Conservation and Restoration Technician

SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - 2024

Position: Conservation and Restoration Technician

Organization: The Couchiching Conservancy

Reports to: Reserve Steward

Location: Orillia, Ontario

Duration: 16 weeks

Start Date: May 1, 2024

Hours: 35-hour work week. Typically, Monday to Friday, including some evenings and occasional weekends.

Wage: $19.00 /hr

Application Deadline: Accepting until position is filled.

The Couchiching Conservancy is a non-profit charitable land trust that has helped to protect over 14,000 acres in the Couchiching Region. The Conservancy’s mandate is to protect the special natural features of the Couchiching region for present and future generations, and we achieve this goal through land acquisition and stewardship projects on both private and public land. We are currently responsible for the stewardship and management of 45 Nature Reserves under our protection.

We are seeking two youth summer staff with strong field skills to join our Stewardship Team. The Conservation and Restoration Technician will assist with invasive species control, support community science volunteers in the field, maintain trails and nature reserve infrastructure, conduct inventories for flora and fauna, maintain field equipment, and enter field data. The Conservation and Restoration Technician will also incorporate youth and adult volunteers into some of the activities mentioned.

1. Invasive Species Control:
With mentorship and training from our staff stewardship team, conduct monitoring for garlic mustard, dog-strangling vine (DSV), phragmites reed, buckthorn shrubs, and others. Carry out control programs for invasive species with assistance from Conservancy volunteers to help get the job done.

2. Community Science Program:
After taking training programs in several community science programs that align with their interests, assist stewardship staff in supporting these volunteer community science programs in the field, and become responsible for community science monitoring of a few selected nature reserves. Choices include: Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring, Water Quality Monitoring, Grassland Bird Surveys, Wildlife on Roads monitoring, Bat Monitoring, and Monarch Monitoring.

3. Property Maintenance:
Maintain public nature reserve trails and infrastructure, such as property signs and boardwalks, with supervision and training from staff. After gaining experience, lead teams of volunteers in these activities.

4. Biological Inventories:
Accompany staff on nature reserve field trips to conduct inventories of flora and fauna.

5. Equipment and Data Management:

- Learn to maintain equipment for community science monitoring programs including water testing equipment, remote video cameras, and bat monitoring equipment.
- Input and organize data for each monitoring program, and ensure accuracy of data input by volunteers.
- Collect and record appropriate weather data.

**Skills**:

- Field identification skills, especially invasive species and Species at Risk.
- Able to use a GPS unit or smartphone map app such as Avenza to navigate (we can provide training).
- Well-organized with an attention to details.
- Ability to multi-task, manage time effectively, work as a member of a team, and also independently.
- Good written and verbal communication skills. Good interpersonal skills as required to work in small teams.
- Decision-making and problem-solving skills.

**Desired Qualifications**:

- Enrolled or completed post-secondary education in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecological Restoration, Ecosystem Management, or Fish and Wildlife Management.
- Comfortable using landscaping tools such as weed whippers.
- Knowledge of the Not-for-Profit sector and charitable organizations is an asset.
- A valid Driver’s License and a car are required.
- Must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment. You do not need to be a student.
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
- have a valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada

**Application Process**:
**Job Type**: Seasonal
Contract length: 16 weeks

**Salary**: $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2024-05-01