Forests & Biodiversity Conservation

Position Title: Forest Ecosystem Researcher
Employer: Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI)
Location: MTRI’s research station in Kempt, Nova Scotia

The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI) is a non-profit co-operative focused on conserving biodiversity in Kespukwitk (southwestern Nova Scotia) and beyond through research, promotion of beneficial management practices, and public engagement. As a charitable, non-advocacy organization, we prioritize collaboration and research-based decision making. We are currently hiring a Forest Ecosystem Researcher.

• Anticipated Duration: January 2025 at the latest, until March 2026 with possibility of extension, 3-month probationary period
• Salary Information: $25/hour Commensurate with experience
• Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
• Regular work hours are Monday–Friday, but some evening and weekend work will occasionally be required.

Position Summary:

The Forest Ecosystem Researcher will be an important part of MTRI’s Ecosystems Program as the Forested Wetland Team Lead. Main project components will include supporting a research project establishing the value of varying buffer widths on forested wetlands, the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative’s Forested Wetland Target, and MTRI’s Forest Stewardship Program by coordinating educational opportunities including workshops, developing communication materials, social media content, and participation and leadership within committees and steering groups.

The Researcher will work closely both with the Senior Forester and the Ecosystems Program Manager in efforts to promote and strengthen ecological forestry research, beneficial management practices, education and accessibility in Nova Scotia. It is essential that the Researcher be a member or be able to become a member of the Nova Scotia forestry community which includes large and small woodlot owners, contractors, partner organizations, government departments, academia, and volunteers. 

The position will be based at MTRI’s research station in Kempt, NS. A significant component of this position will involve coordination and implementation of field- based forest research. The position will require hiking and navigating in rough terrain under varying weather conditions, carrying field equipment, and adhering to a safety plan in remote areas. For office-based work, a hybrid inoffice/remote work model may be considered.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The Forest Ecosystem Researcher will work closely with MTRI’s Ecosystems Program staff and partners on multiple outreach and research projects. In particular, the researcher will work on the following initiatives:

• Leading a research project on the impact of varying buffer widths on forested wetlands
• Coordinating Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative’s Forested Wetland conservation target including hosting virtual or in-person stakeholder and partner meetings
• Assisting MTRI staff and the Wetland Conservation Target Steering Group in identifying and implementing priority strategies to recover species at risk (SAR) in forested wetlands
• Developing communication materials and conducting outreach and education in person and through social media
• Collaborating closely with environmental and forestry partner organizations, woodlot owners and operators to support the implementation of ecological forestry in Nova Scotia
• Providing guidance and assistance to other Ecosystems Program staff as required and supervising students and volunteers as necessary
• Tracking project deliverables and writing reports
• Assist with day-to-day organizational and office duties as needed

Qualifications/Skills:

The ideal candidate will be a team player with good interpersonal skills, experience with forest mensuration techniques, and will have a background in one or more of the following:

• Degree or diploma in forestry or forest ecology or similar experience
• At least three years of field experience in a forest-related position
• Experience with wetland delineation
• Experience with the NS Forest Ecosystem Classification
• Knowledge of Open Standards for Conservation / Theories of Change
• Experience in research methods, monitoring, reporting

The following aptitudes would be an asset:

• Wilderness navigation and off-road driving experience
• Experience with QGIS or ArcGIS Pro, Survey 1,2,3, and Avenza Maps
• Aptitude to use Microsoft 365 including Teams and Excel
• Knowledge of local biodiversity conservation, species at risk, and wetland ecology
• Experience in coordinating meetings and events, both virtually and in person
• Strong communication & writing skills
• Familiarity with non-profit organizations and environmental or conservation work
• Wilderness First Aid certification

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.

Application Process:

Please submit applications (cover letter and resume as one document) to jobs@merseytobeatic.ca by December 9, 2024.

Please mention you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

MTRI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those
selected for an interview will be contacted.