Position Details: Full Time, Permanent (Vacant)
Taking care of our environment has never been more significant 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.
Position Summary
The Invasive Species Program Coordinator 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.
The Invasive Species Program Coordinator will report to the Director of Conservation and 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.
Position Requirements
- Provide support to the Alberta team and external contacts regarding invasive species control and best practices;
- Coordinate and conduct the implementation of invasive species management using manual, mechanical, and chemical control techniques following best management practices and 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;
- Stay up to date on the latest control and monitoring techniques and strategies;
- Display leadership skills, in particular the ability to manage and mentor junior colleagues;
- Complete project management and administrative work for the Invasive Species Program, including supporting grant applications and reporting, budget management, and internal conservation planning and tracking;
- Assist with delivery and reporting for a budget of several hundred thousand dollars annually;
- 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; and
- Lead on facilitating and conducting research trials for invasive species management techniques (including biocontrol and herbicide trials).
Knowledge and Experience
- Knowledge of invasive species management principles and practices including emerging threats, control techniques, and impacts to biodiversity;
- Ability to identify priority invasive species in Alberta and learn key identification characteristics of other species as required;
- Knowledge of the life cycles of invasive species in Alberta and experience with Integrated Pest Management;
- Experience with safety procedures (including pesticide storage, handling, application, etc.) and emergency response plans;
- Reliability, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
- 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); an
