Huron Fringe Conservation Technician

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Conservation Technician 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, 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. With a national office in Toronto and local offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

**Purpose and General Description**:
Are you passionate about conserving some of Ontario’s most important natural spaces around Lake Huron and the Maitland River? Do you want to have a positive, lasting impact on nature? Are you looking for a well-rounded position to kick-start your conservation career with hands-on experience? We want to hear from you

NCC is looking for a passionate person to join the Ontario stewardship team as a Conservation Technician. Working closely with NCC’s Assistant Conservation Biologist and Coordinator of Conservation Biology, this internship position will help the stewardship team conduct fieldwork in the Maitland River Valley and Port Franks, with possible travel to Western Lake Erie Islands and Essex Forests and Wetlands Natural Areas. This position will help the team process field data and prepare reports as well. There are also opportunities to work closely with partner organizations, local stewards and volunteers. This position is intended to provide an inspiring, learning-focused environment for a junior professional.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Participate in a variety of fieldwork on NCC properties across the Maitland River Valley and Port Franks including:

- Removing invasive plant species using manual and chemical control methods;
- Monitoring biodiversity targets (e.g., species at risk, vegetation communities) and threats (e.g., invasive species);
- Restoration planting (e.g., tree seedlings and plant plugs) and restoration monitoring;
- Classifying ecosystems by identifying vegetation communities;
- Conducting property inspections to check for natural disturbances, vandalism, trespassing, emerging threats, and risks and liabilities;
- Interacting with the public while conducting property maintenance- General property maintenance including trail monitoring and sign installation;
- Data entry, analysis, research and reporting using Microsoft Office and an internal database system;
- Assist with volunteer events and management;
- Assist with compliance monitoring of conservation easements.

**Required Skills and Attributes**:
This posting is targeted to individuals possessing the following skills:
- Passionate about conserving nature;
- Love for being outdoors and the ability to work for extended periods in various weather conditions and over rough terrain;
- Willingness to learn and follow protocols;
- Comfort working remotely and self-motivated to work independently;
- Excellent organizational skills;
- Proficient with data management and spreadsheet software;
- Physical work will be required (e.g., strenuous hiking, carrying backpack sprayer, etc.);
- Valid class “G” driver’s license, ability to rent a vehicle and comfort driving on highways and rough roads.

The following additional skills and abilities would be assets in this position but are not required to apply. Training will be provided by NCC to further develop these skills:
- Basic knowledge of plants, wildlife and vegetation communities as well as experience using identification keys;
- Experience engaging with members of the public or volunteers;
- Standard First Aid - Level C CPR certification;
- Experience working with herbicides and/or Ontario pesticide exterminator license;
- Experience with hand and power tools.

**Terms of Employment**:

- This is a 22 week position from May, 2023 until September, 2023;
- Compensation: $19.40/hour;- The position will require access to a personal vehicle in order to conduct fieldwork and get to daily meeting place;
- The position may require occasional weekend and evening work;
- Positions will include “office work” that will be completed in a work from home setting.

**To Apply**:
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 common goals. We strive for a conservation movement in which equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. This is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet for everyone.

**Application Deadline**: March 6, 2023 11:59 pm
Interviews to be held vir