Assistant, Conservation Biology

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for an Assistant, Conservation Biology - Southwestern Ontario (Norfolk and Niagara) to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.

NCC is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. 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.

**PURPOSE AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION**:
The Assistant, Conservation Biology - Southwestern Ontario (Norfolk and Niagara) reports to the Program Director, Southwestern Ontario. This position will assist with conservation efforts in Norfolk County and the Niagara Region, with a focus on the Southern Norfolk Sand Plain Natural Area where NCC has conserved and stewards over 2,400 ha (6,000 ac). The Assistant, Conservation Biology will work closely with NCC’s Coordinator, Conservation Biology, Southwestern Ontario (Norfolk and Niagara) to undertake property stewardship activities on NCC lands including habitat restoration, invasive species control, trail and infrastructure maintenance and monitoring, and species at risk surveys. The Assistant, Conservation Biology is also responsible for supporting the administration of NCC properties, contributing to strategic conservation planning, managing visitor access, and hosting Conservation Volunteers events. The position will be based in Norfolk County with travel to Niagara and occasional overnight stays at NCC’s research cabin on Long Point.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Property Stewardship and Conservation Planning**
- Implement 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.

**Property Administration**
- 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.

**Community and Partnership Liaison**
- Plan and host 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.

***Development and Fundraising**
- 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.

**Reporting & Business Planning**
- 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**
- Other duties as assigned by the Program Directo