ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Facilitated by the Norfolk Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC) in partnership with Norfolk County, Norfolk ALUS is a voluntary, incentive based program providing payments to farmers for returning marginal and environmentally sensitive farmland into native vegetative cover and wetlands for the production of ecosystem services. Norfolk ALUS recently wrapped up a successful three year pilot project engaging 85 farm families across Norfolk County impacting over 700 acres of land and is now embarking on the development of a permanent ALUS program. The permanent program will continue to build on three years of successful community engagement and project development by the ALUS Team and; will increase its scope to include work in priority areas identified in the ALUS 5 Year Vision. Applicants are strongly urged to review http://www.NorfolkALUS.ca to review the ALUS 5 Year Vision; and the ALUS concept, its history, and the 2007-2011 Norfolk ALUS
Pilot Project.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Norfolk Alternative Land Use Services Program is seeking a Project Coordinator who will coordinate, conduct and deliver the work required to implement the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Program in Norfolk County. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the delivery of resource conservation on private agricultural lands and the related extension services; developing and maintaining a good working relationship with Norfolk County’s agricultural community; providing administrative support to the project and the Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC); and continuing ALUS communications initiatives.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
• Coordinate, under the guidance of the ALUS PAC and Chair, the
delivery and implementation of the ALUS Program on private agricultural lands across Norfolk County.
• Report directly to the Chair of the ALUS PAC and the Superintendent of Forestry & Cemeteries, Norfolk County.
• Work closely with ALUS Farmer Liaisons to deliver extension services to ALUS Participants as they
relate to ecosystem services; ecological restoration practices; habitat creation projects; and site
management and maintenance.
• Work closely with project partners including funding partners to deliver frequent and timely project
updates.
• Carry out a variety of operational tasks. Duties change seasonally.
• Follow generally accepted administrative policies and practices; conservation and restoration practices; and accounting and financial reporting policies and practices.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Implement the Norfolk ALUS Program within the established protocols, forecasted timeframes, and budget.
• Plan and coordinate the delivery of restoration projects on private agricultural land; draft and formalize conservation agreements with project participants; and deliver incentive payments for ecosystem services provided by participating farmers and their lands.
• Assist with the auditing and administration of records, including financial, for the ALUS Program.
• Provide extension services to various client groups.
• Network with a variety partners, agencies, and individuals, including participating farmers, who have committed resources or an interest towards the participation and/or implementation of the ALUS Program.
• Achieve and document milestones which are tied to funding and support from a variety of partners and funding agencies/sources.
• Support the Partnership Advisory Committee, including researching information, minute taking at meetings, processing correspondence, and other general duties as assigned.
• Implement the ALUS communications plan, including issuance of media releases, coordination of tours and seminars, signage, mailings, maintenance of the mailing list, website and portable ALUS display.
• Liaise and support researchers and others studying the socio-economic viability of the ALUS concept.
• Explore opportunities with new partners and funding agencies/organizations/sources for building support for furthering the ALUS concept at a local, provincial and federal level.
• Basic operation of forestry / agricultural equipment and a variety of power and hand tools, for which training will be provided.
• Works closely with, and in full view of the public.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILL:
• Post secondary education in related field (Resource Management or Environmental Studies), plus two years related experience working in the field of natural or agricultural resources or combined education and experience equivalent.
• Working knowledge of Arc Map 9.3 and in field GPS technology.
• Excellent word processing skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office including Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel.
• Practical understanding of ecological restoration and agricultural practices.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships and to deal with the public.
MUST HAVE:
• Understanding of the practices relating to the field of natural resource management, agriculture, stewardship and conservation planning.
• Understanding of the Alternative Land Use Services Principles and Practices.
• Proven ability to work as a member of a team and in situations without direct supervision.
• Excellent communications, administrative, negotiation and organizational skills.
• A willingness and ability to learn basic functions of related department computer software.
• Good physical dexterity and ability to work in variable weather conditions.
• Experience operating trucks, basic forestry and agricultural equipment an asset.
• Must be aware of safe working practices, for volunteers, partners and self, as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment and must have the basic understanding of the Occupational
Health & Safety Act.
• A valid Ontario Driver’s licence.
This is a one year contract from date of hire with the possibility of extension up to 24 months, subject to funding.
Please submit your resume and cover letter (Microsoft Word or Adobe pdf.) to kristen.thompson@norfolkcounty.ca by May. 16, 2011. Only those candidates requested for an interview will be contacted.
