ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION

Hiring: Next Generation of Conservation Leaders – Ecological Restoration Technicians
Organization: Nature Conservancy Canada
Location: Winnipeg and/or Brandon but require the ability to travel throughout southern Manitoba

Please note: We are looking for qualified candidates to fill multiple positions to carry out a range of duties as outlined below. The number of positions that will be filled is funding-dependent.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. We seek solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation.

As a trusted partner, we work with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our most important natural areas. Since 1962, we have brought Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. NCC is a registered charity. With nature, we build a thriving world.

The Next Generation of Conservation Leaders (NGCL) Program is the result of NCC’s reinvestment toward early-career conservation staff experience in Manitoba. NGCL Program participants benefit from onboarding and training that includes work planning and goal setting. Participants receive performance feedback and career guidance from their supervisors during dedicated meetings at the mid- and end of the employment term. Participants become part of the NCC team and are well supported to ensure safe work habits and environments.

Purpose and General Description:

Ecological Restoration Technicians will play an integral role in delivering conservation, restoration and land stewardship activities in several of NCC’s Natural Areas in Manitoba – Tall Grass Prairie, Riding Mountain, Whitemouth River Watershed, Oak Lake Sandhills and Wetlands, West Souris Mixed-Grass Prairie, Souris River Valley Grassland, Lower Qu’Appelle – Assiniboine – Quill Lakes, Interlake, Lake of the Woods, and Assiniboine Delta.

Technicians will work as a wide-ranging team that contributes to NCC’s work in Manitoba by assisting with ecological restoration and stewardship activities, including prescribed fire, property stewardship and land management activities, and entering data in NCC’s internal databases.

Positions require extensive travel and work alongside fellow team members. Positions are mainly field-based and may involve liaising with landowners, NCC staff, volunteers, and partner organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities (positions may include all or a subset of the following):

• Participate in prescribed fire activities as part of a prescribed fire crew
  • Perform burn unit and fire guard preparations, including tractor mowing, tree cutting, chainsaw work, raking, handline construction, etc.
  • Operate fire equipment during prescribed burns including ignition devices, 4WD trucks, ATV’s, UTV’s, portable pumps, pump engines, port-a-tanks, tractors, backpack blowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, hand tools, computer tablets, GPS units (members will receive prescribed fire training to Type II level in May)
  • Maintain fire program equipment and tools;
  • Complete fire effects documentation, and mapping.
• When conditions are unsuitable for prescribed fire activities, Team members participate in land stewardship activities as guided by NCC’s Property Management Plans and Multi-Species At Risk Plans including: grassland, forest, and riparian area restoration, woody encroachment control, invasive species management, and hydrological restoration;
  • Assists with habitat restoration (ie: planting, watering, maintenance of tree planting sites, seed collection, site prep, weed management);
  • Assists with the coordination and delivery of Conservation Volunteer events;
  • Monitor and control invasive plant species;
  • Livestock and grassland management activities including installation and maintenance of fencing and other grazing infrastructure;
  • Installation of signage, property clean-up, property inspections, vehicle maintenance; and other similar stewardship activities;
  • Data collection as part of ongoing ecological monitoring;
• Follow safety policies specified for work activities;
• Prepare reports for fieldwork and land management recommendations
• Complete data entry in NCC’s Land Resource Manager Information System and GIS databases;
• Photograph features as part of standardized documentation processes or for use in media;
• Create/write at least one article, video describing conservation topics or experiences incurred during this position for use on NCC’s media
• Monthly time sheets, billing, and expenses;
• Other duties as assigned as assigned by Ecological Restoration Program Coordinator, Natural Area Managers, Manager of Stewardship Programs, Conservation Science Manager, or Director of Conservation;

Skills and Attributes:

This posting is targeted to candidates possessing several of the following skills and abilities:

• Education – current post-secondary students and post-secondary graduates preferred; however, individuals having several job skill and experience requirements will be considered;
• Working knowledge of Manitoba landscapes, communities, agricultural and conservation issues;
• In-field navigation experience and skills;
• Familiarity with the safe operation and maintenance of prescribed burn equipment, off-road vehicles and hauling trailers, land stewardship tools;
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, data management and the use of ArcMap to create maps for fieldwork and reporting a plus;
• Experience working outdoors in various terrain and under various weather conditions;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, yet be self-motivated;
• Familiarity with common computer software (Microsoft Office Suite);
• Excellent time management skills, attention to detail, as well as the ability to meet deadlines;
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to interact with the public to convey a conservation message, and work with agricultural producers and conservation partners;
• English required, French language skills a strong plus;
• Wilderness or Standard First Aid Training;
• Manitoba Pesticide Applicator Certification, or willingness to complete training ;
• Basic Wildland firefighter certification and Introduction to the Incident Command System (I-100 ICS), or willingness to be trained;
• Chainsaw Safety Training, or willingness to complete training;
• Must be able to pass a fitness test (walk 2 miles, with a 25 lb. load within 30 minutes)
  
• Valid Driver’s License, with ability to rent a vehicle.

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week), $18.00/hour.

Starting date: May 1, 2023, ending October 31, 2023 (6 months; 4 month contracts may be considered under special circumstances)

Positions are based in Winnipeg and/or Brandon but require the ability to travel throughout southern Manitoba. Extended overnight stays are required. Occasional weekend work may be required. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply online at: Apply here . Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. 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:

Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as screening for positions will begin in the first week of March.

No telephone calls please. We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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