Job Opportunity

Position: Executive Director
Organization: Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club
Work location: Thunder Bay ON

Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club (TBFNC) is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Executive Director to lead our active field naturalists club and one of Ontario’s largest land trusts into its next phase of growth and conservation.

Thunder Bay offers an outstanding quality of life, combining affordable housing, full city services, exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities and breathtaking natural beauty.

About the TBFNC:

The Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club (TBFNC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of natural history, the wise use of natural resources, the preservation of natural areas, and the understanding and protection of nature. Created in 1933, TBFNC is a well-recognized and respected voice for the natural world in the Thunder Bay area. Currently TBFNC has an active membership (approximately 500 members) and runs monthly talks on natural history topics and also offers numerous field trips throughout the year.

TBFNC acquired our first nature reserve at the Nipigon River mouth in 1993, and since then our nature reserve program has grown rapidly. TBFNC now owns 24 properties, protecting more than 4,600 hectares.
As TBFNC’s first paid staff position, this role offers a unique opportunity for a professional to grow alongside the organization, with the potential for expanded responsibilities as our work continues to evolve.

Position Overview:

Reporting to a volunteer Board of Directors, this role combines land conservation leadership with organizational and Board support. The Executive Director will be responsible for the administration, management and acquisition of TBFNC nature reserves, while also supporting the governance and operation of the organization.

This position is well-suited to a detail-oriented, self-directed professional who is comfortable working independently from home and who is motivated by conservation, community engagement, and collaborative work in a growing conservation organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Nature Reserve Management and Land Conservation (approximately 50%)

• Oversee stewardship of existing TBFNC Nature Reserves by working with volunteer stewards for the properties. Develop and update property management plans.
• Work with the Nature Reserves Chair and committee to identify, evaluate and acquire new conservation lands.
• Organize and/or conduct natural area inventories and ecological assessments.
• Ensure compliance with legal, tax, insurance and regulatory requirements related to Nature Reserves.
• Maintain property records, agreements, and conservation documentation.
• Develop and manage grant applications and other fund raising.
• Reporting related to conservation projects.
• Liaise with landowners, partners, contractors and relevant agencies.
• Maintain TBFNC nature reserves database which documents species recorded on the Nature Reserves (records provided by club members, reserve stewards, iNat, etc.).
• Attend Nature Reserve committee meetings (twice annually).

Organizational Operations and Governance Support (approximately 50%)

• Prepare Board meeting agendas, minutes and supporting materials.
• Manage meeting space booking and Zoom links for Board and Club meetings.
• Attendance at all Board meetings (monthly August – May).
• Organize and maintain official organizational records and document management systems (Google Workspace).
• Ensure compliance with governmental reporting requirements.
• Assist with policy documentation and governance procedures.
• Support grant applications and administration and related organizational reporting.
• Assist with TBFNC social media presence and communications (emails, Facebook, Instagram)
• Maintain a membership list and manage membership renewal and recruitment.
• Maintain an inventory of TBFNC assets.
• Seek out new funding opportunities to support ongoing and new projects.
• Assist with Board endorsed fund raising campaigns; seek legacy gifts and bequests.
• Administrative support for the Thunder Cape Bird Observatory. Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Note: Percentage of time spent on the two aspects of the job will vary from month to month, year to year depending on Nature Reserve acquisition activity, grant applications and Board needs.

Qualifications and Experience:

We are seeking an individual with a passion for nature conservation who will enthusiastically engage in the work of TBFNC by supporting our organization and ensuring the long-term protection and management of our nature reserves. This is a highly independent position suited to a self-directed professional with a varied broad skill set comfortable working in a small non-profit environment with an interest in nature and land conservation.

Specific skills required for this position:

• Post-secondary degree in conservation, biology, or related field (preferred).
• 5 years experience in land conservation, environmental management, natural resource planning or a related field (preferred).
• Knowledge of land acquisition processes and stewardship practices.
• Experience with fund-raising.
• Experience with grant writing and reporting.
• Understanding of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) governance and compliance requirements.
• Strong organizational and record management skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Excellent written communications skills, computer and web management skills.
• Strong people skills and willingness to work collaboratively with a Board of Directors and committees and club members.Valid Ontario driver’s license and ownership/use of a vehicle (preferred); position includes a mileage allowance.
• Proven effective time and project management skills and experience.
• Effective verbal communication skills, including public speaking/presentation skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and accommodate unplanned requests.

Reporting Structure:

Reports to the TBFNC Board of Directors and the Nature Reserves chair.

Working Conditions:

This position is fully remote and candidates must be able and willing to work from home, in the Thunder Bay area, with attendance at board/committee meetings/club events often held in the evening or on weekends as outlined above.

This is a permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week). Some evening and weekend work will be required to attend meetings, events, and programs. Travel will be required to attend meetings, events, and TBFNC nature reserves. Site visits may involve remote and rugged terrain.

Compensation:

A competitive compensation package includes benefit allowance and mileage allowance. Salary of $80,000 to $100,000 depending on qualifications. A phone/internet allowance of $50 per month will be provided.

How to Apply:

Apply by July 30, 2026.

Start Date: as soon as possible.

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications to: secretary@tbfn.net with the subject line: “Executive Director Application – [Your Name]”. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide professional references, including at least one reference from a previous employer.

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

Interviews will be held live in Thunder Bay or by Zoom.

Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive culture that reflects the communities we serve and the landscapes we protect.