Manager, Conservation Science and Planning - Jobs in Regina, SK

Job Description

Location: Regina or SaskatoonTaking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Conservation Science and Planning Manager 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. Since 1962, NCC and its supporters have protected 15 million hectares (more than 35 million acres) of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-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.Role SummaryThe Science and Planning Manager (CSPM) is an important role within the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), Saskatchewan Region. Given the commitment and alignment of NCC to science-based conservation planning at all scales and to objective, evidence-based decision-making within an adaptive management framework, the Manager is responsible both for the delivery of internal organizational requirements, and is the visible face of science, planning and adaptive management that is presented to the general public, partner organizations, and other external bodies (e.g. research and academia), and must convey confidence and credibility. The CSPM supports NCC’s conservation efforts in Saskatchewan through the planning, coordination and management of science and planning initiatives for existing and potential NCC conservation lands and natural areas. This includes, among others: leading the planning and supporting ongoing adaptive management of Natural Area Conservation Plans and Property Management Plans; the curation of a list of ‘key knowledge gaps’ drawn from conservation plans and ensuring these gaps are addressed through academic partnerships or direct research, participation in regional strategic planning and development of annual Business Plans; and monitoring and reporting on Key Progress Indicators for Science, Planning & Adaptive Management. Ensuring coherence and alignment with NCC’s mission, and national policies and procedures, and that regional conservation science and planning is informed by the best available science and knowledge is central to this role.The position is the key scientific liaison with NCC’s national conservation planning staff and with other science-based conservation organizations as well as local landowners, conservation volunteers, funders and others. The position has overall responsibility for the conservation science program budget and will facilitate fund raising activities necessary to meet budgets.The position requires an enthusiastic ‘ear to the ground’ regularly scanning the newest conservation science advances, regular consideration of evolving best practice and integration and consideration of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives across the conservation community and across NCC, and an ability to analyze this information, contextualize it, and anticipate how or if it should suggest an alteration to the Saskatchewan Region’s approach. Understanding the newest advances and approaches is not enough, however – the position demands an ability to translate and share concise information in a respectful manner that motivates and instigates regional change.This is a leadership position requiring a dynamic, flexible, self-motivated individual with team skills and a dedication to protecting and conserving the lands and waters, species and ecosystem services within Saskatchewan. The position requires a multi-disciplinary, professional individual with experience in conservation planning, ecology, conservation biology, protected areas management, restoration ecology, grant-based fundraising, communications, and human resources management. The ability to enthusiastically and clearly express the mission and philosophy of NCC to a variety of interests is a salient skill.Reporting RelationshipsThe CSPM reports to the Director of Conservation (DoC), Saskatchewan, works closely with regional stewardship, development, communications and finance staff, as well as NCC national staff and peers across the country to ensure coordination and consistency. The CSPM liaises with the Conservation and Science Advisory Committee of the Saskatchewan Regional Board and may be called upon to present to the NCC Saskatchewan Regional Board.The CSPM will supervise Saskatchewan Science & Planning Department staff including Conservation science coordinators and data management coordinators. As the Saskatchewan program continues to develop, there may be additional program staff reporting to the CSPM. The CSPM works closely with National staff and their peers across the country to ensure close coordination and consistency.Key Responsibilities1. Develop and implement Natural Area Conservation Plans (NACPs) & Joint landscape-scale partner-based planning initiativesWorking with Regional and Inter-regional Program staff:

• Support the creation, and at times be the primary author, of NACPs as necessary;
• Support/inform landscape level conservation analyses, pilots for new initiatives; and collaborative planning exercises with external partners, national and other regions
• Ensure that all NACPs are based on sound conservation science and planning using the Open Standards for the practice of conservation (Conservation Standards);
• Ensure appropriate regional staff are fully trained and proficient in the use of Conservation Standards (CS);
• Oversee the implementation, completion, adaptation and updates of all approved NACPs;
• Lead a team-based NACP development approach that results in the inclusion of bold but achievable activities;
• Ensure implementation of research, monitoring and strategic planning partnership components of NACPs;
• Coordinate NACP status and effectiveness monitoring framework and approaches
• Create short- and long-term budget and business plans related to NACPs, if appropriate;
• Lead regional NACP annual progress assessment and adaptation.

• Ongoing collaboration with national and regional staff on all conservation science and planning matters
• Support the Director of Conservation by representing NCC-SK on national initiatives aimed at updating policies and procedures relating to planning, and the development of conservation programs and other national-led initiatives

• Lead or support conservation staff on the incorporation of adaptive managed principles (CS); the development of effectiveness monitoring protocols; development of internal/external databases; and ensure their incorporation into NACPs and PMPs
• Coordinate review and alignment of securement projects with NACP objectives

2. Develop, implement and monitor project stewardship plansWorking with Regional Program staff:

• Work with stewardship staff on the development of all property management plans (PMPs) for fee simple properties, as well as the Baseline Inventories that inform PMPs, in adherence with Stewardship Standards and Responsibilities Policy;
• Lead a team-based PMP development approach that results in the inclusion of achievable activities;
• Ensure implementation of research and monitoring components of property management plans and Species at Risk & Multi-SAR permits & workbooks
• Coordinate PMP status and effectiveness monitoring framework and approaches
• Support the development of impact-based metrics for describing our conservation outcomes.

