Associate Specialist, Conservation Research
Overview
The Associate Specialist, Conservation Research is a highly motivated and organized individual that provides research support on science and policy to support WWF-Canada’s work on biodiversity conservation and the recovery of species at risk. This role provides expert wildlife knowledge to ensure WWF’s conservation advocacy and actions are based on strong conservation science. This role will also assist with outreach and collection of data from external sources including academic, industry, Indigenous groups and organizations, and government partners, as well as the associated analysis and write-up into technical reports. Additionally, it will support the conservation team through assisting with basic mapping and GIS requests.
This role also involves working closely with colleagues across the organization — including our Communications, Development, and Community Giving teams — to ensure all our external facing products maintain the highest credibility and scientific accuracy.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research and data collection by assessing, compiling, and cataloguing biological, environmental, and traditional knowledge information.
- Deliver high-quality research and analytical synopsis and/or reports within project deadlines.
- Provide conservation science and natural history expertise to ensure WWF’s species communications products are always scientifically accurate.
- Identify Canadian species from photos and videos to confirm accuracy in external facing materials.
- Ensure an efficient and effective process for conservation team review of marketing, communications, and fundraising materials, including images, video, and written content.
- Support relationships with existing external partners and help foster new relationships with partners involved in upcoming priority threat management project in Ontario.
- Provide support to the GIS Specialist by assisting with mapping and data analysis tasks
- Assist the SKI team, as required, with other related duties contributing to the mandate and successful operation of the department and organization.
Qualifications
- Related post-secondary education in zoology, biology, ecology, conservation biology, or similar field combined with at least 2 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree plus at least 1-year related experience.
- Strong natural history knowledge and ability to identify Canada’s wildlife species, with a strong focus on species at risk in Ontario.
- Knowledge of biodiversity and conservation issues specific to Ontario, as well as Canada more broadly
- Strong database management skills, including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
- Previous experience providing research support to an organization, ideally related to conservation or species at risk in Canada.
- Familiarity with social media, podcasts and other engagement tools for communication.
- Ability to work collaboratively in multi-person teams.
- Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.
- Excellent ability to multi-task and manage multiple competing priorities.
- Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking capabilities coupled with an outcome, delivery-oriented approach.
- Demonstrated ability to use GIS and remote sensing software, including ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Pro.
- Cartographic and data visualization skills.
- Bilingual in French considered an asset.
- Knowledge of federal and provincial (Ontario) species at risk legislation an asset.
- Identify & align with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.
Other Information
This role can be based out of any of WWF-Canada offices (Toronto, Thunder Bay, Montreal, Ottawa, Victoria, St. John’s, or Iqaluit), although Toronto or Ottawa preferred.
Deadline to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this exciting opportunity, please click <Apply>, and ensure that your application is received on or before February 19, 2025 at 5pm EST.
Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility
Our vision is a Canada with abundant wildlife where nature and people thrive and we value and rely on diversity of thought, knowledge, expertise, and lived experience to help bring our vision to life.
We recognize that experience comes in many forms and skills are transferable. If you feel that your unique experiences can enhance our vision, we encourage you to apply – even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements.
We encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
We are committed to a barrier-free and equitable recruitment & selection process. If you are contacted in relation an opportunity to join our team and require an accommodation at any point in the process, please advise the recruiter of your specific needs. We commit to managing these requests in a confidential manner.