The Hamilton Conservation Authority has a full-time opportunity for a
Watershed Stewardship Technician
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. HCA undertakes programs on a watershed basis to manage water resources, protect people and property from natural hazards, monitor and conserve the natural environment, and provide recreational and educational opportunities.
As part of HCA’s Watershed Management Services (WMS) Division, and reporting to the Supervisor of Stewardship and Ecological Services, the Watershed Stewardship Technician will support HCA’s strategic priorities related to natural heritage conservation and connecting people to nature. The Watershed Stewardship Technician is responsible for the delivery of activities associated with HCA’s Hamilton Watershed Stewardship Program (HWSP), including conducting community and landowner outreach, developing water quality and habitat improvement projects, and delivering education initiatives. The Watershed Stewardship Technician works closely with the other Stewardship Technician and WMS staff, as well as other HCA divisions and programs to provide stewardship advice and assistance with the implementation of conservation and restoration projects within HCA’s Conservation Areas.
Responsibilities
- Conduct outreach activities to engage private landowners, community groups, conservation organizations, etc. in natural heritage conservation and environmental education initiatives and activities
- Conduct site visits and consultations with property owners to identify and assess natural features and impairments, discuss land management practices, and provide site-specific recommendations for solutions to ecological impairments and restoration opportunities
- Work with landowners and organizations to develop and implement water quality, stormwater, and habitat improvement projects, including providing technical guidance and assistance in the design and implementation of projects
- Develop and implement outreach and communications initiatives to promote the HWSP and sustainable land management practices
- Periodically review and update HCA’s Water Quality and Habitat Improvement Program (WQHIP) guidelines
- Develop and implement educational workshops regarding land stewardship and conservation information and practices
- Undertake the preparation of communications materials, newsletters, factsheets, press releases, brochures, site tours, etc.
- Plan and organize stewardship events and award ceremonies, including Watershed Stewardship Appreciation Days
- Support delivery of the City of Hamilton Well Decommissioning Program, and the County of Wellington Rural Water Quality Program (RWQP)
- Complete and support grant funding proposals in support of stewardship projects
- Support maintenance of the HWSP QGIS database and associated mapping layers, including landowner contact information, stewardship agreements and restoration project data, QA/QC of data entry and digitization, database design changes, and building of queries to generate statistics
- Prepare HWSP statistics and data reports for inclusion in grant proposals, reports, presentations, workshops, etc.
- Provide input and advice as necessary to support projects and initiatives undertaken by other HCA Divisions and within HCA’s Conservation Areas.
- Attend meetings in support of carrying out duties, and represent HCA and the HWSP on various committees and initiatives when required
- Other duties as may be assigned
Qualifications
- A university degree or college diploma in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, fish and wildlife management, geography, or related discipline, specializing in ecological restoration
- Minimum of three (3) years of related work experience
- Understanding of land management, hydrology, soils, stormwater management/low impact development and ecological restoration techniques, practices and principles
- Strong identification skills for southern Ontario flora and fauna, including invasive species
- Experience planning and implementing ecological restoration, water quality and/or habitat improvement projects
- Experience planning and conducting outreach, developing education initiatives and creating communications materials
- Experience working with urban and rural landowners, and/or farm owners, on stewardship initiatives, conservation projects, agricultural best management practices, etc.
- Experience organizing and managing volunteers and engaging with the public
- Project management experience, including the preparation of grant funding applications, project proposals, budgets and progress reports
- Experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and databases, including experience working with QGIS
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Positive team player capable of self-directed, independent work
- Strong time management skills and ability to balance multiple files and priorities
- Possess a valid Ontario driver’s license
- Standard First Aid and CPR
Working Conditions
This position will be based at the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s main office, located at 838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster, Ontario. HCA offers alternative work arrangements as outlined in our Employee Handbook.
Working hours will be 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, totalling 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, occasional weekend work may apply.
Rate of Pay and Benefits
The position offers a salary range of $75,631 to $87,677 annually, 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.
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 format via email, quoting the job title in the email subject line, by 4 PM, on Monday, February 23, 2026 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.
Hamilton Conservation Authority and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment cycle does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.
