Restoration Ecologist

Location: National Capital Region preferred, however remote applicants will be considered

Salary Range: $70,000 – $85,000/year

Language Requirements: English, French considered an asset

Accountable to: Head of National Greening Program

Accountable for: Program Coordinator, National Greening Program

About Tree Canada

Since 1992, Tree Canada has worked relentlessly to grow Canada’s tree canopy through our greening programs, research, and engagement efforts. We are the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments. Our track record of collaborating with all levels of government, the urban forestry sector, business partners, and community groups uniquely positions us to engage Canadians in the fight against climate change. Together we plant millions of trees each year, helping to grow resilient ecosystems and healthier, greener communities across Canada.

If you believe in the benefits of trees and are looking for a dynamic workplace that is poised for growth, Tree Canada would love to hear from you!

About the Position

The Restoration Ecologist assists in the implementation of Tree Canada’s National Greening Program (NGP), with a specific focus on supporting the Biodiversity Program. Under the direction of the Head of NGP, the Ecologist is responsible for working with Indigenous land managers, Elders, private and public landowners and contractors to design land restoration efforts that benefit species at risk, focus on biodiversity and adaptation to climate change. The Ecologist will develop a biodiversity monitoring framework for the program that will help Tree Canada validate the environmental impact of mass seedling planting projects.

The NGP is Tree Canada’s mass seedling, rural planting program that implements large scale land restoration projects in collaboration with Indigenous communities, private landowners and public landowners. The Ecologist will assist with day-to-day activities of the program, oversee monitoring for all projects and supervise the NGP Program Coordinator. The Ecologist will also play a critical role in achieving our biodiversity planting impacts goals, and work collaboratively with both the NGP team and other Tree Canada colleagues.

Areas of Responsibility

Project Implementation (40%)

• In collaboration with the NGP team, provide project oversight and implementation support.
• Develop and review planting plans for NGP projects, with a focus on increasing biodiversity and improving habitat for species at risk.
• Work closely with Indigenous land managers and Elders to incorporate Traditional Knowledge, while blending in Western Science into all projects, following the “Two Eyed Seeing” approach.
• Assist with reviewing final reports for projects; prepare internal reporting documents and updating CRM and tree planting project records.
• In collaboration with the NGP Manager, provide budgeting advice on monitoring costs for projects.
• Supervise NGP monitoring program and establish impact framework for Programs team.
• Provide leadership to leverage technology for monitoring projects.

Landowner Engagement (20%)

• Work with landowners to ensure thorough upfront planning, proper due diligence, consultation with Indigenous communities and the successful guidance and quality assurance of large-scale tree planting projects.
• Partner with Indigenous land managers, private and public landowners, to ensure species at risk recovery plans are complimentary to the proposed NGP activities.
• Consult with decision-makers, Indigenous partners, and land contractors to ensure projects will be delivered on time, increase biodiversity, and have lasting positive impacts on the surrounding community.
• Seek out new landowners for future partnerships.

Ecological Assessments (40%)

• Develop a biodiversity monitoring framework for the program, with monitoring protocols which will provide the NGP team with a standardization across all projects.
• Design and implement a baseline ecological assessment standard, for each project, that will be utilized to measure biodiversity, and the overall effectiveness of each NGP project.
• Ensure consultants and contractors properly conduct these ecological assessments, providing the NGP team with the most pertinent and correct data, to report to our sponsors, partners and Natural Resources Canada on the success of our planting projects.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of forest ecology, ecological assessments and species at risk.
• Experience in conservation, environmental sciences, forestry, land restoration.
• Ability to integrate the perspectives of Indigenous communities and worldviews in projects.
• Experience working with contractors, consultants, foresters, partners and sponsors.
• Experience managing large-scale projects and budgets.
• Knowledge or expertise in impact and outcome monitoring approaches.
• Experience administering contracts, tracking financials, and assisting other staff with operational tasks.
• Detail-oriented and organized with a demonstrated client-focused mindset.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills (verbal and written) in English and French (not mandatory, but would be an asset)
• Ability to work both independently and with a team in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams); knowledge and experience with Salesforce and OpenWater is an asset.
• Respect for the values and differences that all members of a small team bring to an office environment; adaptable to different approaches and flexible to move in new directions.
• Commitment to Tree Canada’s work and values, in particular a passion for the environment and a belief that organizations and individuals can and do improve lives by planting trees and addressing climate change.

Education and Experience   

Post secondary education in forest ecology or a related field is an asset. Minimum five (5) years experience in ecology, biology or conservation for a non-profit organization is desired. Equivalencies in education and experience will be considered.

Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants are encouraged to apply.

Tree Canada Work Environment and Culture

Tree Canada values its passionate and skilled team. We truly believe that each employee, contractor, and volunteer contributes directly to the growth and success of our organization. We put trust in our talented team and are pleased to offer a hybrid work environment. Together, our team is intentionally creating a work culture that is collaborative, respectful, caring, impactful, and productive. We aim to create a culture of care so that each team member may thrive, contribute, and grow professionally at Tree Canada.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tree Canada is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, and to the process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. We believe in equality and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and disability. Tree Canada encourages and welcomes applications from members of racialized communities, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and with the skills/knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is barrier-free. If you need any accommodations or adjustments throughout the interview process and beyond, including asking questions about how we can accommodate your needs, please indicate this in your application.

You don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Tree Canada!

We sincerely thank all those who express interest and apply, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.