Happy Valley Forest Conservation and Trail

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 and Trail Technician to join the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.

Since 1962, NCC and its supporters helped conserve over 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 seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

**Purpose and General Description**:
Are you passionate about conserving some of Central Ontario’s most important natural spaces? 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 NCC’s Central Ontario - West stewardship team as a Conservation and Trail Technician in Happy Valley Forest. The Happy Valley Forest is a mature forest dotted with seasonal wetlands on the Oak Ridges Moraine, and it offers trails and nature appreciation opportunities to a diversity of visitors, with the help of a recently constructed accessible trail. Working closely with NCC’s Coordinator of Conservation Biology for Happy Valley Forest, this internship position will help the stewardship team conduct fieldwork in Happy Valley Forest and other areas in the Greater Toronto Area, process field data, and prepare reports. This position will assist with trail monitoring and visitor management, as well as other stewardship opportunities. 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 Central Ontario West including:

- Regularly monitoring and maintaining public trail system;
- Regularly monitoring and recording trail use and help address non-permitted activities;
- Regularly engaging visitors, assisting with education and outreach initiatives, and representing NCC in a positive and professional manner;
- Removing invasive plant species using manual and chemical control methods;
- Conducting property inspections to check for natural disturbances, vandalism, trespassing, emerging threats, and risks and liabilities;
- Monitoring biodiversity targets (e.g. species at risk, classify vegetation communities) and threats (e.g. invasive species);
- Aiding with any stewardship or restoration projects.
- Data entry and reporting using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and an internal database system;
- Assisting with volunteer and property steward management;
- Assisting with compliance monitoring of conservation easements.

**Required Skills and Attributes**:
This posting is targeted to individuals possessing the following skills:

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- 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:

- Experience maintaining trails or trail building knowledge
- Experience engaging and conducting outreach with members of the public;
- Basic knowledge of plants, wildlife and vegetation communities as well as experience using identification keys;
- Standard First Aid - Level C CPR certification.

**Terms of Employment**:

- Subject to funding, this is a 4 to 6 month position starting mid-August.
- Compensation: $17.50/hour;
- Field work will be primarily based in King City, City of Vaughan and Mono Mills
- The position will require occasional weekend and evening work;
- Positions will include “office work” that will be completed in a work from home setting;
- Interns must be:

- No more than 30 years of age at the start of the internship;
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents or persons granted refugee status in Canada. Refugee protection must be conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Persons awaiting refugee status, as well as those who hold a temporary visitor visa, student visa or wo