Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by May 4, 2011
Payment Description
Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, salary commensurate with experience
Location
Ontario Nature head office—366 Adelaide Street West, 2nd Floor, Toronto
Job Description
Ontario Nature seeks an outgoing, self-motivated individual for the position of Ecologist/Reptile and Amphibian Atlas Coordinator. Reporting to the Conservation Science Manager, the successful candidate will coordinate Ontario Nature’s Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas, and assist in the completion of ecological land classification and inventories on Ontario Nature’s nature reserve properties.
Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement, connecting thousands of individuals and communities with nature. We have a network of more than 140 affiliated nature organizations across Ontario and a staff of 20. Ontario Nature’s 80-year history of protecting nature in the province provides the foundation for our current priorities. Ontario Nature owns and manages a province-wide network of 22 nature reserves, totaling over 2,400 ha. In this capacity, Ontario Nature is responsible for stewarding imperiled habitats such as Great Lakes alvars and southern Ontario wetlands, which are home to at risk species.
The goal of the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas is to improve our collective knowledge of the distribution and abundance of Ontario’s reptiles and amphibians through public solicitation of species observation data, targeted field surveys and the amalgamation of existing databases.
The successful candidate will continue an outreach campaign to promote the Atlas throughout Ontario, coordinate volunteer efforts and organize field work. The successful candidate will also assist in the preparation of ecological inventories, ecological land classification and management plans at nature reserves.
The ideal candidate is hard-working and highly organized with excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrates an ability to work independently, has a thorough knowledge of herpetology and conservation issues and strong botanical skills. The Ecologist/Reptile and Amphibian Atlas Coordinator must be resourceful, pay close attention to detail, and possess an exceptional ability to work well independently and with a team.
Principle Responsibilities
• Expanding an extensive Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas outreach campaign, including development of printed materials, smart phone reporting tools and website, to promote the Atlas throughout Ontario
• Delivering PowerPoint presentations and training workshops (field-based) to groups and individuals who are interested in participating in the Atlas
• Organizing and conducting reptile and amphibian field surveys
• Managing the Atlas observation database, including working with species experts to verify identifications, requesting additional information from volunteers and coordinating data sharing with partner organizations
• Assisting in the preparation of ecological inventories, ecological land classification and management plans for nature reserves
• Assisting the Conservation Science Manager with nature reserve project management and reporting
• Overseeing work of seasonal interns and volunteers assisting with inventories, data collection and other Atlas and Nature Reserves Program duties
• Building and fostering relationships with partner organizations
• Assisting with fundraising, including the development of funding proposals and the preparation of reports to funders.
• Assisting Ontario Nature with science and policy initiatives as required
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in ecology, conservation biology or a related field
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues in biology and ecology including conservation biology, biodiversity and species at risk
• Knowledge of Ontario’s reptiles and amphibians, including species identification and ecology
• Knowledge of Ontario’s flora and ability to conduct ecological inventories
• Experience in working with Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario is an asset.
• Experience with project coordination and management (including writing funding proposals, organizing events, working with partners, developing program materials, coordinating staff, etc)
• Strong research and writing skills
• Excellent verbal communications skills and ability to engage diverse audiences
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as part of a team and to collaborate with multiple partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word.
• Basic knowledge of GIS mapping software, Microsoft Access and website design are an asset
• Willingness to work long days and weekends when conducting field work or outreach activities
• Willingness to regularly travel throughout southern Ontario for fieldwork and outreach
• Valid class G driver’s license
This is a grant-based full-time (37.5 hours/week) position that will begin as soon as funding is available – estimate to be late spring/early summer. If our grant applications are unsuccessful this position will not be available. The contract will be for 12 months. There is the possibility of extension dependent on funding. This position is based at Ontario Nature’s head office in Toronto and requires occasional evening and weekend work, and the ability to travel throughout southern and southeastern Ontario.
Please submit a resume and cover letter (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF) to:
Mark Carabetta
Conservation Science Manager
Ontario Nature
366 Adelaide St. W., Suite 201
Toronto, ON M5V 1R9
markc@ontarionature.org
The deadline for applications is May 4, 2011. If you are applying via email, please include ‘Ecologist’ in the subject line.
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.