SSEA Agriculture & Nature Initiative

Position: Agriculture & Nature Specialist - Contract
Organization: Severn Sound Environmental Association
Location: Port McNicoll ON, hybrid option

SSEA Overview: The Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) is a community success story. As a delisted Great Lakes Area of Concern, the SSEA is committed to leading and galvanizing action to protect the lands and waters of the Severn Sound area through sound science, collaboration, and partnerships. The SSEA is a Joint Municipal Service Board under the Municipal Act that proudly serves seven municipalities in the Severn Sound watershed area (severnsound.ca).

Why join the SSEA: As part of the SSEA Team you will have the opportunity to work in this beautiful watershed and make a positive impact on improving and protecting habitat and water quality and supporting a more resilient Severn Sound watershed. You will be part of a passionate expert team committed to keeping Severn Sound healthy for the next generation and beyond.

What SSEA offers you: The SSEA is proud to be an OMERS employer and is committed to being a diverse inclusive organization. This position is based 5 min from Georgian Bay in Port McNicoll Ontario within the heart of cottage country with amazing 4 season recreation opportunities. Apply to learn more!

Position Overview:

The SSEA is seeking an eager, motivated individual for one (1) Agriculture & Nature Specialist. As the Agriculture & Nature Specialist, you will lead a project to support farmers in creating or enhancing natural features on their lands. Reporting to the Manager of Watershed Resilience, you will be responsible for implementing the SSEA Agriculture and Nature Initiative (ANI), including liaising with landowner/farmers, external funders/administrators and partners, providing agricultural producers with site-specific guidance and assistance with developing and implementing stewardship projects, and tracking and reporting financials and project deliverables. This role offers a unique chance to support both environmental health and the agriculture community.

Start Date: As soon as possible
End Date: March 31, 2028
Wage: $31.26/hr
Employment Type: Contract
Hours of Work: 35-hours/week (flexibility to work weekends/evenings as required)
Work Location: 489 Finlayson St., Port McNicoll, hybrid option

Main Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the implementation of agricultural stewardship projects
• Connect and develop rapport with farmers, farmland owners, and the broader agricultural community in the Severn Sound area
• Support planning and implementation of the Agriculture and Nature Initiative (ANI), including
  • adhering to project timelines
  • purchasing supplies and materials
  • maintaining accurate tracking of and reporting on financials, performance measures and targets
  • helping prepare interim and final reporting
• Conduct communications and outreach to promote ANI and engage landowners and the community, including producing/disseminating educational materials, presentations, attending events, direct engagement with local organizations (e.g., agricultural groups) and municipalities, and social media content
• Conduct comprehensive site visits, providing technical advice to landowners/agricultural producers, and develop site-specific stewardship plans
• Prepare briefing notes, staff reports for Board and council updates
• Identify funding/grant opportunities, and assist with writing proposals and securing funding
• Determine training/professional development needs and opportunities to build capacity
• Input into SSEA Annual and Strategic Plan reports and other documents summarizing project activities and accomplishments
• Participate in weekly meetings, track metrics and support writing of reports summarizing project activities and accomplishments
• Participate in all health and safety related courses and training as assigned and actively participate in the implementation of health and safety workplace initiatives
• Supervise interns and seasonal contract staff that assist with ANI
• Perform other duties as required to support SSEA operations.

Qualifications and Key Skills:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in environmental science, ecosystem management, agricultural science, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, skills and experience
• 2-3 years demonstrated experience in conservation, restoration, and/or agricultural stewardship
• Demonstrated experience in project management and program administration
• Working knowledge of ecological restoration and agricultural best management practices
• Familiarity with the requirements and process of Duty to Consult with Indigenous communities
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communications skills (written and verbal), ability to communicate effectively with and convey technical information to a broad range stakeholders and audiences (i.e., staff, municipalities, media, public)
• Ability to comfortably work outdoors in a variety of conditions,
• Reliable and willing to work a flexible schedule (overtime, evenings, weekends) to accommodate availability of agricultural producers and landowners
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and also collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, take initiative on projects, exercise sound judgment and decision-making
• Able to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and formulate recommendations
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical, data management, and organizational skills
• Excellent computer skills including proficient use of applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS or QGIS, video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Teams)
• Website maintenance and/or graphic design experience is an asset
• Working level of French is an asset
• Experience in preparing successful funding/grant applications and reporting, and preparing and managing project budgets considered an asset
• Valid Class G Ontario Driver’s Licence with a clean driver’s abstract.

*Note: Please be advised that the successful incumbent will be required to undergo a vulnerable sector and driver’s abstract check. SSEA offers comprehensive health and safety training.

Submission Information:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the position requirements. Resumes and cover letters submitted via email must be in PDF format and include “Agriculture & Nature Specialist” in the subject line.

Resumes and cover letters should be submitted, preferably electronically, by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, and be clearly marked to:

Human Resources
Severn Sound Environmental Association
489 Finlayson St
PO Box 460
Port McNicoll ON L0K 1R0

Email: sseainfo@severnsound.ca

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We thank all applicants for your interest in the Severn Sound Environmental Association. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about our organization please visit http://www.severnsound.ca

The Severn Sound Environmental Association is dedicated to recognizing the dignity and worth of every person and to provide equal rights and opportunities without discrimination. We see diversity and inclusion as integral to our mission and key to ensuring the well-being of our employees and the clients that we serve.

The Severn Sound Environmental Association is committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Please inform us should an accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process. Information received relating to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed co nfidentially. Personal information collected will only be used for candidate selection, in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act R.S.O., 1990, c.M.56.