Invasive Species Technician

Nature Conservancy of Canada/Conservation de la nature Canada; Fakenham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization in the United Kingdom is seeking an Invasive Species Stewardship Technician to support a landscape-scale invasive species control program. The role requires working outdoors, coordinating field surveys, and managing invasive species. Candidates should have an interest in conservation, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with local communities. This full-time position is contract-based for 4 months.

Qualifications

• Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Physical work often required including carrying equipment.
• Ability to identify priority invasive species.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct invasive species field surveys.
• Conduct management using manual, mechanical, and chemical techniques.
• Monitor and map the distribution of invasive species.

Skills

Strong interest in outdoor work

Knowledge of field safety practices

Ability to identify invasive species

Excellent communication skills

Proficient in word processing and spreadsheets

Valid driver’s license

Tools

GPS devices

Pesticide exterminator license

Power tools (backpack sprayers, mowers)

Job description

Position details: Full Time Contract (4 months)

Position title: Invasive Species Stewardship Technician

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Invasive Species Technician 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, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962, we have 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 the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

NCC recognizes that we work on lands that have long been cared for by Indigenous Peoples under their own laws and knowledge systems. We are committed to transforming how we do our work, advancing Reconciliation through conservation, and working with Indigenous Peoples in meaningful, respectful, and supportive ways.

Position Summary

As key members of the NCC’s Habitat Restoration Program (HRP), the Invasive Species Stewardship Technicians will support a landscape‑scale invasive species control program across Ontario. The project will be focused on identifying and controlling populations of invasive species including Phragmites australis, European Buckthorn, Garlic Mustard, and others across private and public land in collaboration with local communities and partners. The incumbent will conduct invasive species management on significant natural lands protected by NCC and its conservation partners by working closely with NCC staff, partner organizations, local stewards, and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct invasive species field surveys on a variety of lands including conservation, public and privately‑owned lands and their connecting corridors;
• Conduct invasive species management using manual, mechanical and chemical control techniques following best management practices and maintain a daily log of the species managed, location and conservation target improved;
• Monitor and map the distribution of invasive species, species at risk, and other conservation targets, on NCC and partner properties as related to the ISST program delivery;
• Record field data accurately according to developed protocols and provide analysis and reporting to inform the invasive species management plan;
• Maintain field equipment including tracking and reporting hardware and software;
• Assist the HRP Coordinator and HRP Manager with all aspects of implementation of landscape‑scale control of invasive species and other restoration activities.

Position Requirements

• Ability and strong interest to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (e.g., high summer temperatures and humidity, heavy rain) and on various terrain;
• Comfort working in wilderness settings and knowledge of field safety practices;
• Physical work will be required regularly (e.g., carrying heavy equipment off trail in remote areas);
• Ability to identify priority invasive species (Phragmites, Garlic Mustard, Dog‑strangling Vine, Common Buckthorn) and learn key identification characteristics of other species as required;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Proficient with word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheet software;
• Valid driver’s license and comfort driving on highways and rough roads.

The following additional skills and abilities would be assets in these positions:

• Basic knowledge of plants, wildlife, and vegetation communities as well as experience using identification keys;
• Navigational skills including understanding of GPS devices or applications, compass, and air photo interpretation;
• Experience engaging with members of the public or volunteers;
• Pesticide exterminator license;
• Standard First Aid - Level C CPR certification;
• Experience using power tools and other mechanized stewardship equipment (backpack sprayers, mowers, brush saws, hydraulic spray systems); experience driving pick‑up trucks and towing trailers; ATV/UTVs, tractors and other heavy equipment;
• Mechanical aptitude for maintaining and repairing equipment.

Application Deadline

November 21, 2025 | 11:59 pm EST, 9:59 pm Mountain Time, 8:59 pm Pacific Time, 10:50 pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST

At NCC, we’re committed to providing a healthy, safe, barrier free and inclusive, workplace, where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We strive for bold conservation achievements in which equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are the norm. We welcome applications from racialised persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. NCC implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self‑identify.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, contact us by email at [e-mail] to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at [e-mail].