Manager, Natural Areas (Southern Foothills)

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Nature Conservancy of Canada

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Pincher Creek, Canada

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Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for an Acting Natural Area Manager – Southern Foothills to fill a maternity leave (12 months) and provide overlap for pre-leave training (2 months).

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 ranching communities? Come work in the magical southern foothills region of Alberta.

As part of the conservation team, you will be responsible for:
  • Planning, budgeting, and implementing stewardship activities (i.e., annual monitoring, grant program delivery, grazing agreements, resource management) 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 Acting Natural Area Manager 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.

Position Requirements:

  • University degree and at least 5 years professional experience in land management, natural resource management, conservation biology, or related field;
  • A superior working knowledge of Alberta’s landscapes, rural communities, and conservation issues;
  • Incumbents are expected to live within the project area (the project area runs north-south from Longview to Pincher Creek and in between Highway 22 and Highway 2);
  • Experience in grassland or range management;
  • Demonstrated knowledge of forestry resource management best management practices, principles;
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the rural life and ranching culture;
  • Knowledge of Alberta’s Species at Risk;
  • Strategic thinking and planning, coupled with experience in business development;
  • 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 excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to details and timelines;
  • Demonstrated strong organization, communication, 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;
  • Demonstrated ability to write successful proposals, business correspondence, and donor acknowledgments;
  • Ability to manage highly 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:
  • Current Professional Agrologist, Registered Technical Agrologist, or Agrologist in Training designation and the ability to maintain this certification;
  • Current Registered Professional Forester, Registered Professional Forester Technician, or Forester in Training designation and the ability to maintain this certification;
  • Current Professional Biologist, Biologist in Training, Registered Biologist in Training, or Registered Biologist and the ability to maintain this certification;
  • Knowledge of databases and GIS software;
  • Working knowledge of rangeland resource management best management practices and;
  • Experience 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.

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.