Conservation planning, Protected areas

Position: Conservation Planning Manager
Organization: Ontario Nature
Location: This position is based at Ontario Nature’s Head Office – 192 Spadina Ave, Suite 110, Toronto, ON. This position can work remotely within Ontario in accordance with our Remote Work Policy. The selected candidate must be willing to work from the head office occasionally for team meetings and as requested.

Position Overview

The Conservation Planning Manager leads Ontario Nature’s conservation planning initiatives to protect ecologically and culturally significant lands across Ontario. This role exists to shape and deliver strategic conservation planning to advance habitat and biodiversity conservation through analysis of site values, policy analysis and engagement to build consensus for long-term land protection. The manager develops and implements conservation planning strategies, oversees program budgets and deliverables and provides expert direction on complex policy and land-use matters related to protected and conserved areas. The position plays a critical role in ensuring Ontario Nature’s conservation work is evidence-informed, collaborative and aligned with organizational priorities.

This job is perfect for you if you thrive at the intersection of science, policy and partnership building, and if you bring strong leadership experience in conservation planning. You excel at navigating complex initiatives, fostering respectful relationships with Indigenous partners and making strategic decisions rooted in sound analysis.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative conservation policy team within a supportive, mission-driven organization. They will report to the Conservation Policy and Campaigns Director and supervise a team of conservation planning staff, along with consultants and project-specific support roles.

About Ontario Nature

Ontario Nature is a charitable conservation organization that protects wild species and wild spaces across Ontario through conservation, education and public engagement. We represent 9,500 members, 130,000 supporters and 150 member groups throughout the province. We are there wherever and whenever nature needs us most. To learn more, visit: ontarionature.org.

Why Work with Ontario Nature

• Flexible work hours and location, in accordance with our Remote Work Policy
• Strong organizational values with commitment to upholding them at all levels of the organization
• Progressive workspace and membership perks at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto
• Vacation leave starting at 15 days, plus 4 paid days off that are coupled with statutory holidays during our office closure in late December
• 3 paid personal leave days, 12 paid sick days per year and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental and a matching RRSP program
• Fulfilling, purpose-driven work, alongside 35 passionate and committed colleagues
• An ongoing commitment to create an inclusive and equitable environment for employees, volunteers, members and supporters
• Opportunities for advancement, skill development and cross-sectoral collaboration
• Support for taking initiative and pursuing aligned personal interest projects
• Team building and social opportunities

Principal Responsibilities

1. Program Leadership and Conservation Planning

• Lead the development and implementation of conservation planning initiatives to identify and advance priority areas for permanent protection.
• Oversee evidence-informed analyses to assess ecological, cultural and land use considerations to inform protection strategies.
• Advance advocacy initiatives to support the securement of identified lands in alignment with approved organizational priorities.
• Provide policy analysis and strategic advice to inform organizational responses to government proposals related to conservation planning and protected areas management.
• Contribute to cross-departmental collaboration to integrate science, stewardship and policy approaches into conservation planning work.

2. Outreach and Partnerships

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with Indigenous communities, government agencies, industry representatives and conservation partners.
• Represent Ontario Nature in coalitions, working groups and public forums related to conservation planning and protected areas.
• Support Nature Network members and partners on conservation planning matters.

3. Program Management, Fundraising and Evaluation

• Develop and oversee annual work plans, project timelines and deliverables for conservation planning programs.
• Manage program budgets and monitor financial performance in collaboration with the Conservation Policy and Campaigns Director.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by leading proposal development and supporting funder reporting.
• Monitor and report on progress toward program objectives and conservation outcomes.

4. Staff Supervision and Team Leadership

• Supervise conservation planning staff, including hiring, work planning, performance management and professional development.
• Oversee consultants and short-term staff supporting conservation planning initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in conservation planning, environmental studies or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in conservation planning, protected areas, land use policy or related fields.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex, multi-partner initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario’s conservation planning, Crown land management, forestry and mining policy frameworks.
• Proven experience in program planning, budgeting and fundraising.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing consultants.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience representing an organization publicly.
• Demonstrated ability to build respectful and collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities and diverse partners.
• Excellent analytical skills, sound judgement and strategic decision-making ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid class G driver’s license.

Desirable Assets

• Experience with conservation planning methodologies and spatial analysis.
• Familiarity with the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act and related legislation.
• Experience in government relations or public policy advocacy.

Anticipated Start Date: June 2026

Type of Position: Full-time, permanent

Compensation: $75,000 - $94,000 per year

Existing Vacancy: Yes

Location: This position is based at Ontario Nature’s Head Office – 192 Spadina Ave, Suite 110, Toronto, ON. This position can work remotely within Ontario in accordance with our Remote Work Policy. The selected candidate must be willing to work from the head office occasionally for team meetings and as requested.

Working Conditions: This position requires some evening and weekend work for meetings, events and to meet certain deadlines. Lieu time may be accrued for this. This position requires extensive sitting, typing and time spent viewing computer screens.

To Apply

Include your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications and experience 

Submit your application at: https://ontarionature.applytojobs.ca 

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.

Deadline for applications: April 27, 2026, 9:00 A.M. 

Ontario Nature is committed to workplace equity and welcomes applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of communities we serve. We encourage applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, women, persons with disabilities and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Ontario Nature thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No unsolicited emails or phone calls please. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes and work environments in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process.