Ecological / Wildlife Corridors

Position: Ecological Corridors - Project Coordinator
Organization: Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network
Location: Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region, Ontario

• Reports To: Conservation Project Manager
• Contract Start: ASAP, pending finalization of a project funding agreement
• Contract End: November 30, 2025
• Hours & Wage: 35 hrs/wk, $26-30/hr

Overview of Position:

The Ecological Corridors – Project Coordinator will work closely with the Ecological Corridors – Indigenous Liaison to coordinate the administration and implementation of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network’s (FABN’s) “Restoring Ecological Connectivity within the Frontenac Arch Region through Ethical Space and Co-governance” project.

This project aims to establish an inclusive governance model to pursue the Criteria for Ecological Corridors in Canada in strategic locations of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region (FABR) by operationalizing Two-Eyed Seeing and working in Ethical Space.* This initiative continues and extends the ongoing work of FABN and its partners to advance local biodiversity conservation through Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationship building, collaborative stewardship, Conservation Action Planning, corridor mapping, and road ecology research in the region. The successful candidate must reside within reasonable proximity to the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region.

Main Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with the Ecological Corridors - Indigenous Liaison to plan and coordinate training sessions, meetings, workshops, fieldwork and other key project events to achieve intended outcomes and objectives according to the project work plan.
• Ensure the appropriate expertise and resources are available to effectively facilitate event activities and document event outcomes.
• Manage, track, and document project budget, expenses, milestones and other aspects of the project.
• Facilitate, organize and document quarterly meetings of the Frontenac Arch Conservation Action Plan Implementation Team and integrate its work with the Corridor Project.
• Support the Conservation Project Manager to ensure all requirements of the contribution agreement with the project funder are fulfilled in a timely manner (reporting, documentation, work plans, etc.)
• Oversee the work of project consultants, in conjunction with the staff of project partner organizations, to create public-facing maps and other communication materials to create public awareness of and support for corridor activities.
• Work with GIS consultants and project partners to create a detailed geospatial database that documents the governance and management structures and biological and cultural values of the project areas.
• Conduct and direct field work to generate and ground truth spatial data.
• Plan for the long term maintenance and accessibility of the geospatial database.
• Work with project partners to identify and prioritize opportunities to improve ecological connectivity (i.e. potential locations for future wildlife crossing infrastructure, focused outreach to private landowners, ecological restoration, etc.)
• Support the overall goals and work of the project partners, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Ideal Knowledge and Experience:

• Post-secondary education and/or equivalent experience in ecology, geography, conservation biology, environmental studies/sciences or a related field, including experience with field work.
• Familiarity with the ecological and cultural landscape of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region and an interest in its conservation.
• Awareness of issues affecting Indigenous Peoples, especially in the conservation context, and a commitment to the values of Truth and Reconciliation.
• Interest in building Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships within frameworks such as Ethical Space and Two-Eyed Seeing.
• Knowledge of international and national conservation policies and initiatives and experience with their implementation in Canada.
• Experience using GIS to collect and analyze data and share information.
• Familiarity with the criteria for Ecological Corridors in Canada.

Ideal Skills:

• Excellent listener.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to successfully manage project deliverables, budgets and work plans.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in small groups to accomplish specific goals and tasks both remotely and in person.

Other Requirements and Assets:

• Valid G driver’s license and a reliable means of transportation (approved project-related travel will be reimbursed).
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, ArcGIS and/or QGIS will be considered an asset.

We recognize that not every candidate will have every quality listed and are committed to providing training and support. We are also open to negotiating the exact responsibilities to best fit the right candidate, aiming for the most beneficial outcome as our team grows.

If you have questions about the position you may email christine@fabn.ca

Benefits of Working for FABN:

• Values-driven work.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Ability to work from home.
• Positive and supportive work culture.
• Home workstation equipment available.

Please send a one-page cover letter and a resume as a single PDF to: christine@fabn.ca by November 29, 2024.

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

Applications will be considered as they are received so we encourage those interested to submit their applications as early as possible. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will be virtual.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided candidates make their accommodation needs known ahead of time. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusiveness. We welcome applications from women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ persons.

About the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region:

The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region is one of 19 UNESCO designated biosphere regions in Canada. The Frontenac Arch is an ecologically unique landscape spanning the area from Brockville to Westport to Verona on the traditional territory of the Algonquin and Kanienʼkehá꞉ka, and is characterized by an ancient ridge of exposed granite that acts as a wildlife corridor between the Adirondack Mountains and Algonquin Park. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network administers the UNESCO designation and delivers programming focused on celebrating biodiversity and sustainability in the region.

*Ethical Space or an "ethical space of engagement" (Ermine, 2007) is an approach to dialogue for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to meaningfully interact with one another in mutual respect of our distinct worldviews and knowledge systems, in order to collaborate, co-create solutions, and achieve common ground. It reflects the historic way of engagement between Indigenous Peoples and settler society at the signing of the first treaties, which were founded in mutual respect and co-existence. The responsibility is on us all to re-create this shared space, which in some cases has been forgotten and undermined over the last 150 years (One With Nature, 2018).

Following the model developed during the Pathway to Canada Target 1 process, the Ethical Space approach means that:

• a) knowledge systems may interact with mutual respect, kindness and generosity;
• b) no single knowledge system is given more weight or legitimacy than another;
• c) it is necessary for all parties to maintain flexibility; and
• d) participation is not construed as consultation or accommodation under existing or previous provincial or federal legislation or policies*.

* See We Rise Together: Achieving Pathway to Canada Target 1 through the creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in the spirit and practice of reconciliation. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2018/pc/R62-548-2018-eng.pdf

 

 

FAB Region / Leeds and Grenville, Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, Kingston, Westport, Gananoque, Perth, Smiths Falls, Kemptville, Brockville, Prescott, Lansdowne, Rockport, Mallorytown, Athens, Seeley's Bay, Thousand Islands...