The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a full-time opportunity for a
Supervisor, Stewardship & Ecological Services
The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is a watershed-based organization established under the provisions of the Conservation Authorities Act. Since 1958 the HCA has dedicated itself to the management and conservation of watershed lands and water resources for the benefit of people, communities and the environment.
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Watershed Planning, Regulations and Conservation Services the Supervisor, Stewardship & Ecological Services is responsible for the administration and oversight of the Authority’s Stewardship & Ecological Services programs. In this role, the Supervisor will oversee the programs and staff that implement the HCA’s ecological monitoring, invasive species, natural heritage planning, restoration landowner stewardship and education programs.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the delivery of the stewardship & ecological services program including the development and implementation of HCA’s aquatic and terrestrial monitoring programs as well as private and public land conservation, land and water management activities under the Hamilton Watershed Stewardship Program (HWSP).
- Develop and implement outreach and extension service programs for private landowners and direct staff on the negotiation of watershed stewardship agreements.
- Manage project design, negotiation and implementation of rehabilitation projects on private and public lands.
- Work in collaboration with other CA staff, local, provincial, and federate partners in undertaking watershed stewardship and management activities and programs.
- Organize public workshops and events such as information sessions for private landowners on watershed conservation topics.
- Support the development and review of long-range strategies and policies for the HCA’s watershed planning, regulations, ecology and stewardship programs, and prepare informational/educational resources to support the administration of these programs.
- Create program, policy, budget and technical reports and presentations to advise HCA senior management, HCA Advisory Board and the Board of Directors, and attend meetings as required.
- Manage the recruitment, training, staffing performance reviews, and provide ongoing regular feedback to staff as necessary to ensure project goals and priorities are being met.
- Other duties as assigned to assist the team effort.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education degree or diploma in ecology, biology, or related environmental science.
- Minimum seven to ten years of related work experience, and at least three to five years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
- Possess a strong knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including methodologies and protocols for the sampling, classification, evaluation, and monitoring of those ecosystems.
- Strong identification skills for southern Ontario flora and fauna, fish, benthos, and aquatic vegetation, as well as knowledge of invasive species in Ontario and methods for their control and removal.
- Thorough understanding of aquatic and terrestrial habitat restoration and rehabilitation techniques, and experience with the planning and implementation of rehabilitation projects.
- Understanding of principles and approaches related to hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, natural resources management, and environmental impact assessment, and knowledge of watershed management and land use planning processes.
- Working knowledge of planning and resource management related legislation, regulations and policies including the Conservation Authorities Act, Planning Act and Provincial Policy Statement, Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, and Endangered Species Act, along with experience applying this knowledge in the review of development applications.
- Experience reviewing and interpreting technical plans and drawings (i.e. site plans, grading and drainage plans, landscape plans, etc.).
- Training and certification in, and/or working experience using Ecological Land Classification, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, OBBN, Electro-fishing, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN), Marsh Monitoring Program, Forest Bird Monitoring Program an asset.
- Familiar with statistical analysis approaches and methodologies, and applied experience undertaking the statistical analysis of ecological data.
- Project management experience, including the preparation of grant funding applications, project proposals, budgets and progress reports.
- Proven ability to guide and mentor staff to meet goals and deadlines, while developing employees to take on more responsibility or leadership roles.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.
- Ability to work outdoors to conduct field investigations in variable terrain and weather conditions.
- Possess a valid Ontario’s driver’s license, and ability to travel to various locations as required.
- Standard First Aid and CPR, or willingness to obtain.
Working Conditions
This position will be based at 383 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster Ontario. Work hours are 7.5 hours per day for a total of 37.5 hours per week. Attendance at evening Board and Subcommittee meetings, particularly those concerning agenda-specific or general area topics, may be required.
Salary
The position offers a salary range of $104,397 to $121,024 commensurate with experience and education. Progression will be based on merit and is reviewed annually. Additionally, yearly cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) may be considered.
Benefits
This position is eligible for benefits as outlined in HCA’s Employee Handbook as it pertains to a full-time position. Most benefits become effective after the 3-month probation period (health, dental, disability insurances and life insurance); however, the defined contribution pension plan requires one year of service.
Application Process
Interested applicants, please submit your cover letter and resume in PDF or MS Word format via email, quoting the job title in the email subject line, by 4:00 pm, on Friday, December 6, 2024 to: jobs@conservationhamilton.ca
Although we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to inform Human Resources for any disability required accommodations in advance.
