Manager, Natural Areas (Northern Ontario)

The Nature Conservancy of Canada•Hearst, ON

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is seeking a Manager, Natural Areas to join their team dedicated to protecting important natural areas and the species they sustain. NCC is Canada's leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, which has conserved and restored over 15 million hectares since 1962. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based approach and is committed to advancing Reconciliation through conservation by working with Indigenous Peoples. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in the boreal forest of Northern Ontario, a critical ecosystem covering over 50% of Canada's landmass. The successful candidate will help NCC develop its collaborative management approach on large conservation reserves in Northern Ontario, including working with Indigenous partners to manage over 225,000 hectares of forest, wetland, lakes, and rivers. This involves monitoring wildlife, restoring habitats, and supporting First Nation-led forest landscape stewardship. The role also involves supporting existing projects, fostering relationships with Indigenous partners, and establishing new conservation lands. The Manager, Natural Areas - Northern Ontario is responsible for delivering conservation programs in Northern Ontario, primarily focusing on northeastern Ontario but also supporting stewardship activities across Northern Ontario to the Manitoba border. Key duties include leading planning and implementation of stewardship activities on conservation easement and fee simple properties, supporting land securement, building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous and local communities, conducting outreach, and serving as the main NCC contact in northeastern Ontario. The Manager will report to the Program Director – Northern Ontario and collaborate with other conservation staff and the regional team.

Requirements

University degree or college diploma and at least 5 years professional experience in forest conservation, landscape ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or related field
A superior working knowledge of northern Ontario’s landscapes, communities, and conservation issues
Experience working with Indigenous communities including a thorough understanding of engagement best practices and land sharing approaches
Knowledge of northern Ontario’s Species at Risk
Leadership and managerial skills to effectively support junior conservation staff
The ability to build and support effective partnerships both within and outside NCC to achieve the organization’s goals
Project management skills, including excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to details and timelines
Demonstrated experience to develop, track and reporting on complex budgets
Working knowledge of conservation planning processes
Strong organization, communication, and presentation skills, including demonstrated experience in making public presentations
Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Proficiency with MS Office Suite
Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
Willingness and ability to travel throughout northern Ontario
Experience working in remote environments, including operating an all-terrain vehicle and hauling a trailer

Nice To Haves

Some knowledge of database and GIS software is beneficial
Experience in forestry and/or forest management is considered an asset

Responsibilities

Plan and oversee implementation of stewardship conservation actions identified through NCC’s systematic conservation planning (e.g. land and species management, invasive species management, risk management)
Lead inventory, monitoring and reporting activities for new NCC projects with support from stewardship staff
Administer and manage leases, access agreements, and contracts pertaining to NCC properties, ensuring all conditions are met in a timely fashion
Conduct annual property monitoring of owned lands or lands under easement, working with stewardship staff, summer interns and volunteers as appropriate
Deliver annual property reports to landowners and partners, as required
Implement Species At Risk stewardship activities and grant deliverables
Support external relationships and partnership projects (i.e. carbon, hunting, Indigenous land sharing etc.)
Lead visitor use management for NCC’s land portfolio in northeastern ON
Coordinate compliance monitoring programs and deal effectively with any issues identified
Support the Program Director – Northern Ontario with identification of potential land securement projects (i.e. fee simple securement, conservation easements, other effective conservation measures etc.)
Coordinate and conduct site visits to assess potential securement opportunities
Lead and support as appropriate, the preparation of legal agreements, Conservation Project Summaries, budgets and reporting to funders
Maintain up to date records on securement projects in NCC’s Land Resource Management System
Maintain and strengthen our unique relationships with our Indigenous and other partners in northern Ontario, working together on collaborative conservation projects
Forge new genuine relationships with Indigenous communities and work to proactively engage partners, including Indigenous-led conservation, establishment of new conservation lands and stewardship of existing conservation lands
Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with private landowners working with NCC and other members of the local community
Coordinate various public outreach events which enhance community members awareness of NCC’s exemplary land stewardship practices
Represent NCC on various committees and at meetings or workshops related to land conservation
Lead conservation planning for new NCC land projects and support landscape scale planning in northern Ontario following established NCC planning processes
Report on progress achieved at intervals specified in NCC conservation plans
Assist the Development team to create and deliver proposals, and related materials for use in soliciting individual, foundation and corporate gifts
In collaboration with Communications staff, develop and implement communication actions in support of program delivery
Manage proposal and reporting dates and reminders to meet donor obligations
Field enquiries from donors and potential donors
Assist the Development team with donor reports as required
Work closely with the Program Director – Northern Ontario to coordinate work planning, human resources/hiring and training
Manage conservation staff and technicians and supervise volunteers and contractors following NCC’s policies and procedures
Support professional development and performance management of direct reports including regular check-ins to ensure successful program delivery
Develop annual budgets and workplans in support of program delivery in northern Ontario
Work closely with the Program Director – Northern Ontario to review, approve and adjust annual budgets and workplans
Track and manage progress against budgets and workplans
Other duties and tasks as assigned