Conservation manager at Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Edmonton AB (Canada)

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is looking for a conservation
manager to head up operations for northern Alberta, looks like a great
opportunity - see below:

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Northern Alberta chapter (CPAWS
NAB) is seeking a dynamic, results-oriented individual to provide strategic
leadership to the chapter. This position reports directly to the chapter’s
Board of Directors and has a strong conservation focus in its daily work.
The chapter is exploring two different operational models for this position.
Only one of the two positions will be hired based on the qualifications of
the ‘best fit’ candidate.

1.      Full-time Conservation Manager
Candidate has a minimum of 3-4 years of progressively responsible
experience, a strong conservation background, proven leadership and
communication skills, some experience with strategic planning and fund
development, and the potential to grow into an Executive Director role over
time. In this model, the Board will work with the Conservation Manager to
develop targeted skill-gaps.  Applicant’s related work experience should not
be limited to summer/co-op term positions.

2.       Part-time Executive Director (3-4 days/week)
Candidate has 5-7 plus years of leadership experience, a strong conservation
and strategic planning background, and proven experience with fund
development, stakeholder and media relations, and the non-profit sector
(management-oriented preferred).

Position Focus Areas
The Board will work with the right candidate to shape the position to the
candidate’s strengths in relation to the organization’s gaps and a
manageable workload. The final job description, position expectations, and
operational model will be determined once the position is filled in
consultation with the best candidate. CPAWS NAB is small chapter with
limited administrative and staff support requirements for the leadership
position.
1.Providing vision and strategic leadership to achieve CPAWS NAB’s
conservation goals.
2.Ensuring that CPAWS NAB is an influential voice on conservation and parks
in Northern Alberta.
3.Representing the organization in multi-stakeholder discussions and to the
public, government, and other stakeholders as needed.
4.Working within existing organizational structures and financial frameworks
to guide day-to-day operations.
5.Supervising and leading the organization’s small contract staff and
working with the Board to ensure volunteers remain engaged in key support
roles and Board-lead committees.
6.Supporting the chapter’s fund development and outreach efforts (led by the
Board’s Fund Development and Outreach/Special Events committees)
7.Fostering strong relationships within the CPAWS Pan-Canadian Network
particularly with the Southern Alberta Chapter and the National office.


Desired skill-sets for both operational models:
The Board recognizes the level and depth of experience with the targeted
skill sets will differ between the two operational models under consideration.
•University degree in a conservation or environmental planning related field
or equivalent related work experience.
•Knowledge and experience working with environmental issues, in particular
those regarding conservation, the boreal forest, and parks.
•A demonstrated passion for wilderness and conservation.
•Leadership experience, including experience working with and leading teams.
•An understanding of the public policy and political process in Alberta and
Canada.
•Strategic planning experience and a capacity to understand and respect the
often contrasting needs of the various stakeholders
•Successful history of working with stakeholders and partner organizations
and building networks.
•Excellent verbal and written communications skills
•Assets include experience with GIS, media relations, and working with First
Nations.

About the Organization
CPAWS NAB is a well-established, conservation group that engages with
governments, industry, and the Canadian public, and is the pre-eminent voice
for protecting wilderness and biodiversity in the northern two-thirds of
Alberta. The ED will work collaboratively with the Board, staff, key
volunteers, the CPAWS national network, and other key stakeholders to
achieve our conservation goals. For more information on our chapter visit:
www.cpawsnab.org.

About Edmonton
If you are passionate about wilderness, then Edmonton is the city for you!
The city boasts the longest connected urban parkland in North America,
offering up over 97 km of trails for biking, hiking, skiing and running. Elk
Island National Park is less than an hour away, and weekend trips to the
Rocky Mountain parks are a must. Edmonton has fantastic restaurants that
focus on fresh, local ingredients, and it also boasts a vibrant music scene.
The CPAWS-NAB office is centrally located in the heart of the downtown with
great links to transit, and steps away from Alberta’s political hub to keep
you in the center of conservation action.

Position and Remuneration Details
The salary will reflect the candidate’s experience and length of work-week
while being competitive with other small non-profits in the Edmonton region.
CPAWS offers a comprehensive benefit package. A flexible work-week will be
considered however a strong presence in the chapter’s downtown Edmonton
office is required.

Application Process
Please submit your resume with a covering letter via email to:
Amber Nicol, Board Chair, CPAWS NAB
infonab@cpaws.org

Your cover letter should address which operational model you are applying
under and include your salary expectations. The deadline is April 25, 2014.
Interviews will be scheduled for the following week with a target start-date
for the position of mid-May.

CPAWS Northern Alberta thanks all applicants for their interest; only those
invited for an interview will be contacted.