Protected Areas Project Coordinator

Job Description 

The Protected Areas Project Coordinator will advance nature-based climate solutions by promoting the permanent protection of areas of high conservation value. They will work with conservation advocates, Indigenous communities, forestry and mining industry representatives, the provincial government, and other experts to strengthen the case to permanently set aside areas from industrial development to meet Canada’s international commitment to protect at least 25 percent of our lands and inlands waters by 2025.  

The ideal candidate has excellent knowledge of conservation in forests managed for industrial logging, and will have experience working with third-party certification of managed forests (e.g., Forest Stewardship Council – FSC). They work well independently and as part of a team and thrive in a fast-paced work environment where success requires close attention to detail, flexibility, strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to high quality outcomes.

Principal Responsibilities 

• Work with Ontario Nature’s Boreal Program Manager and Protected Places Campaign team to coordinate a carbon assessment workshop with academic experts and Indigenous and conservation partners.   
• Work with project partners to help implement the new FSC requirements for protected areas (e.g., support technical reviews, participate in independent audits), and coordinate meetings with provincial and local decision-makers, First Nations and stakeholders. 
• Coordinate the development and dissemination of communications materials (e.g., at local events, social and through conventional media).  
• Support efforts to engage members and supporters to demonstrate/demand support for permanent protection of candidate protected areas.   
• Coordinate field surveys (with local naturalists and community members) of candidate protected areas.  
• Assist with research to ensure successful delivery of the project.  
• Track project and event expenses and budget. 

Qualifications 

• 3-5 years relevant work experience.  
• Demonstrated interest in conservation in Ontario.  
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, forest conservation, ecology, environmental science or a relevant field.    
• Knowledge and experience of the FSC certification system, and/or forest management planning in Ontario.  
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including active listening.   
• Ability to work well independently within a small team structure and collaboratively with partners.       
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.  
• Basic GIS skills using ArcPro.   
• Valid class “G” driver’s license and ability to rent a vehicle in Ontario.

Ontario Nature requires that all employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of our employees and the communities we operate in. The selected candidate must provide proof of vaccination at the time of hiring.

Desirable Assets 

• Preference given to a person living in Thunder Bay or northern Ontario.  

Anticipated Start Date: January 2022

Duration of Position: 1-year contract with possibility of extension (3-year project)

Payment: $39,000 – $50,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience 

Location: Ontario Nature’s Boreal Conservation Office – 10 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, ON with some flexibility for remote working 

Working Conditions:  Responsibilities for this position require flexibility to accommodate occasional weekend and evening work for meetings and events  

To Apply 

• Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one document, describing your qualifications and experience. 
• Include “Protected Areas Project Coordinator” in the subject line. 
• Submit your application by email to the attention of jobs@ontarionature.org.  
• Deadline for applications: November 22, 2021 

Although Ontario Nature appreciates the efforts of all those who apply for this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No unsolicited emails or phone calls please. 

Ontario Nature is committed to employment equity, diversity and accessibility. Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should make their requirements known when contacted.