ABOUT ONTARIO NATURE

Ontario Nature is the voice for nature in Ontario. We protect wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement and have been a champion for nature since 1931. We are a charitable organization with a community of more than 30,000 members and supporters and 150 member groups across the province. We work with community groups, environmental organizations, government, industry, landowners and others to raise awareness of conservation issues, advocate for effective laws and policies, and engage people in hands-on stewardship and citizen science activities.

For more information on our work and the Ontario Nature team, please visit http://www.ontarionature.org.

CITIZEN SCIENCE COORDINATOR POSITION

The successful candidate will coordinate Ontario Nature’s citizen science program, including the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (ORAA). The ORAA began in 2009 and has matured into a well known and respected citizen science initiative that has doubled the size of the provincial record on reptiles and amphibians.

The successful coordinator will complete the objectives for the ORAA including addressing data gaps, overseeing a large database and creating an Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas publication. This person will also help shape the future of Ontario Nature’s citizen science program, including raising funds for the program.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities and deliver on them. You are self-motivated, well organized, detail-oriented with the ability to see the big picture. You have strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with both scientists and the general public. You demonstrate both an ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proven ability to coach, lead and oversee staff. Finally, you have a passion for species conservation and inspiring people to become involved.

http://www.ontarionature.org/atlas

Duties and responsibilities

Leading the Ontario Nature citizen science program and set a strategic direction for the future
Working with the ORAA steering committee and its subcommittees to use the current data to produce articles in peer-reviewed journals and an Ontario reptile and amphibian atlas.
Identifying data deficiencies and collecting the necessary data to address these deficiencies
Building and fostering relationships with partner organizations
Overseeing the management of a large observation database, including working with species experts to verify identifications, requesting additional information from atlas volunteers and coordinating data-sharing with partner organizations
Raising funds to continue to expand the Citizen Science program
Overseeing work done by the Conservation Data Technician and interns
Collaborating with partner organizations to create a forum for citizen science projects in Ontario
Delivering PowerPoint presentations and training workshops (field-based) to groups and individuals who are interested in participating in the atlas program
Assisting the Conservation Science Manager with project management and reporting
Assisting Ontario Nature with science and policy initiatives related to conservation, reptiles and amphibians and citizen science as required

Skills and qualifications

Expert knowledge of Ontario’s herpetofauna, including species identification and ecology
Experience with project coordination and management (including writing funding proposals, organizing events, working with partners, developing program materials, coordinating staff, etc)
Skillful at fostering partnerships and volunteers
Results-based, big picture thinker with proven ability to identify and take advantage of opportunities
Knowledge of biology and ecology including conservation biology, biodiversity and species at risk issues
Strong research and writing skills for both scientific and general audiences
Experience creating engaging ways to inspire participation in citizen science initiatives
Excellent verbal communications skills and ability to engage diverse audiences
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Expert ability to deliver solid work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
Strong knowledge of GIS mapping software and databases
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
Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working in the conservation or related field
Have a valid G-class Ontario driver’s license
Be legally entitled to work in Canada

Working Conditions

The position will be based at Ontario Nature’s head office at 214 King Street West in downtown Toronto, with fieldwork occurring all across southern Ontario and occasionally northern Ontario.

This position often requires evening or weekend work outside of normal working hours as required by fieldwork, events and activities.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week), one-year contract position, with possibility of extension. The anticipated start date is January 4, 2016.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply by e-mailing your resume and cover letter to Tanya Pulfer, Conservation Science Manager, at:
tanyap@ontarionature.org
by December 1, 2015. Please include Citizen Science Coordinator 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.