Invasive Species Program Coordinator

The Nature Conservancy of Canada•Pincher Creek, AB

19d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is seeking an Invasive Species Program Coordinator to join their team and contribute to protecting important natural areas and the species they sustain. NCC is a leading private land conservation organization in Canada, dedicated to conserving and restoring natural areas. This role supports conservation and land stewardship in Alberta by leading the development and implementation of the Invasive Species Program, assisting Natural Area Managers with invasive species management on NCC lands, creating guidance documents, and collaborating with external partners on landscape-level management. The position has a specific focus on NCC’s Castle-Crowsnest Watershed Natural Area and Waterton Natural Area in SW Alberta, involving contract coordination and implementation of NCC’s internal spray program. The Invasive Species Program Coordinator will report to the Director of Conservation and work within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, interacting with various internal departments and external stakeholders including contractors, leaseholders, volunteers, government agencies, and landowners.

Requirements

Knowledge of invasive species management principles and practices including emerging threats, control techniques, and impacts to biodiversity.
Ability to identify priority invasive species in Alberta and learn key identification characteristics of other species as required.
Knowledge of the life cycles of invasive species in Alberta and experience with Integrated Pest Management.
Experience with safety procedures (including pesticide storage, handling, application, etc.) and emergency response plans.
Reliability, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Experience working in remote field conditions under adverse conditions (rain, bugs, hot/cold temperatures, snow/ice etc.) and on various terrain.
Comfort working in wilderness settings and knowledge of field safety practices.
Experience completing physical work (e.g., carrying heavy equipment off trail in remote areas).
Ability to travel within Alberta and the flexibility to work long hours at times.
College diploma or University degree in natural resource management or related field.
Minimum 3 years direct practical experience in invasive species management, resource management and/or habitat restoration.
Pesticide Applicators License and a minimum 2 years/ field seasons of experience spraying herbicide.
Strong communication and collaboration skills to create positive and productive working relationships with diverse groups.
Creative analytical skills and the ability to adapt and problem solve to achieve success under challenging conditions and diverse rules and processes.
Strong project management and reporting skills, including financial budgeting, tracking and reporting, and the ability to manage numerous deliverables simultaneously.
Team building skills that support and accommodate diverse values and capacities.
Entrepreneurial, with a strong ability to prepare and manage timelines, goals and expectations wisely.
Experience using power tools and other mechanized stewardship equipment (backpack sprayers, mowers, brush saws, hydraulic spray systems).
Mechanical aptitude and resourcefulness to undertake minor/field repairs and keep track of scheduled maintenance in order to maintain project timelines.
Experience operating ATV/UTVs, driving pick-up trucks, and towing trailers.
Valid non-probationary (class 5) driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract.
Committed to the cause and mission of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Nice To Haves

GIS education and experience is an asset.
Wilderness First Aid certification or the ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

Provide support to the Alberta team and external contacts regarding invasive species control and best practices.
Coordinate and conduct the implementation of invasive species management using manual, mechanical, and chemical control techniques following best management practices and maintain a daily log of the species managed, control technique, location, and conservation targets improved.
Monitor and map the distribution of invasive species on NCC properties in SW Alberta following the Invasive Species Program monitoring guidelines.
Record field data accurately, according to developed protocols, and provide analysis and reporting to inform the invasive species management plans.
Stay up to date on the latest control and monitoring techniques and strategies.
Display leadership skills, in particular the ability to manage and mentor junior colleagues.
Complete project management and administrative work for the Invasive Species Program, including supporting grant applications and reporting, budget management, and internal conservation planning and tracking.
Assist with delivery and reporting for a budget of several hundred thousand dollars annually.
Navigate, acquire and interpret government policy, necessary permits and ensure associated compliance to achieve tangible results on the ground.
Undertake communication and outreach efforts and support adaptive management through networks of partners, stakeholders, and landowners.
Lead on facilitating and conducting research trials for invasive species management techniques (including biocontrol and herbicide trials).