Program Associate – Land Planning / Summer Student #8746

As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.

NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.

NPCA is the caretaker of 41 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.

Why Work for the NPCA?
Professional Development: Opportunity for further training and skills development.
Meaningful Work Experience: Gain hands-on experience, contributing to real projects and making a tangible impact.
Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: An opportunity to be part of a highly engaged and passionate team of professionals.
Competitive Benefits: Voluntary enrollment in the OMERS pension plan. Access to Niagara Peninsula Conservation Area locations!

Summary of Duties
The Program Associate – Land Planning position will support NPCA staff in the implementation of the new Conservation Area Strategy including several key land planning, acquisition, and public engagement activities, while supporting the development of the Invasive Species Strategy.

This position is funded in part through the Canada Summer Jobs program and candidates must be between the ages of 15-30 and eligible under this program: (have Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Residency or Refugee Protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; have a valid social insurance number; and be legally entitled to work in Canada).

Key Responsibilities
The Program Associate – Land Planning will assist with:

• Data collection and analysis, and related tasks which may include field work, scanning, data entry, mapping and record keeping.
• Support public engagement activities related to park management plans, invasive species management, and acquisition such as online surveys, meeting organization and landowner contact.
• Research and document writing to support park management plans, Conservation Area Strategy Action Plan, and Invasive Species Strategy.
• Conduct field work to map invasive species at NPCA conservation areas.
• Work with staff in other departments to coordinate and implement invasive species removal or management at conservation areas.
• Support coordination and development of the Niagara Phragmites Management Area Working Group.
• Assist with creating content to encourage public participation in invasive species mapping, management, and awareness.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and interest in the area of Land Planning, park planning, acquisition, and invasive species.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Willing to work outdoors, in different or adverse environmental conditions.
• Ability to efficiently use common computer software (MS Outlook, Excel, and Word).
• Self-motivated and can take initiative for assigned work.
• Must possess a valid Ministry of Transportation Class “G” driver’s license.
• Must be able to work safely in accordance with the NPCA Health and Safety Policies.

Salary: $18.00-$18.50/hour up to 35 hrs/week
Location: NPCA Main Office - 3350 Merrittville Hwy, Thorold, ON; with travel within the watershed.

Closing date of job posting is March 20, 2025.

The NPCA is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace. We do not condone or tolerate discrimination on the basis of citizenship, race, place of origin, ethnic origin, colour, ancestry, disability, age, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, or record of offence.

Our hiring policies help ensure a consistent, diverse and objective hiring process that is non-discriminatory in nature, and compliant with the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health & Safety, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act as well as any other related legislation ensuring equal employment opportunities.

We can provide accommodation for a disability in all employment activities, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation, please contact recruitment@npca.ca.