Policy And Research Assistant

This position is responsible for advancing Wanuskewin’s goals regarding designation as a conserved and protected area (IPCA, PA, or OECM). Reporting in to the Coordinator, Resource Management, the Policy and Research Assistant will investigate regulatory conservation avenues for Wanuskewin, and support the Coordinator, Resource Management in developing protocols for land management objectives and monitoring development and other pressures affecting ecology at the site.

Roles and Responsibilities:

· Investigate opportunities to become, and act as the primary person of contact regarding Wanuskewin’s designation as, a conserved and protected area.

· Develop protocols regarding the equipment, techniques, materials, and timing of various land management activities.

· Ensure all resource management activities adhere to federal and provincial legislative guidelines.

· Oversight and involvement in long-term environmental monitoring programs for the property including upland and aquatic habitats (e.g., health assessments, plant and soil surveys).

· Guide and supervise the work of other staff or consultants/visitors/volunteers undertaking ecological monitoring, inventory projects, volunteer events, or other management practices.

· Assist in study design, data collection, and analysis for various monitoring and resource management projects.

· Advise any future on-site or adjacent development plans, to ensure compatibility with ecological or heritage sensitivities.

· Management of invasive species, including surveying, monitoring, controlling and removing undesirable species (manual, mechanical, biological, chemical and/or controlled burns).

· Adapt and update the Resource Management Plan to include any new developments that may threaten ecological integrity within Wanuskewin.

· Keep up to date with environmental legislation/restoration/conservation/resource management science and best practices.

· Assist the Coordinator, Resource Management and Resource Management Technicians with tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

· Education in the fields of renewable resource management, environmental policy, or related natural sciences.

· A minimum one year of relevant experience in land management, or adequate experience in related fields (fieldwork, coursework, volunteering).

· Strong knowledge of relevant environmental legislature

· Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and acceptable driver’s abstract, a valid Class 1A Driver’s License considered an asset.

· Ability to work extended hours outdoors and perform a variety of physically laborous tasks.

· Ability to work independently and in a team.

· Experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint.

· First Aid Training would be considered an asset.

· Knowledge of and experience in native grassland restoration methodologies and practices and/or rangeland/riparian health assessments would be considered an asset.

· A pesticide applicator license would be an asset.

· Successful completion of BEAHR Program with specialization in Environmental Monitoring and/or Environmental Site Assessment would also be considered an asset. Opportunity to participate in these or other related professional development courses may be an option for hired candidate.

· Designation as a Professional Agrologist or Biologist considered an asset.

· Experience and comfort with teaching, public speaking, and public presentations would be considered an asset.

· Reliable transportation to and from job site is required as public transit is not available to job site.

Wanuskewin has a priority to hire Indigenous candidates; please note in your cover letter if you choose.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months

Salary: $21.13-$25.34 per hour

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-03-29
Expected start date: 2024-04-08