Invasive Species Technician (Intern)

Pincher Creek, Canada

Location: Southwestern Alberta (Crowsnest Pass or Pincher Creek)

Position details: Full time contract between May – October (6 months, with possibility of extension, 37.5 hrs/week)

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 Invasive Species Technician will support NCC’s Invasive Species Program with a focus on the Southwest corner of Alberta. The Invasive Species Program aims to identify, map, and control populations of invasive species on NCC owned properties. The Invasive Species Technician will report to the Invasive Species Program Coordinator and will assist in all aspects of invasive species management and support other stewardship programs as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Identify and map invasive species on NCC properties;
Monitor and document effectiveness of invasive species control measures that have been implemented;
Collect and manage invasive species data and ensure NCC’s database is kept up to date;
Spray invasive species with backpack/ hose and hand reel sprayer; mix and prepare herbicides; maintain equipment;
Use a brush cutter to mow invasive species;
Hand pull or cut invasive species;
Assist with report writing and research tasks as needed;
Act as NCC ambassadors in the field including liaising with members of the public to inform them about NCC, its mandate and property management activities;
Participate and host community led invasive species control events and attend community markets;
Assist the restoration program with invasive species control and mapping, site visits and native seed harvesting;
Assist Natural Area Managers with conservation tasks as needed; and
Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

Have a working knowledge of terrestrial invasive species in Alberta and have strong identification skills at various growth stages;
Demonstrate an interest and/or experience in performing on the ground stewardship actions related to invasive species including manual and chemical removal, biocontrol monitoring;
Display competency with mapping systems (ArcGIS and entry level ArcGIS applications (Field Maps, Survey 123, etc.) and be able to utilize handheld mapping tools in the field to document invasive species;
Be confident in outdoor skills including wildlife safety, check in procedures and backcountry navigation;
Be comfortable working alone in remote areas and demonstrate good judgement in different situations (i.e. if you encounter a hazard);
Be enthusiastic, positive, detail oriented, able to work as part of a team, and self-motivated even when not working under direct supervision;
Be willing to travel long distances in a company vehicle on a daily basis and occasionally spend multiple days in other areas of Alberta (as far as Edmonton) to complete invasive species management activities;
Display competency with Microsoft Word and Excel, general computer skills, data management, effective note taking and writing skills;
Have valid Standard First Aid certification;
Have a valid non-probationary (class 5) driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract;
UTV/ATV certification and operational experience would be considered an asset;
Experience driving half-ton trucks and hauling equipment considered an asset;
Current pesticide applicator’s license and/or authorized assistant certification and associated experience would be considered an asset; and
Prior to starting, the successful applicant will need to obtain their authorized assistant certification.

This can be a physically demanding job, requiring long days hiking on NCC properties with a backpack sprayer, or using a brush cutter - sometimes in inclement weather and through various terrain. Some travel and overnight stays may be required.

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

March 3, 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.