Specialist, Forest Conservation
Overview
WWF-Canada’s 10-year plan to Regenerate Canada aims to expand large-scale resilient habitats, undertake complex ecosystem restoration, and reduce or eliminate industrial impacts and, as a result, reverse wildlife and biodiversity loss and fight climate change. It’s an exciting time for WWF-Canada as we focus on improving ecosystem resilience in ways that bring benefits for wildlife, Indigenous and other communities, and climate.
Position Description
The Specialist, Forest Conservation will work to reduce or eliminate threats to large-scale ecosystem productivity from forestry-related activities in WWF-Canada’s focus regions including but not limited to northern Ontario and Interior BC. This role will support forest conservation consistent with collaborative conservation approaches, and restoration and protection initiatives led by First Nations, Métis, and other local communities. The Specialist will build partnerships and collaboration with First Nations, Metis, local communities, Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments, and where appropriate the forestry sector to influence WWF-Canada’s national and provincial regulatory and policy agenda, to increase habitat viability and ecosystem carbon storage and sequestration, and to reduce destruction and conversion of forest and related ecosystems.
Responsibilities
- Maintain critical knowledge of terrestrial conservation, restoration and maintenance of complex forest ecosystems, and the forestry sector in Canada, including impacts of forestry on ecosystems and communities, while remaining aware of best practices to sustain the well-being of ecosystems and communities.
- Identify and stay abreast of forestry issues, policies, legislation, and strategic approaches to resource management, using that knowledge to advance priorities to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and strengthen and secure carbon stored in Canada’s forest ecosystems.
- Develop initiatives and working partnerships related to local forest conservation projects in WWF-Canada’s priority regions such as the B.C. Central Interior, Northern Ontario, and the Southern Ontario-Quebec corridor.
- Identify, connect with, and develop relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Metis, local communities, relevant business and commercial interests, government staff, other ENGOs, and academic experts, among others, to maximize benefits for wildlife, climate, and communities.
- Collaborate with First Nations and Métis communities to ensure all of WWF-Canada’s efforts support their priorities and rights, and are consistent with Indigenous knowledge and governance structures.
- Liaise with the WWF-International Network on the Forest Forward initiative, forestry certification schemes and standards, and with industry and corporate interests to implement best practices around nature-based solutions.
- Collaborate and provide guidance on wildlife and industry issues to WWF-Canada’s other Conservation units and other divisions including Marketing & Communications, and Development.
- Track progress towards WWF-Canada’s Regenerate Canada’s goals and targets using established indicators, and actively support a culture of accountability for execution and results.
- Represent WWF-Canada at external fora such as conferences and meetings, as assigned.
Qualifications
- Completion of a post-secondary education in Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Studies/Science, Geography, or other relevant area of study. A related post-graduate education considered an asset, and 4+ years of professional experience related to forest management (e.g., planning, policy, conservation, operations) and/or supporting Indigenous communities OR Completion of a post-gradudate degree in Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Studies/Science, Geography, or other relevant area of study. A related post-graduate education considered an asset, and 2+ years of professional experience related to forest management (e.g., planning, policy, conservation, operations) and/or supporting Indigenous communities
- Understanding of forestry activities and issues, including how they impact wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and carbon sinks such as forested lands and wetlands, and potential responses to reduce or eliminate risk to wildlife and terrestrial ecosystems.
- Experience supporting forestry-related wildlife, biodiversity and ecosystem carbon priorities identified by First Nations and Metis.
- Ability to build respectful and trusting partnerships and relationships with external organizations by understanding their priorities and positions.
- Strong problem-solving and creative capabilities paired with an outcome-oriented approach
- Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Self-starter and ability to work independently.
- Fluency in an Indigenous language, such as Anishinaabemowin, Anishininimowin. Or Secwepemctsin would be considered an asset.
- Experience working with geographic information systems (GIS) would be considered an asset.
- Knowledge of and experience with federal and provincial agencies, regulations, policies and decision-making structures related to natural resources would be considered an asset.
- Identify & align with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.
Other Information
- This position will require local travel to meet with community partners.
- Occasional national travel may be required.
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 May 13, 2024, at 5 pm 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.
