Coordinator, 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 a Coordinator, 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 (more than 35 million acres) of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians.**:
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**PURPOSE AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION**:
The Coordinator, Conservation Biology - Southwestern Ontario (Norfolk and Niagara), reports to the Program Director, Southwestern Ontario. This position will lead 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 Coordinator, Conservation Biology - Southwestern Ontario (Norfolk and Niagara) is responsible for the stewardship and administration of NCC properties and contributes to strategic conservation planning. Working with a team of Assistants, Conservation Biology and seasonal Conservation Technicians, you will lead stewardship of NCC’s lands including habitat restoration (seeding, wetland creation, tree planting), invasive species management, trail and infrastructure maintenance, property monitoring, conservation planning, and species at risk surveys. 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**:
**1. Property Stewardship and Conservation Planning**
- Implement recommended stewardship and management actions on NCC properties, with a focus on invasive species monitoring and management and habitat restoration;
- Plan and implement habitat management such as prescribed burns and plantation management activities on an annual basis
- Coordinate the implementation of landscape-scale control of invasive species, focusing on Phragmites, Garlic Mustard, Common Buckthorn, Autumn Olive and Multiflora Rose;
- Provide infield supervision of Assistant(s), Conservation Biology and/or seasonal Conservation Technicians;
- Develop and manage leases, access agreements, contracts and research permits pertaining to NCC properties;
- Coordinate the maintenance and repair of 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;
- Coordinate the monitoring of and reporting on the status of biodiversity targets and threats and the effectiveness of conservation actions on NCC properties;
- Monitor and map the distribution of species at risk, and other conservation targets, on NCC properties;
- Manage the field work and reporting required to develop and implement Baseline Inventories, Property Management Plans and Natural Area Conservation Plans for NCC properties; and,
- Monitor and report on conservation easement agreements.

**2. Administration**
- Ensure that accurate and current baseline property information and records are available to 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;
- Ensure all liability issues are dealt with promptly and accurate records are maintained for insurance related matters; and,
- Ensure that conditions of all agreements (e.g., landholding agreements, fee for service agreements, research permits, lease agreements) are administered in a timely fashion.

**3. Development and Fundraising**
- Work with the Program Director to identify new resources and programs to help achieve strategic conservation goals;
- Assist the Program Director in advising Development staff of funding priorities, amounts and deadlines for ongoing stewardship needs;
- Assist regional staff in identifying, cultivating, and requesting funds from both existing donors and new prospects, including individuals, businesses, foundations, government sources, and non-government organizations; and,
- Assist with property tours and events for donors, partners, or the media.

**4. Reporting & Business Planning**
- Develop annual work plans and budgets for stewardship and science activities;
- Provide timely reports as required to NCC Boards, partners and donors;
- Provide project management and administrative support to the Program Director including grant preparation and reporting, budget management and internal conservation plannin