If you have a love of the outdoors this temporary position may be for you.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Reserve Steward
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Orillia, Ontario
Duration: Full-Time Temporary (Minimum two months with potential for renewal)
Wages & Benefits: $20.50/ hr for a 37.5 hr work week
The Couchiching Conservancy is a non-profit charitable land trust with 47 nature reserves and easements currently under our care. The Conservancy’s mandate is to protect the special natural features of the Couchiching region for present and future generations, and we achieve this goal through acquisition of land and stewardship projects on both public and private land. Since 1993 we have helped to protect over 14,000 acres in our region, and continue to grow.
We are seeking a Reserve Steward to fill a leave of absence for up to two months, with the possibility of renewal. The Reserve Steward will work independently and collaboratively with our staff and volunteer stewardship teams. The Reserve Steward’s focus is on day-to-day protection and maintenance of our nature reserves and easements, and coordination of stewardship projects with volunteers in the field.
Key Responsibilities:
- Initiate and manage projects to achieve property management goals.
- Respond to property maintenance, incursion, and liability issues.
- Coordinate our Invasive Species action plan.
- Coordinate volunteers for the land stewardship, invasive species, species-at-risk and property maintenance programs.
- Supervise summer staff in trail maintenance and invasive species control projects
- Erect and maintain property signs and boundary signs
- Oversee contractors for maintenance projects such as fence and water system repairs and danger trees on public trails
- Maintain equipment and supplies & keep tool shed organized.
- Collaborate with the stewardship team to maintain species records and manage data
- Generate reports, and other documents related to land stewardship as required
Skills we are Seeking:
- Some post-secondary education in Ecosystem Management or equivalent
- A passion for land conservation and being outdoors
- Forestry and light construction skills. Chainsaw certification an asset.
- Some experience in the identification & control of invasive species
- Comfort using GPS and/or Avenza and basic digital map making skills
- Experience building and maintaining public walking trails
- Ability to work independently both in the field and office
- Experience working with volunteers
- Physically fit and comfortable in the wilderness
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Well-organized and able to manage time effectively
- Experience in the use of Microsoft Office & electronic messaging
A valid Ontario driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle in order to make site visits and attend meetings and events is required.
Assets:
- A valid First Aid certificate
- Knowledge of Environmental Non-Profits and Land Trusts
Working Conditions:
- Daytime, Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends
- Work in remote and rugged areas on CC owned and managed properties
- Primarily outdoor field work with some office work
- Based in the Couchiching region, due to extensive field work required
- Travel required to visit CC managed properties and attend meetings and events
Please submit your resume and cover letter to dorthea@couchconservancy.ca
Applications will be accepted continuously until the position is filled.