Coordinator, Conservation Biology

Nature Conservancy of Canada; Barrie; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization is seeking a Coordinator, Conservation Biology to manage stewardship of natural areas in Ontario. The role includes habitat restoration, community engagement, and project management. Candidates should have a degree in ecology or related fields, strong project management skills, and experience in fieldwork. This is a full-time role based in Barrie, with travel to various locations required.

Benefits

Equitable workplace

Diverse and inclusive environment

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of directly related experience or equivalent.
• Experience engaging with the public or volunteers.
• Ability to manage multiple agreements with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Implement stewardship and management actions on NCC properties.
• Coordinate invasive species control.
• Manage multiple stewardship projects to meet annual deliverables.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Fieldwork experience

Invasive species control

Team collaboration

Education

Degree or diploma in ecology, conservation biology, or related discipline

Tools

MS Office Suite

Power tools

Job description

Position details

Full Time, 12 month Contract (parental leave coverage)

Position title: Coordinator, Conservation Biology

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Coordinator, Conservation Biology to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.

NCC is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization. Since 1962, NCC has brought people together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, evidence-based approach to achieve conservation success for nature and Canadians, with a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country. NCC works with Indigenous Peoples and is committed to reconciliation through conservation.

Position Summary

The Coordinator, Conservation Biology position is highly varied and rewarding. It is responsible for the stewardship and administration of NCC properties and contributes to strategic conservation planning in Central Ontario. You will plan and implement stewardship of NCC’s lands including habitat restoration (e.g., seeding, tree planting), invasive species management, trail and infrastructure maintenance, and property monitoring. You will also interact with and educate visitors, collaborate with partners, neighbours, and contractors, and work with other members of the Central Ontario – West team. This position is based in the Barrie-Orillia-Kirkfield area with travel primarily to the Carden Alvar area and Dewey’s Island, and some additional travel in York Region and Simcoe County.

Responsibilities

1. Property Stewardship and Conservation Planning
   • Implement recommended stewardship and management actions on NCC properties, including habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and visitor use management with a focus on responsible land management and liability mitigation.
   • Coordinate the implementation of invasive species control.
   • Monitor and report on conservation easements and manage ongoing landowner relations.
   • Monitor and maintain trails, fences, gates, signage, and other infrastructure and address liability issues (e.g., unwanted motorized vehicle access, harvesting, trespassing).
   • Monitor biodiversity targets (including species at risk) and threats and assess the effectiveness of conservation actions.
   • Manage field work and reporting to develop and implement property management plans for NCC properties.
   • Coordinate baseline inventories and site-level management plans.
   • Work with local partners, land stewards, and contractors to deliver stewardship and outreach in priority natural areas.
   • Coordinate monitoring and reporting on conservation targets and threats on NCC properties transferred to conservation partners.
2. Property Administration
   • Ensure accurate and current property information is available to regional and national managers.
   • Assist with enrollment of NCC eligible properties into applicable tax incentive or reduction programs.
   • Populate NCC’s Land Resource Management System with accurate data, including digital layers.
   • Maintain records for liability and insurance matters; ensure timely handling of liability issues.
   • Administer conditions of agreements (landholding, access, agricultural lease) in a timely fashion.
3. Community and Partnership Liaison
   • Foster positive relationships with landowners, lessees, volunteers, contractors, and local partners.
   • Establish a visible NCC presence on the ground to promote positive community relations and deter incompatible use.
   • Represent NCC on committees and at meetings or workshops related to land management and conservation.
   • Communicate regularly with NCC stewards and partners to maintain good working relationships.
   • Represent NCC in external relations and communications to raise awareness and support for NCC’s programs (public speaking, meetings, media relations).
   • Organize visitor opportunities such as guided hikes and events that engage people with nature and NCC’s work.
4. Staff and Project Management
   • Coordinate and manage contractors, suppliers, and volunteers in stewardship and other initiatives in the subregion.
   • Manage multiple stewardship projects to deliver sound property management and meet annual deliverables.
   • Supervise seasonal Conservation Technicians and collaborate to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
   • Assist in developing annual work plans and budgets for stewardship activities.
   • Provide project management and administrative support to the Program Director, including grant preparation, reporting, budget management, and conservation planning.

Required Skills and Attributes

This posting is targeted to individuals possessing the following skills and abilities:

• A degree or diploma in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science or related discipline with 3–5 years of directly related experience or equivalent.
• Strong project management and reporting skills, including planning, budgeting, tracking, and reporting; ability to manage multiple agreements and deliverables with attention to detail and timelines.
• Experience conducting independent fieldwork, ability to work in wilderness settings, and knowledge of field safety practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience engaging with the public or volunteers.
• Willingness to carry out physical labor and work outdoors in all weather and environmental conditions.
• Experience with invasive species identification and control.
• Comfort working with and around pesticides as part of regular duties.
• Experience in trail management, visitor engagement, and mitigating visitor impacts on natural lands.
• Ability to manage staff and/or volunteers, including large events.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong ability to plan and manage timelines, goals, and expectations.
• Team player with ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders in public and private sectors.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• Good botanical and wildlife inventory skills, experience with identification keys, knowledge of Ontario’s Species at Risk, and vegetation community classification.
• Reliable transportation to rural areas and comfort driving on highways and country roads.
• Valid class G driver’s license and ability to rent a vehicle in Ontario.
• Willingness to travel, work flexible hours, and work in remote areas.

Assets

• Power tools and mechanized stewardship equipment experience (backpack sprayers, mowers, brush saws, hydraulic spray systems).
• Pesticide exterminator license.
• Standard First Aid - Level C CPR certification.

Application Deadline

September 28, 2025 | 11:59pm EST (various time zones listed in original text).

At NCC, we’re committed to a healthy, safe, barrier-free and inclusive workplace. We value equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from diverse groups and encourage self-identification where applicable. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For confidential inquiries, contact us by email for arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us.