Assistant, Conservation Biology

**Reports to: Director, Invasive Species Program**
**Term: 1 Year Contract Position**
**Location: Walsingham (Norfolk County), ON**

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for an Assistant, Conservation Biology, for NCC’s Invasive Species Program to join a dynamic and experienced team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain. NCC is the country’s leading private land conservation organization. As a non-profit, charitable organization we work in partnership with individuals, corporations, governments and other non-profit groups to protect our most important natural treasures. We take a collaborative and science-based approach to our mission. Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to conserve 15 million hectares from coast to coast to coast. With National headquarters in Toronto and regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

**Overview**

Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity on NCC lands and in NCC’s Natural Areas in Ontario. Aggressive and ongoing control based on the latest tools and strategies is necessary to maintain and restore NCC’s Natural Area conservation targets. This position will support the Director, Invasive Species Program (ISPD), the Invasive Species Program Manager (ISPM) and the Invasive Species Program Coordinator (ISPC) in leading invasive species management projects that mitigate threats to habitat and species targets across Ontario with a focus on initiatives that benefit Ontario Region’s priority Natural Areas. The role will assist with the coordination of contractors, external partners, including NGOs, government agencies, Conservation Authorities, landowners and landowner groups, and other interest groups, to collaboratively manage invasive species at a landscape scale. The position will work closely with the ISPM and ISPC to deliver ongoing invasive species management projects in the Southern Norfolk Sand Plain including NCC’s Phragmites management programs.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Support the implementation of landscape-scale control of invasive species, focusing on Phragmites in NCC’s Southern Norfolk Sand Plain Natural Area;
- Support the ISPC in delivering a multi-stakeholder initiative to control Phragmites within the watersheds of the Long Point region;
- Lead the acquisition, maintenance and operation of specialized equipment related to invasive species management;
- Work to deliver on invasive species management priorities including control work, mapping and reporting;
- Assist to navigate, acquire and interpret government policy, necessary permits and ensure associated compliance to achieve tangible results on the ground;
- Provide project management and administrative support to the Invasive Species Program including internal conservation planning and tracking processes;
- Assist with reporting for ISP grants and partnership agreements;
- Other duties as assigned by the Director, Invasive Species Program.

**Knowledge and Experience**
- Knowledge of invasive species management principles and practices including emerging threats, control techniques and impacts to biodiversity;
- Experience operating and maintaining field equipment (e.g., tractors, sprayers, ATVs, trucks and trailers, chainsaws, brush saws etc. or similar);
- Understanding of the natural heritage and biodiversity found in the Carolinian zone; particularly wetland species and habitats;
- Experience working in remote field conditions under adverse conditions (rain, bugs, hot/cold temperatures, snow/ice, etc.);
- Ability to travel within Ontario and the flexibility to work long hours at times;
- Familiarity with COSEWIC and COSSARO designated species and recovery plans as they relate to habitat restoration and invasive species impacts;
- Familiarity with Ontario’s Natural Heritage Information Centre and other sources of biodiversity information.

**Skills and Aptitude**:

- College diploma or University degree in natural resource management or related field in ecology, conservation biology or related discipline with 1-3 years related experience;
- Demonstrated experience conducting independent fieldwork;
- Mechanical aptitude and resourcefulness to undertake minor/field repairs in order to maintain project timelines is considered a strong asset;
- Demonstrated experience towing trailers and working with hand and power tools, large machinery, boats, tractors, ATVs and habitat restoration equipment;
- Pesticide Exterminator License and an understanding of Integrated Pest Management practices or the ability to obtain;
- Comfortable working with and around pesticides as part of regular job duties;
- Valid Ontario Pleasure Craft Operators License and experience operating watercraft or the willingness and ability to obtain;
- Problem solving, planning and organizational skills with a focu