The Nature Conservancy of Canada (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 NCC and its supporters have protected 14 million hectares (35 million acres) 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
Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Natural Area Manager for the Bow region to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.
The Natural Area Manager – Bow is responsible for the delivery of NCC’s conservation program in the Bow Natural Area. The Natural Area Manager – Bow will report to the Director of Conservation – Rocky Mountain Front and will work closely with the Senior Director of Conservation, other conservation staff, and the rest of the regional team in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Externally, the Natural Area Manager – Bow will work with local landowners, partner organizations, conservation volunteers, funders, and other members of the public. This position is based out of Calgary, Alberta. This position is a combination of both office (approximately 65%) and field-based (approximately 35%) work. The field season generally extends from May through September and has a higher amount of field-based work (approximately 3-4 days/week).
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Land Stewardship (30%)
- Identify and implement land stewardship activities identified in the Natural Area Conservation Plan (NACP) and in Property Management Plans (PMPs), (e.g., invasive species management, public access management) within the Bow Natural Area;
- Working with summer interns and volunteers, conduct annual property monitoring of NCC-owned lands and lands under conservation easement;
- In consultation with the Director of Conservation – Rocky Mountain Front and other members of the conservation management team, resolve any issues identified during monitoring;
- In consultation with other members of the conservation team, administer property leases, including development of lease agreements;
- Complete baseline reports for all NCC projects;
- Assist the Surface Access Coordinator to respond to requests from industry and in the administration of industrial lease agreements; and
- Prepare and deliver annual property reports to landowners and partners.
2. Outreach and Partnerships (20%)
- Develop and nurture positive relations with landowners, leaseholders, and other partners in conservation;
- Coordinate various extension and outreach events that encourage community members to develop positive land stewardship practices;
- Work with the Conservation Volunteer Program Manager to plan and implement Conservation Volunteers Program events in support of stewardship delivery; and
- Represent NCC on various committees and at meetings or workshops related to land conservation.
3. Conservation Planning (15%)
- Assist the Director of Conservation Science and Planning in the updating and renewal of the Bow NACP by providing local knowledge and expertise;
- Prepare progress reports for the Bow NACP; and
- In consultation with regional specialists, develop and implement PMPs for NCC-owned properties within the delivery area.
4. Development and Communications (15%)
- Support the Development Team in developing materials for use in soliciting individual, foundation, and corporate gifts in support of conservation work in the prescribed area;
- Support in the development and completion of fundraising campaigns at both a local and regional scale;
- Contribute to regional-level funding proposals;
- Assist the Development Team with region-wide donor reports;
- Manage reporting related to area-specific donor obligations;
- Field inquiries from donors and potential donors;
- Play a lead role in area-specific donor tours; and
- Support the Communications Team in developing communication initiatives to raise NCC’s profile, develop good relationships with conservation partners, and support overall program delivery.
5. Land Securement (10%)
- Under the direction of the Habitat Acquisition Manager and the Senior Director of Conservation, initiate and support the development and implementation of the land securement program, including fee simple acquisitions, conservation easements, land donations, and other components of a regional land protection strategy;
- Field inquiries from the public and other partners in conservation related to potential securement projects;
- Assist the Habitat Acquisition Manager with project scouting and project initiation;
- Prepare and organize project descriptions and other briefing materials for regional securement meetings; and
- Assist the Habitat Acquisition Manager with the preparation of Conservation Project Summaries (CPS) and all associated regional and national approvals.
6. Management and Administration (10%)
- Coordinate hiring, workplanning, training, and supervision of summer interns and other conservation assistants within the prescribed work area;
- Develop annual workplans and budgets in support of conservation programs in the delivery area;
- Implement, manage, and report on progress against workplans and budgets; and
- Complete monthly time and billing and expense reporting.
Required Skills and Attributes
- University degree or technical diploma and at least 3 years professional experience in landscape ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or related field;
- A superior working knowledge of Alberta’s landscapes, communities, and conservation issues;
- Knowledge of Alberta’s Species at Risk;
- Knowledge of local flora species;
- Experience working with private landowners;
- Strategic thinking and planning, coupled with experience in business development;
- Leadership skills, in particular the ability to coach and mentor junior colleagues;
- The ability to build and support effective partnerships both within and outside NCC to achieve the organization’s goals;
- Project management skills, including excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to details and timelines;
- Knowledge of NCC’s conservation planning framework;
- Strong communication, and presentation skills, including demonstrated experience in making public presentations;
- Comfortable working in a team setting and capable of easily communicating with a wide range of people from the public and private sectors;
- Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
- Demonstrated ability to manage staff and volunteers;
- Proficiency with MS Office Suite; some knowledge of database and GIS software is beneficial;
- Demonstrated ability to write successful proposals, business correspondence, and donor acknowledgments;
- Ability to manage highly confidential material;
- Conflict resolution skills;
- Willingness and ability to travel and be available for consultation;
- Experience operating an all-terrain vehicle and hauling a trailer; and
- Committed to the mission and values of NCC.
Terms of Employment
- This is a full-time, 1-year term contract position, extending from approximately January 2020 to January 2021; and
- The position is based out of the Calgary office.
To Apply
NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please forward your resume and cover letter, and salary expectations indicating “Natural Area Manager – Bow” in the subject line to the Nature Conservancy of Canada via e-mail: careers@natureconservancy.ca.
Application Deadline: November 24, 2019
No telephone calls please.
We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
For positions situated in Ontario:
At the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) we strive to promote diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
NCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources staff of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.