Invasive Species Technician

**Location**: Norfolk County, ON

**Position details**:Full Time Contract (till March 31, 2024 w/poss. of extension)

**Salary**: $52,440 - $59,039

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for Invasive Species Stewardship Technicians to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the species they sustain.

NCC is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization. Since 1962, NCC and its supporters have protected 15 million hectares of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and local offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

**PURPOSE AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION**:
As key members of the NCC’s Invasive Species Program (ISP), the Invasive Species Stewardship Technicians will support a landscape-scale invasive species control program across the Long Point Walsingham Forest Priority Place (LPWF). The project will be focused on identifying and controlling populations of invasive species including: Phragmites, Autumn Olive, Dog-strangling Vine, Garlic Mustard, European Black Alder, and others across private and public land in collaboration with local communities and partners. The ISST will conduct invasive species management on significant natural lands protected by NCC and its conservation partners across the LPWF by working closely with NCC staff, partner organizations, local stewards, and volunteers.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Coordinate and conduct invasive species field surveys on a variety of lands within the LPWF including conservation, public and privately-owned lands and their connecting corridors;
- Conduct invasive species management using manual, mechanical and chemical control techniques following best management practices and maintain a daily log of the species managed, location and conservation target improved;
- Monitor and map the distribution of invasive species, species at risk, and other conservation targets, on NCC and partner properties as related to the ISST program delivery;
- Record field data accurately according to developed protocols and provide analysis and reporting to inform the invasive species management plan for the LPWF;
- Maintain field equipment including tracking and reporting hardware and software;
- Assist the ISP Coordinator and ISP Manager with all aspects of implementation of landscape-scale control of invasive species in the LPWF.

**REQUIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES**:
This posting is targeted to individuals possessing the following skills:

- Ability and strong interest to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (e.g., high summer temperatures and humidity, heavy rain) and on various terrain;
- Comfort working in wilderness settings and knowledge of field safety practices;
- Physical work will be required regularly (e.g., carrying heavy equipment off trail in remote areas);
- Ability to identify priority invasive species (Phragmites, Garlic Mustard, Dog-strangling Vine, Common Buckthorn) and learn key identification characteristics of other species as required;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Proficient with word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheet software;
- Valid class G driver’s license and comfort driving on highways and rough roads.

The following additional skills and abilities would be assets in these positions:

- Basic knowledge of plants, wildlife, and vegetation communities as well as experience using identification keys;
- Experience engaging with members of the public or volunteers;
- Pesticide exterminator license;
- Standard First Aid - Level C CPR certification;
- Experience using power tools and other mechanized stewardship equipment (backpack sprayers, mowers, brush saws, hydraulic spray systems); experience driving pick-up trucks and towing trailers; ATV/UTVs, tractors and other heavy equipment;
- Mechanical aptitude for maintaining and repairing equipment.

**TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT**:

- Full-time position within the period of April 2023 to March 2024, with possibility of extension.
- Positions are based in Norfolk County at NCC’s Walsingham Office.
- Compensation: $52,440 - $59,039
- Positions will include some office work that may be completed in a hybrid remote work setting.

**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.

**Application Deadline**:April 17, 2023 at 11;59pm EST

Interviews will be held virtually.

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 commo