Manager of Conservation Lands

**Internal/External Job Posting**
**Regular Full Time Non-Union Position**
**Manager of Conservation Lands**

The Land Management Division is comprised of the Central Services, Conservation Area Operations and Conservation Lands departments and oversees the strategic mandates of the Grand River Conservation Authority related to land use and recreational enjoyment of properties owned and operated by the Authority.

**General Overview**:
Reporting to the Director of Land Management, the Manager of Conservation Lands is responsible for the oversight and guidance of management activities for all the of Grand River Conservation Authority’s land holdings. This includes supervising and coordinating the activities of the department, managing the acquisition/disposition processes for land holdings, administration of leases, licenses and management agreements, and overseeing the natural heritage and restoration programs on
Authority-owned properties.

**Specific Accountabilities**:
The primary responsibilities of the position:
1. Responsible for overseeing property management, natural heritage programs and activities on the Authority’s land holdings of nearly 50,000 acres.

3. Responsible for the administration of leases, licenses and management agreements with residential, commercial and municipal/government tenants.

4. Manage the prioritization of restoration programs as aligned with the Natural Heritage Framework and associated plans and programs.

5. Prepare short
- and long-term work plans, management plans and set priorities, goals and strategies to guide the management of lands that align with the strategic objectives of the GRCA.

6. Provide guidance, direction, mentorship and support to the Conservation Lands Department staff to ensure the goals and objectives of the GRCA are being met.

7. Participate on Management Committee contributing to the development of corporate strategic plans, goals and objectives, policies and annual budgets.

8. Prepare and present reports to the General Membership with respect to Conservation Lands Department programs and operations.

9. Oversee the development of department policies, standard operating procedures and customer service standards.

10. Establish strong working relationships and open collaboration with the management team and other divisions and departments within the GRCA.

11. Develop and maintain professional relationships with key staff in municipal and provincial government, associations, service clubs and special interest groups. Develop partnerships and other relationships which will provide benefits to the GRCA and will enhance the public’s understanding of GRCA’s roles and responsibilities within the watershed.

12. Coordinate legal aspects of property management with outside solicitors, consultants.

13. Promote a health and safety culture within the Property department by ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, other applicable legislation, regulations, and GRCA policies and procedures.

**Technical Accountabilities/Requirements**:
1. Minimum of 10 years of supervisory experience. Management experience in a planning/real estate environment is considered an asset.

2. Demonstrated experience in financial analysis and the preparation and administration of budgets.

3. Knowledge of relevant legislation including, but not limited to, the Conservation Authorities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Provincial Offenses Act, Assessments Act,
Expropriation Act, Residential and Commercial Tenancies Acts and other applicable legislation.

4. Experience in developing and administering commercial and residential leases, agreements, licenses, etc.

5. Experience in negotiating real estate transactions and dealing with other professionals in the legal and development industry.

**Competencies and Abilities**:
**Professional Judgement**:

- demonstrated ability in the area of critical thinking, analysis and assessment of implications, making connections of underlying issues and the ownership of the outcome. Sound judgment resulting in fair, efficient and effective decision making, bringing clarity and resolution to complex and ambiguous situations. Ability to carry out skillful negotiations and interest based conflict resolution. Appropriately balances the needs and desires of both internal and external stakeholders, when dealing with complex property management files
- such as land disposition and development/implementation of land management plans.

**Integrity/Ethics** - the willingness to hold oneself and others accountable for acting in ways that are consistent with stated values, principles and professional standards. Maintaining impartiality, objectivity and fairness when dealing with employees, stakeholders and special interest groups.

**Goal /Action Oriented**:

- Does not shy away from challenges and seldom gives up, especially in the face of resistance, setbacks or change. Seizes opportunities; takes initiative and