• Coordinate/support conservation staff in developing and maintaining partnerships with other conservation organizations or public agencies to develop plans for collaborative management of adjacent non-NCC lands, or lands in which NCC holds a partial interest

3. Community, Partner & Research Liaison

• Represent NCC in appropriate external relations and communications functions relative to NCC’s work in the Province, including key provincial, national and international partnerships;

• Develop and maintain constructive working partnerships with public agencies, private organizations, academics and others to develop consensus and support for shared conservation goals and implement or facilitate key strategic activities

• Build awareness and support for NCC activities;
• Attend appropriate workshops representing NCC;
• Foster positive relationships with private and public landowners.
• Foster positive relationships with internal and external research partners.
• Coordinate & administer regional science support program and network of academic resources

4. Development and Communications

• Working with the DoC and Director of Development, create and deliver proposals for Program funding;
• Nurture relationships with volunteers, donors and funding partners;
• Maintain NCC’s thought leadership credentials by sharing NCC-generated research, monitoring and innovative projects with the scientific community and key influencers through successful publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at scientific symposia, white papers and letters to the editor
• Integrate science, planning and adaptive management themes into communications materials, including marketing and development campaigns;
• Ensure accuracy, credibility, and best practice are reflected in regional and national communication media and marketing content (e.g. news releases, articles)
• Lead / assist with donor tours and events;
• Represent NCC on media events and public outreach.

5. Finance and Administration

• Work with the DoC, Regional Controller, stewardship staff and functional area leads to develop and present budgets and business plans for science;
• Implement, and if necessary, work with Regional Controller and DoC, to create regional frameworks for tracking and adhering to project and program budgets and timelines
• Provide timely reports to the DoC, RVP, external partners and donors;
• Serve as secretariat to NCC Saskatchewan’s Conservation and Science Advisory Committee (CSAC). Build linkages between CSAC and NCC’s adaptive management approach, including a focus on addressing key knowledge gaps and filling key expertise needs.
• Ensure adherence to NCC’s conservation policies, procedures, guidelines and standards;
• Ensure all conservation information is entered into NCC’s Land Information System, GIS & DAISY; and data quality control activities are implemented and maintained
• Participate, as required, in Regional Board meetings and provide reports and proposals

6. People Management

• Provide leadership for conservation staff in achievement of ambitious goals;
• Hire and supervise any employees and contractors within area of responsibility, which currently includes the Conservation Science Coordinators for data management, GIS and planning and occasional seasonal staff;

• Support regional field season training, including intern hiring and staff training.

• Establish and evaluate performance metrics for staff;
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and positive work environment.
• Foster a regional ‘not afraid to fail’ culture where lessons learned are freely shared amongst staff to promote the continued striving for excellence within an adaptive management-oriented environment

Skills and Qualifications

• Preference for a post graduate Degree, in ecology, conservation biology or related discipline with a minimum of 5 years of directly related experience;
• Proven ability and at least 2 years of direct people management experience, able to provide strong leadership, development and coaching to direct reports;
• Demonstrated experience in leading conservation planning projects within the framework of the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation or equivalent adaptive management planning framework
• Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, a “can-do” attitude with the ability to work independently and as a leader;
• Proven operational and project management acumen, able to effectively lead a variety of resources to attain a multitude of deliverables planned, with project management skills, problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail and timelines;
• Experience with all aspects of a not-for-profit conservation organization’s ethics, opportunities and challenges;
• A proven ability to interact comfortably with NCC’s partners, including donors, government representatives, Indigenous communities and partners, researchers, NGO partners, landowners, and business people;
• A proven ability to work comfortably in many different venues, from the day-to-day office environment to corporate boardrooms and in the field;
• Excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to make creative, sound decisions;
• Well-developed written, verbal, listening and overall communication skills;
• A proactive and far-seeing attitude, with a proven ability to anticipate and resolve problematic situations before they arise and/or to deal swiftly and effectively with them when they do;
• Previous success in fundraising activities and working with many kinds of partners and donors;
• Must be prepared to travel and work flexible hours.

How to ApplyNCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectations through our Career Centre by March 31, 2022 11:59 PM EST.NCC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.We value and incorporate diverse traditions, heritage, knowledge and experiences in our mission and in our workplaces. We celebrate the full participation of people from all walks of life as we work towards common goals. We strive for a conservation movement in which equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. This is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet for everyone.Please note that in-person office attendance, carpooling with co-workers to NCC properties or events, and in-person attendance at any indoor events are currently restricted to staff who are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Accordingly, if you are required to participate in any of these activitis as part of your job the expectation is that you must be fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated means you have received two doses of the Pfizer, Astra Zeneca or Moderna vaccine or combination of, and have received the second dose at least two weeks prior to your start date or you have received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two weeks prior to your start date.Quick Apply

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