Specialist, Arctic Species and Ecosystems

WWF

Position Description

The Specialist, under the direction of the Senior Specialist, Arctic Species and Ecosystems, will focus on implementing WWF-Canada’s work on Arctic caribou (barren-ground, Dolphin and Union, Peary) in the western Canadian Arctic and contribute to caribou conservation projects across Canada and internationally. The specialist will also contribute to achieving conservation objectives on WWF-Canada’s other priority Arctic species as needed (polar bears, beluga, narwhal, bowhead whales and walrus). This position will play a key role in upcoming environmental impact assessments in the western Canadian Arctic as well as land use planning exercises. A key aspect of this role is the ability to develop and foster relationships with communities and facilitate community-based research and stewardship projects as opportunities arise. The Specialist will monitor species at risk processes pertaining to Arctic species and seek to work with northern stakeholders to improve territorial and federal government policies related to Arctic species and their habitat. 
 

Key Responsibilities

 

Relationship Building 

  • Build and maintain good working relationships with key partner organizations and agencies particularly the Northwest Territories and the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut.
  • Convene and organize meetings between WWF staff and northern stakeholders. 
 

Initiate New Projects 

  • Lead the implementation of new community-based projects to achieve conservation objectives, as opportunities arise in consultation with community stakeholders. 
  • Oversee small to medium sized project budgets and prepare project reports to funders. 
  • Participate in the development of new project concepts and work planning activities.
 

Conservation Planning

  • Participate in the development of WWF-Canada’s responses and positions pertaining to Arctic conservation issues by contributing scientific expertise, traditional knowledge and local perspectives. 
  • Analyze policy decisions from territorial and federal governments related to conservation planning. 
  • Maintain links with scientific, conservation and governmental bodies on issues related to Arctic conservation to ensure synergies and partnerships where appropriate.
  • Engage with communities and agencies that provide local and traditional knowledge relevant to Arctic conservation and management.
  • Remain abreast of developments relating to scientific and traditional knowledge related to Arctic conservation and management, and shares this information with colleagues.
 

Communications

  • In consultation with communications staff, contribute to communications such as blogs, fact sheets, web texts, press releases, reports, etc.  
  • Represent WWF-Canada at meetings, conferences, workshops, and similar activities when requested.
 

Environmental Impact Assessments

  • Lead WWF’s engagement in environmental impact assessments for identified resource development projects within the western Canadian Arctic, including the development of technical submission and attendance and presentation at public hearings.
 

What We Are Looking For:

  • Graduate degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Resource Management or a suitable alternative, combined with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Previous experience designing and delivering community-based conservation projects, preferably in the Canadian Arctic.
  • Familiarity with caribou conservation planning concepts.
  • Knowledge of and experience with Indigenous governmental agencies and decision making structures in the Western Arctic.
  • Experience developing and implementing management plans for wildlife.
  • Proven ability to manage projects and oversee budgets, including coordinating project team members
  • Proven experience of effective collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams as well as with multi-stakeholder groups, nationally and regionally. 
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently with a distributed team across Canada
 

Other Information

 
This is a 2-year full-time position based in Yellowknife or Inuvik. Some travel within the region and to southern Canada will be required. 
 
 

How to apply: 

If you are interested in applying for this exciting opportunity, you may submit your application: 
 

Online 

 
Please submit your cover letter and resume (as one document) by clicking here.
 
OR
 

Direct Mail 

 
Attn: Human Resources Department 
410 Adelaide Street West
Suite 400
Toronto, ON 
M5V 1S8
 
If you are submitting an application via direct mail, please include your answers to the following questions:
 
  1. Are you legally eligible to work in Canada?
  2. This role is ideally based out the successful candidate’s Yellowknife home office or our Inuvik office.  Is there anything that will prevent you from either arrangement?
  3. This role will require field work which may occasionally be under difficult Arctic conditions.  Please acknowledge your understanding of this requirement.
  4. What are your annual salary expectations?
  5. How flexible are your salary expectations?
  6. Where did you hear about this position?
 
 

Deadline to Apply

Please ensure that your application is received on or before March 23, 2018, 5pm EST; however, please note that this position may be filled prior to the deadline if a suitable candidate has been identified.

 

Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility

 

WWF-Canada is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and aboriginal peoples.
 
WWF-Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise the Human Resources Representative in a timely fashion of any accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
 
We thank all applicants for their interest in joining WWF-Canada.  Given the volume of applications received, we request that you do not follow up your application with a phone call.  We will contact only those candidates selected for interviews and thank you for your understanding.