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Current Employment Opportunities with the Nature Trust

Land Stewardship Coordinator (Interim Position)

Job Description

The Land Stewardship Coordinator oversees the Nature Trusts land stewardship programme including management of the Nature Trust’s protected areas network and provision of all conservation planning, site assessment and prioritization. This is a 14 month sabbatical replacement position.

The Land Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for carrying out property assessments, collating baseline data and completing baseline surveys, and the stewardship/management and monitoring of all Nature Trust properties, ensuring that the Nature Trust meets its conservation, stewardship and legal obligations. The coordinator also oversees the work of all staff, volunteers and contractors involved in the stewardship programme.

The Land Stewardship Coordinator is also the scientific contact for collection, collation, interpretation of conservation data and mapping, and the provision of science/conservation planning advice within and on behalf of the Nature Trust.

The Land Stewardship Coordinator is responsible to the Conservation Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

Land Stewardship Program

Plan, manage and oversee all aspects of the land stewardship program including, but not limited to:
- Make recommendations for and implement all land stewardship policies and procedures
- Plan and execute an annual plan for the stewardship program. Coordinate and oversee all planning, administration, documentation, budgeting, reporting and other aspects of the land stewardship program
- Maintain a well-documented system for recording and tracking the land stewardship program
- Provide advice and recommendations to the Executive Director on land stewardship issues and opportunities related to organizational planning and priorities

Land acquisition and Stewardship Activities

Conduct field assessment and prioritization of sites identified for protection (using aerial photography, reviewing maps and databases, field assessments, and expert/science advisors’ advice)
Prepare and produce maps including property maps required for legal documentation
Prepare baseline studies and reports (baseline of conditions of the property at the time it is protected, used as a baseline for conservation planning and monitoring, and for legal enforcement of violations)
Prepare stewardship/management plans for properties and present the plans to the Properties Committee
Liaise with the Conservation Manager as required regarding assessment and stewardship of properties
Implement stewardship plans on Nature Trust properties (inventory, record-keeping, neighbour and community relations, boundary disputes, violations of easements or management plans, stewardship and restoration actions such as removal of non native invasive species and trail maintenance)
Monitor protected properties in compliance with property stewardship plans
Organize public events and liaise with local community organizations and neighbours as required to foster effective stewardship of protected areas
Recruit, train and coordinate volunteers and contractors assisting with property assessment, inventory, stewardship or monitoring work
Carry out fieldwork as required to complete the above duties
Provide mapping and technical support for other staff as necessary
Oversee signage program (with support from conservation project staff)
Oversee GIS based conservation science planning tools and systems
Liaise with the scientific community in Nova Scotia including coordinating and liaising with the Nature Trust science advisors

Outreach and Public Relations

Plan and participate in public educational events (such as presentations, guided walks, public meetings and celebrations) including preparation of correspondence, advertisements, liaison with media and partner organizations
Prepare press releases and conduct media events associated with the stewardship program
Research, prepare and publish associated literature and outreach materials associated with the stewardship program (booklets, letters, newsletters, press releases, articles, stewardship manual, training materials for volunteers)
Liaise with community groups and conservation partners associated with property stewardship and prioritization as required

Other

Support conservation project staff team in habitat assessment and other ecological/field services
Oversee GIS/landscape level mapping, data gathering, conservation planning and system management within the Nature Trust
Be a focus for scientific data gathering, data interpretation and advice within the Nature Trust
Stay current with standards and practices in land stewardship and management ensuring the Nature Trust complies with Canadian Land Trust Alliance standards and practices
Provide general support and services to the Nature Trust as a member of the staff team

Requirements

The Land Stewardship Coordinator is a senior position on the Nature Trust’s conservation team. The successful candidate will offer a depth of land conservation/stewardship experience and expertise.

Required Qualifications/Skills

Masters degree in ecology (or related field) or at least 5 years relevant field experience, ideally in a Nova Scotia context.
Proven field skills including backcountry travel and navigation skills (using GPS to navigate and to document the location of ecological features).
Strong field biology/ecology skills and knowledge of Nova Scotian natural landscapes, ecosystems, habitats and species, including species at risk and invasive species

Required knowledge and practical/applied experience

Ecological site assessments (e.g. assessing and documenting ecological values of land and habitat quality, mapping habitats and natural communities, developing species lists etc.)
Baseline survey and environmental site assessment (environmental and safety liabilities and risks, vulnerabilities, restoration activities)
Mapping, documenting (using GIS) and reporting in a clear, precise yet thorough manner the condition of ecological, biological, and structural features on a property

Other Desirable Assets

An understanding of the Nature Trust’s work and knowledge of the geographic area where we work
Experience in conservation planning and prioritization of lands for conservation
Experience working with land trusts and private land conservation
Experience managing protected areas (including monitoring, enforcement, managing exotic species, trail work, erosion control etc.)
Experience in program and project management (budgeting, program planning and coordination, staffing)
Experience coordinating and training volunteers
Experience training and supervising other employees and contractors
Experience liaising with landowners and members of the public
Experience conducting public education and outreach activities
Wilderness first aid training

Application Procedures

Deadline: Sunday August 22nd, 2010

Application process—Please send a cover letter, resume and list of at least 3 references to:
Dennis Garratt, Conservation Manager
Nova Scotia Nature Trust
PO Box 2202 Halifax, NS B3J 3C4

Or fax to (902) 429-5263.

Please send hard copy by mail or fax only. No Email applications please.

Thank you so much for your interest in the Nature Trust and in this position. Due to anticipated number of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted.

Land Conservation Ecologist Contractors

The Nature Trust is building a team of trained field contractors to provide expert knowledge and support for our conservation programme and to supplement our staff and volunteer teams on an as-needed basis.

In particular this position supports the Securement and Stewardship Programs through onsite inspections, ecological assessments and surveys of potential and secured conservation lands throughout Nova Scotia, property monitoring and management planning.

Role Description (contract work may include any of the following)

Conducting biological surveys and ecological assessments of potential and protected conservation lands
Identifying significant ecosystems, habitats and species on potential and protected conservation lands
Identifying potential and existing threats, environmental liabilities and/or hazards on potential conservation lands
Assisting with or completing Stewardship/Management Plans for conservation lands
Assisting with or completing Baseline Documentation Reports for potential conservation lands
Conducting annual property monitoring on NSNT conservation lands

Qualifications/Skills Required

Masters degree in ecology (or related field) or at least 5 years relevant field experience, ideally in a Nova Scotia context.
Strong field biology/ecology skills and knowledge of Nova Scotian natural landscapes, ecosystems, habitats and species, including species at risk and invasive species
Experience conducting ecological site assessments (e.g. assessing and documenting ecological values of land and habitat quality, mapping habitats and natural communities, developing species lists etc.)
Experience conducting baseline survey and environmental assessments (environmental and safety liabilities and risks, vulnerabilities, restoration activities)
Mapping, documenting (using GPS) and reporting in a clear, precise manner
Experience and effectiveness working in the field (remote properties, challenging access, independent backcountry navigation using GPS)
Strong report-writing skills

Other Desired Assets

Working knowledge of GIS
Good organizational skills

Time Commitment

The time commitment is flexible and on an ‘as-needed basis’. Time required will be highly dependent on location of properties, availability and the current needs of the Nature Trust. Work can be completed outside regular working hours if desired.

Application Procedure

Application deadline: Sunday August 15th, 2010 for immediate vacancy, but applications ongoing.

Application process: Please send a cover letter, resume and list of at least 3 references to:
Dennis Garratt
Conservation Manager
Nova Scotia Nature Trust
PO Box 2202 Halifax, NS B3J 3C4