Natural Area Manager - Bow (Contract)

Location: Calgary area (refer to project area)
Position details: Full-time contract

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 – Bow 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 NCC and its supporters have protected 14 million hectares (more than 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.

Position Summary

Are you an experienced conservation professional who wants to join a dynamic team to steward important conservation properties (many of which are privately-owned lands under conservation easement) and collaborate with local communities?

As part of the conservation team, you will be responsible for:

• Planning, budgeting, and implementing stewardship activities (i.e., annual monitoring, invasive species management, grazing agreements) for conservation easement and fee-simple properties in accordance with NCC’s policies, procedures, standards and guidelines;
• Building strong partnerships with local communities and external partners;
• Working and mentoring junior staff or volunteers to assist with stewardship activities;
• Assisting with new land securement projects within the Natural Area; and
• Assisting with outreach activities planned within the Natural Area.

The Natural Area Manager - Bow will report to the Director of Conservation – Rocky Mountain Front and will work closely with other conservation staff, and the rest of the regional team in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. 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).

Position Requirements:

• University degree and at least 5 years professional experience in land management, natural resource management, conservation biology, or related field;
• Incumbents are expected to live in close proximity or within the project area (the project area runs north-south from Longview to Water Valley and in between Highway 22 and Highway 2);
• A working knowledge of Alberta’s landscapes, communities, and conservation issues;
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience managing and monitoring conservation easement agreements;
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the rural life and ranching culture;
• Strategic thinking and planning, coupled with the ability to use critical thinking skills to make sound decisions;
• Demonstrated leadership skills, in particular the ability to coach and mentor junior colleagues and volunteers;
• Demonstrated ability to build and support effective partnerships both within and outside NCC to achieve the organization’s goals;
• Demonstrated project management skills, including problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to details and timelines;
• Demonstrated organization, communication (both written and oral), and presentation skills;
• 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 independently;
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite;
• Ability to manage confidential material;
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills;
• Willingness and ability to travel and be available for consultation; and
• Committed to the mission and values of NCC.

Other assets include:

• Experience in forestry and forestry management;
• Experience in restoration and reclamation
• Experience in grassland or range management;
• Knowledge of Alberta’s Species at Risk;
• Knowledge of databases and GIS software;
• Working knowledge of rangeland resource management best management practices, principles, and techniques, including protocols for range and riparian health assessments;
• Experience operating an all-terrain vehicle and hauling a trailer; and
• Working knowledge of forestry resource management best management practices, principles, and techniques, including reviewing and evaluating forest management plans.

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 by end of day August 24, 2022.

NCC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We value and incorporate diverse traditions, heritage, knowledge and experiences in our mission and in our workplaces. We celebrate the full participation of people from all walks of life as we work towards common goals. We strive for a conservation movement in which equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. This is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet for everyone.