Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Coordinator - Bridgewater, Canada - Medway Community Forest Cooperative

Description

The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Project Coordinator leads a talented team of 3-4 individuals who work to conserve hemlock forest ecosystems in southwest Nova Scotia Provincial Protected Areas.

This is a new project by the Medway Community Forest Coop (MCFC) called Hemlock Conservation Nova Scotia that was officially launched in spring 2023.

Hemlock Conservation NS operates under the umbrella of the Medway Community Forest Coop and in partnership with Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (ECC) Protected Areas Branch and Natural Resources & Renewables (NRR) Forest Protection Division using a four-year funding program from Environment and Climate Change Canada's Nature Smart Climate Solutions.

The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Project Coordinator will oversee a Hemlock Conservation Strike Team and the Hemlock Heroes volunteer program.

• The coordinator will be responsible for:_
• Leading and coordinating field operations, deploying a strike team of several members that are organized daily with a crew leader and safety officer and supplemented by volunteers to the extent possible.
• Assuring HWA treatment operations are conducted with efficiency to achieve hemlock conservation targets and that field operations are organized and well supported with tools and safety gear required to achieve effective operations.
• Fostering positive team dynamics within MCFC's HWA Strike Team and Hemlock Heroes Program.
• General tasks:_
• Organize field work operations and planning to assure treatment targets are met.
• Assure general staff needs are met, e.g., hiring administration, pay set up, assignment of gear, safety requirements and training.
• Ensure operational compliance with all safety standards/measures. E.g., safety of workers, safe chemical storage and chemical operations, compliance with safe work practices and product label.
• Organize and provide strike team training.
• Coordinate Hemlock Hero volunteer program and ensure safety/training needs are met.
• Organize office setup, chemical and gear storage to support field operations.
• Plan field operations on a monthly, weekly and daily scheduling basis.
• Outreach:_
• Conduct public and social media communications and presentations.
• Respond to media inquiries related to the HWA project.
• Liaise with ECC Project Coordinator & NRR strike team operations.
• Administration_:
• Chemical, supply & equipment inventory and ordering.
• Maintain project budget & recordkeeping.
• Field Operations:_
• Conduct physical work that involves carrying/lifting heavy loads, working in a range of environmental conditions, at times with heavy fly and tick conditions.
• Coordinate daily maintenance and cleaning of gear, vehicles, and work environment.
• Deliver an organized ICS reporting structure with an HWA Strike Team Leader and Safety Officer.
• Other duties as required.

• Mandatory Qualifications:_
• Degree or diploma from a recognized forestry or natural resources program.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) and other current, relevant technologies.
• Nova Scotia Class 5 Driver's license or equivalent.
• Ability to complete physically demanding work in remote areas under varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Strong wilderness/backcountry skills, including navigation and experience working in a remote setting.
• Strong team, interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively with other Strike Team members and volunteers.
• Preferred Qualifications:_
• Nova Scotia Pesticide Applicator Certification (or equivalent).
• Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) 100 training.
• Wilderness First Aid Certificate.

• Compensation_: Wages start at $30.00/hour and are based on a 37.5 hour work week. Strike Teams will be required to work on a flexible schedule and/or a compressed work week when field operations require longer days afield. Several overnight wilderness stays may occur.
• Other Benefits Include:_
• Cost share on a health benefits package or annual health care spending account
• Annual work gear/clothing allowance
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 11 paid holidays
• Monthly cell phone contribution
• Other conditions: Strike Teams will be required to work on a flexible schedule and/or a compressed work week when field operations require longer days afield. Several overnight wilderness stays may occur.
• Location_: Based out of the MCFC HWA office in Caledonia, NS and various sites across southwest Nova Scotia.
• Start Date_: This full time, yearround position will commence in July 2023 and run until March 31st, 2027, with the possibility for extension dependent on funding.

The MCFC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from a diversity of backgrounds, or who self-identify as part of an underrepresented group to apply.