Happy Valley Forest Conservation and Trail Technician

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Conservation and Trail Technician to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the species they sustain.

Since 1962, NCC and its supporters have protected 15 million hectares 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 local offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

Purpose and General Description:

Are you passionate about conserving some of Central Ontario’s most important natural spaces? Do you want to have a positive, lasting impact on nature? Are you looking for a well-rounded position to kick-start your conservation career with hands on experience? We want to hear from you!

NCC is looking for a passionate person to join the Central Ontario - West stewardship team as a Conservation and Trail Technician in Happy Valley Forest. The Happy Valley Forest is a mature forest dotted with seasonal wetlands on the Oak Ridges Moraine, and it offers trails and nature appreciation opportunities to a diversity of visitors, with the help of a recently constructed accessible trail. Working closely with NCC’s Coordinator of Conservation Biology for the Greater Toronto Area, this internship position will help the stewardship team conduct fieldwork in Happy Valley Forest and nearby properties, process field data, and prepare reports. This position will assist with trail monitoring and visitor management, as well as other stewardship opportunities. There are also opportunities to work closely with partner organizations, local stewards, and volunteers. This position is intended to provide an inspiring, learning-focused environment for a junior professional.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in a variety of fieldwork on NCC properties across Central Ontario - West including:
  • Regularly monitoring and maintaining public trail system;
  • Regularly monitoring and recording trail use and help address non-permitted activities;
  • Regularly engaging visitors, assisting with education and outreach initiatives, and representing NCC in a positive and professional manner;
  • Removing invasive plant species using manual and chemical control methods;
  • Conducting property inspections to check for natural disturbances, vandalism, trespassing, emerging threats, and risks and liabilities;
  • Monitoring biodiversity targets (e.g. species at risk, classify vegetation communities) and threats (e.g. invasive species);
  • Aiding with any stewardship or restoration projects;
• Data entry and reporting using Microsoft Office and an internal database system;
• Support partnerships and collaborative project success;
• Assisting with volunteer and property steward management;
• Assisting with compliance monitoring of conservation easements.

Required Skills and Attributes:

This posting is targeted to individuals possessing the following skills:

• 
  Passionate about conserving nature;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Love for being outdoors and the ability to work for extended periods in various weather conditions and over rough terrain;
• Willingness to learn and follow protocols;
• Comfort working remotely and self-motivated to work independently;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Proficient with data management and spreadsheet software;
• Physical work will be required (e.g., strenuous hiking, carrying backpack sprayer, etc.);
• Valid class “G” driver’s license, ability to rent a vehicle and comfort driving on highways and rough roads.

The following additional skills and abilities would be assets in this position but are not required to apply. Training will be provided by NCC to further develop these skills:

• Experience maintaining trails or trail building knowledge;
• Experience engaging and conducting outreach with members of the public;
• Basic knowledge of plants, wildlife and vegetation communities as well as experience using identification keys;
• Navigational skills including understanding of GPS devices or applications, compass, and air photo interpretation;
• Standard First Aid - Level C CPR certification.

Terms of Employment:

• Subject to funding, this is a 6-month position from May 1, 2023 until October 27, 2023;
• Compensation: $19.40 /hour;
• Position is based out of King City, City of Vaughan, and Mono Mills. Ideally, the candidate will live in or near the Greater Toronto Area;
• Primary meeting locations for fieldwork are in rural areas and not accessible by public transit. The successful candidate will be required to arrange their own transportation to and from fieldwork meeting locations
• The position will require occasional weekend and evening work;
• Positions will include “office work” that will be completed in a work from home setting.

To Apply:

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your application through our Conservation Internship Program page in our Career Centre. Please upload your cover letter and resume together under the Curriculum Vitae field in a single pdf document

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.

Application Deadline: February 26, 2023, 11:59 pm EST

Interviews to be held virtually on March 6-10, 2023