As Canada’s largest environmental charity, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has worked with partners to conserve natural landscapes since 1962. Together, we deliver solutions to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale and long-term conservation. We create lasting change for the planet and its people by partnering with Indigenous Nations and communities, governments and businesses around shared interests. Nature makes it possible. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.
Position Summary
The Manager, Natural Areas - Central Ontario is responsible for the delivery of conservation programs in central Ontario in accordance with NCC’s policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. The primary area of focus for this position is central Ontario with some responsibility for stewardship activities across Ontario. The Manager, Natural Areas will lead the planning and implementation of stewardship activities on conservation easement and fee simple properties, support land securement, build and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with Indigenous and local communities, conduct outreach activities, and act as the key NCC contact in central Ontario. The Manager, Natural Areas will report to the Director of Conservation and will work closely with other conservation staff, and the rest of the regional team in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Land Stewardship
- Lead the implementation of stewardship conservation actions identified through NCC’s systematic conservation planning (e.g. land and species management, invasive species management, risk management)
- Lead inventory, monitoring and reporting activities for new NCC projects
- Administer and manage leases, access agreements, and contracts pertaining to NCC properties, ensuring all conditions are met in a timely fashion
- Conduct annual property monitoring of owned lands or lands under easement, working with summer interns and volunteers
- Deliver annual property reports to landowners and partners, as required
- Implement Species At Risk stewardship activities and grant deliverables
- Support external relationships and partnership projects (i.e. hunting, Indigenous land sharing etc.)
- Leading visitor use management for NCC’s land portfolio in central ON
- Coordinate compliance monitoring programs and deal effectively with any issues identified
2. Land Securement
- Support Program Directors with identification of potential land securement projects (i.e. fee simple securement, conservation easements, other effective conservation measures etc.).
- Coordinate and conduct site visits to assess potential securement opportunities
- Support the preparation of legal agreements, Conservation Project Summaries, budgets and reporting to funders.
- Maintain up to date records on securement projects in NCC’s Land Resource Management System
3. Partnerships
- Foster existing and forge new genuine relationships with Indigenous communities and work to proactively engage them in stewardship partnerships
- Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with landowners working with NCC and other members of the local community
- Coordinate various extension/outreach events which enhance community members awareness of NCC’s exemplary land stewardship practices
- Represent NCC on various committees and at meetings or workshops related to land conservation.
4. Conservation Planning
- Lead conservation planning for new NCC land projects and support landscape scale planning in central Ontario following established NCC planning processes
- Report on progress achieved at intervals specified in NCC conservation plans
5. Development and Communications
- Assist the Development team to create and deliver proposals, and related materials for use in soliciting individual, foundation and corporate gifts
- In collaboration with Communications, develop and implement communication actions in support of program delivery
- Manage proposal and reporting dates and reminders to meet donor obligations
- Field enquiries from donors and potential donors
- Assist the Development team with donor reports as required.
6. People Management
- Work closely with the Director of Conservation to coordinate work planning, human resources/hiring and training
- Supervise conservation staff, technicians and volunteers following NCC’s policies and procedures
- Support professional development and performance management of direct reports including regular check-ins to ensure successful program delivery
7. Budgeting and Workplans
- Develop annual budgets and workplans in support of program delivery in central Ontario
- Work closely with the Director of Conservation to review, approve and adjust annual budgets and workplans
- Track and manage progress against budgets and workplans.
Position Requirements:
- University degree or college diploma and at least 5 years professional experience in landscape ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or related field
- A superior working knowledge of central Ontario’s landscapes, communities, and conservation issues
- Experience working with Indigenous communities including a thorough understanding of engagement best practices and land sharing approaches[EC1]
- Knowledge of central Ontario’s Species at Risk
- Leadership and managerial skills to effectively support junior conservation staff
- 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
- Demonstrated experience to develop, track and report on complex budgets
- Working knowledge of conservation planning processes
- Strong organization, communication, and presentation skills, including demonstrated experience in making public presentations
- Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Proficiency with MS Office Suite; some knowledge of database and GIS software is beneficial
- Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout central Ontario, and occasionally beyond
- Experience working in remote environments, including operating an all-terrain vehicle and hauling a trailer
How to Apply
NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectations through our Career Centre.
Application Deadline
February 9, 2025 | 11:59pm EST, 9:59pm Mountain Time, 8:59pm Pacific Time, 10:50pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST
NCC hires based on merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. 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.
