property tours for donors, partners or the media.
• Assist the Program Director and Coordinator, Conservation Biology in the development of annual work plans and budgets for stewardship and science activities.
• Assist with providing timely reports as required to regional and national staff and Boards.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• healthy, safe, barrier free and inclusive, workplace, where respect and diversity are recognized assets
• Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed