Stewardship Coordinator, Nature Reserves

GoodWork.ca; Barrie; Remote; CAD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work hours

Remote work within Ontario

Centre for Social Innovation – Toronto

Vacation leave 15 days + 4 paid days

Personal leave days

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Ontario Nature is seeking a Stewardship Coordinator, Nature Reserves to protect biodiversity across Ontario’s nature reserves. The role blends fieldwork, project coordination and volunteer leadership to support stewardship and conservation goals.

The position is a 1-year maternity leave contract, based at the Head Office with remote work options within Ontario and a requirement to live within a 90-minute GTA commute or relocate if needed.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in biology, ecology, natural resource management or a related field.
• Experience supporting conservation land stewardship, ecological monitoring, habitat management or related initiatives.
• Experience conducting ecological surveys, species monitoring or related field-based conservation activities.
• Sound knowledge of Ontario’s flora and fauna with field identification skills and training in Ecological Land Classification/Vegetation Sampling Protocol.
• Familiarity with stewardship planning, conservation land management, protected areas or conservation easement programs.
• Ability to work independently and in office and field environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and GIS/databases.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout Ontario.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate stewardship and management planning activities across Ontario Nature’s Nature Reserves system and conservation easements.
• Coordinate ecological monitoring, stewardship assessments and property inspections.
• Support development and review of nature reserve management plans with Indigenous communities, partners, researchers, volunteers and staff.
• Coordinate maintenance and improvement activities for safe and effective land management.
• Coordinate volunteer stewardship initiatives and field activities.
• Recruit, train and maintain relationships with volunteer stewards.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, landowners and partners.
• Coordinate communications and outreach to increase awareness of Nature Reserves Program.
• Support program planning, project tracking and implementation of priorities.
• Contribute to fundraising, grant administration, reporting and donor stewardship.
• Coordinate program resources and documentation related to stewardship activities.
• Provide guidance on data management processes and standards.
• Provide training and day-to-day coordination for volunteers, interns and contractors.
• Support health and safety practices and field procedures.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Volunteer coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Independent work

GPS and field navigation

Education

Biology/Ecology degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS applications

Databases

Field GPS

Job description

Conservation land stewardship, ecological monitoring.

Position: Stewardship Coordinator, Nature Reserves

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 live within a 90-minute commute of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) or be willing to relocate.

Position Overview

The Stewardship Coordinator, Nature Reserves helps protect some of Ontario Nature’s most important natural areas by coordinating stewardship, ecological monitoring, volunteer engagement and conservation land management activities across Ontario Nature’s nature reserves system. The role combines field work, project coordination, volunteer leadership, partnership development and ecological data management to support the long‑term health of conservation lands throughout the province.

This is a 1-year maternity leave contract position and is ideal for someone who is organized, adaptable and passionate about protecting biodiversity, with the ability to balance field work, relationship‑building and program coordination.

The successful candidate will join a dedicated team and will work closely with staff, volunteer stewards, Indigenous communities, researchers and conservation partners while helping advance Ontario Nature’s stewardship and conservation goals. The position provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience managing conservation lands and supporting biodiversity conservation at a provincial scale.

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
• 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

Stewardship, Monitoring and Management Planning

• Coordinate stewardship and management planning activities across Ontario Nature’s Nature Reserves system and conservation easements.
• Coordinate ecological monitoring, stewardship assessments and property inspections to support stewardship, biodiversity conservation and effective land management.
• Support the development, implementation and review of nature reserve management plans in collaboration with Indigenous communities, partners, researchers, volunteers and staff.
• Coordinate maintenance and improvement activities that support safe and effective management of conservation lands and associated infrastructure.

Volunteer and Partner Engagement

• Coordinate volunteer stewardship initiatives and field activities that support conservation, monitoring, research and land management objectives.
• Recruit, train, support and maintain relationships with volunteer stewards.
• Support the development and maintenance of productive relationships with Indigenous communities, landowners, conservation organizations, researchers and other partners.
• Coordinate educational, stewardship and public engagement opportunities that strengthen participation in the Nature Reserves Program.

Program Administration, Communications and Fundraising

• Support program planning, project tracking and implementation of Nature Reserve Program priorities.
• Contribute to fundraising, grant administration, reporting and donor stewardship activities related to stewardship and conservation initiatives.
• Coordinate communications and outreach activities that increase awareness of Nature Reserves Program activities.
• Respond to inquiries related to nature reserves, stewardship activities and conservation lands.

Data Management

• Coordinate the collection, organization, maintenance, quality assurance and accessibility of stewardship, monitoring and land management information.
• Maintain databases, records, files and information systems required to support stewardship and conservation land management activities.
• Support program reporting, planning, evaluation and decision making through effective information management practices.
• Provide guidance and support related to nature reserve data management processes and standards.

Intern, Volunteer and Field Support

• Provide guidance, training and day‑to‑day coordination for volunteers, interns, technicians and contractors supporting stewardship activities.
• Support implementation of health and safety practices, field procedures and stewardship protocols.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of program resources, procedures and documentation that support stewardship activities.

Qualifications

• Post‑secondary education in biology, ecology, natural resource management or a related field.
• Experience supporting conservation land stewardship, ecological monitoring, habitat management or related conservation initiatives.
• Experience conducting ecological surveys, species monitoring or related field‑based conservation activities.
• Sound knowledge of Ontario’s flora and fauna with sound field identification skills and training in Ecological Land Classification and/or Vegetation Sampling Protocol.
• Familiarity with stewardship planning, conservation land management, protected areas or conservation easement programs.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct field work in a range of environmental conditions and terrains.
• Sound navigational skills, including experience using field GPS equipment, maps, aerial imagery and related field navigation tools.
• Experience using tablets, mobile applications and other digital tools for ecological data collection and management.
• Experience coordinating volunteers, field activities or community‑based conservation initiatives.
• Strong organizational, problem solving and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with volunteers, partners and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate in both office and field environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using databases, GIS applications and related information management tools.
• Valid Class G driver’s license and ability to travel throughout Ontario.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.

Desirable Assets

• Experience with fundraising, grant administration or donor reporting.
• Experience with species at risk monitoring or permitting processes.
• Experience conducting breeding bird surveys or other wildlife monitoring programs.
• Experience capturing and handling reptiles and amphibians.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and conservation partners.

Anticipated Start Date

December 2026

Type of Position

1-year, full-time contract

Compensation

$57,000 - $70,000 per year, commensurate with experience

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 live within a 90-minute commute of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) or be willing to relocate.

Working Conditions

This job requires frequent travel across Ontario including weekend and evening work, which will be compensated through lieu time. During these trips staff often camp or stay in rustic accommodations.

The position requires the ability to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (e.g. high summer temperatures and humidity, heavy rain) and terrains. The job can be physically demanding, including hiking, tree‑planting, hole‑digging, camping in uncomfortable conditions and lifting heavy objects (up to 40 lbs). The position also requires extensive sitting, typing and time spent viewing computer screens.

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.