Invasive Species Program Coordinator

Position Details: Full Time, Permanent (Currently Vacant)

Location: SW Alberta

Focus areas: NCC’s Castle-Crowsnest Watershed Natural Area (CCWNA) and Waterton Natural Area (WNA) 

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Invasive Species Program Coordinator to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals 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, we have brought people together to conserve and restore more than 20 million hectares across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, evidence-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.

NCC recognizes that we work on lands that have long been cared for by Indigenous Peoples under their own laws and knowledge systems. We are committed to transforming how we do our work, advancing Reconciliation through conservation, and working with Indigenous Peoples in meaningful, respectful, and supportive ways.

About this Position 

This key position of supports conservation and land stewardship across Alberta by leading the development and implementation of the Invasive Species Program in Alberta, supporting Natural Area Managers in invasive species management on NCC lands, creating guidance documents and standardized templates for the Invasive Species Program, and working collaboratively with external partners and landowners on landscape level invasive species management. This role provides provincial support but has a focus on NCC’s Castle-Crowsnest Watershed Natural Area (CCWNA) and Waterton Natural Area (WNA) in SW Alberta where the role coordinates setting up contracts with external contractors and implements NCC’s internal spray program. Reporting to the Director of Conservation, you will work closely with other members of the conservation team as well as the GIS and development teams within a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Externally, the Invasive Species Program Coordinator will work with contractors, leaseholders, volunteers, external partners, government agencies, conservation organizations, landowners, and other interest groups. 

• Coordinate and conduct the implementation of invasive species management using manual, mechanical, and chemical control techniques following best management practices, maintain a daily log of the species managed, control technique, location, and conservation targets improved.
• Monitor and map the distribution of invasive species on NCC properties in SW Alberta following the Invasive Species Program monitoring guidelines. 
• Record field data accurately, according to developed protocols, and provide analysis and reporting to inform the invasive species management plans. 
• Lead on facilitating and conducting research trials for invasive species management techniques (including biocontrol and herbicide trials).
• Complete project management and administrative work for the Invasive Species Program, including supporting grant applications and reporting, budget management (several hundred thousand dollars annually), and internal conservation planning and tracking. 
• Navigate, acquire and interpret government policy, necessary permits and ensure associated compliance to achieve tangible results on the ground.
• Undertake communication and outreach efforts and support adaptive management through networks of partners, stakeholders, and landowners.
• Provide support to the Alberta team and external contacts regarding invasive species control and best practices.

Requirements 

1. The successful candidate needs to be located within or close to NCC’s Castle-Crowsnest Watershed Natural Area (CCWNA) and Waterton Natural Area (WNA) in SW Alberta.  NCC is unable to relocate the successful candidate and cannot provide any financial assistance for relocation to the area.
2. At least 2 years of direct practical experience in invasive species management, resource management and/or habitat restoration spraying herbicide. Post secondary education in a related field is highly preferred (i.e. conservation, biology, ecosystems, wildlife) and GIS education or experience is an asset.
3.  A Pesticide Applicators License is required.
4. Ability to identify priority invasive species in Alberta and learn key identification characteristics of other species, knowledge of the life cycles of invasive species in Alberta, emerging threats, control techniques and impacts to biodiversity along with Integrated Pest Management experience.
5. Ability to travel within Alberta and the flexibility to work long hours at times combined with experience working in remote field conditions under adverse conditions (rain, bugs, hot/cold temperatures, snow/ice etc.) and on various terrain. Comfort working in wilderness settings and knowledge of field safety practices. Experience completing physical work (e.g., carrying heavy equipment off trail in remote areas).
6. Experience operating ATV/UTVs, driving pick-up trucks, and towing trailers along with a mechanical aptitude and resourcefulness to undertake minor/field repairs, keep track of scheduled maintenance, etc. along with a valid non-probationary (class 5) driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract. Experience using power tools and other mechanized stewardship equipment (backpack sprayers, mowers, brush saws, hydraulic spray systems).
7. Strong communication and collaboration skills combined with the ability to adapt and problem solve under challenging conditions and diverse rules and processes. Reliability, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team; 
8. Ability to manage and report on projects, including financial budgeting, tracking and reporting, and the ability to manage numerous deliverables simultaneously.
9. Wilderness First Aid certification (or the willingness and ability to obtain). 
10. Experience with safety procedures (including pesticide storage, handling, application, etc.) and emergency response plans.

At NCC, we're committed to providing a healthy, safe, barrier free and inclusive, workplace, where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We strive for bold conservation achievements in which equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are the norm. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. NCC implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. 

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, contact us by email at hr@natureconservancy.ca to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at hr@natureconservancy.ca.