Who are we?
Credit Valley Conservation is one of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing our local natural environment. We care for the Credit River, its streams and tributaries from the headwaters in Orangeville to the shores of Lake Ontario in Mississauga. We are scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, environmentalists, stewards, planners, foresters, recreation experts and much more. We create connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. We’re leaders and explorers. We are professional and we’re inspired. We know our stuff, and we work every day to make a difference.
Who are you?
You want to be part of an organization with an environmental goal. You get up every day and go to work with purpose. You accept that you may not change the world, but you’ll try to make an impact in your corner. You like to partner with skilled people across many professions. It’s as natural for you think about the outdoors as it is to think out of the box. You’re passionate, responsible and approachable. You do what’s right, not just what’s easy. You care, and it shows.
Why work for us?
We offer competitive public sector pay. We have a good employee benefits program. We’re members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension fund. We have flexible work hours for many positions. We find time to have fun and celebrate successes. You’ll have free access to our parks and discounts on recreational equipment rentals. You’ll know your co-workers by name and will make fast friends. You’ll like being at work.
Summary of Functions
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement, this position plays an integral role in the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP) by leading the development and implementation of community-based climate action and environmental sustainability projects that use best available science and analysis of local issues and opportunities to foster neighbourhood resilience. A key aspect of this role involves the establishment of positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including residents, municipalities, community groups, and other CVC teams to facilitate environmental action through behaviour change, retrofit, restoration and stewardship.
Eligibility Requirements
Education
- Bachelors degree with a specialization in environmental sciences/studies, ecology, geography, planning, community development, or a related field
Experience
- Minimum five years’ experience related to major tasks
- Experience in program design, delivery and evaluation
- Experience in group facilitation with strong presentation and public speaking skills
- Experience leading research, data collection, analysis, and report preparation
- Experience preparing and managing project work plans and budgets
- Experience preparing successful grant applications and administering grant funds
- Experience effectively chairing or coordinating committees, external partners and volunteers
- Experience engaging and fostering positive working relationships with municipal staff and elected officials, community leaders and organizations
- Experience working with or coordinating interdisciplinary teams and consultants
- Experience developing and delivering outreach and promotional campaigns
- Experience developing and delivering adult environmental education programs and materials
- Experience coordinating and delivering events, including public/stakeholder consultations
- Experience with MS Office and database management
- Experience supervising staff
Knowledge, Skills, and Ability
- Working knowledge and understanding of ecological and landscape management principles and practices, watershed management strategies, environmental sustainability concepts and practices, performance monitoring and community-based social marketing
- Ability to think strategically and bring creative solutions to program and promotional development activities
- Ability to work with a range of partners including municipal, corporate, residential, agency, professional and non-profit
- Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to effectively manage multiple projects with overlapping tasks and within deadlines
- Ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences
- Ability to facilitate complex conversations, build consensus/cooperation and mobilize multiple partners
- Excellent verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of and/or experience applying best practices for engaging equity-deserving groups in environmental or asset-based community development work (or related lived experience)
- Valid Ontario ‘G’ Driver’s License
- Valid First Aid/CPR Certification
- Able to work some evenings and weekend
Summary of Major Tasks
Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships
- Establish and maintain effective partnerships with municipal staff and elected representatives, other agencies, community groups, consultants, academics and members of the public
- Serve as a CVC representative on inter-agency committees and with other watershed partners; provide resources, advice, presentations, technical and administrative support
- Conceptualize and deliver presentations to committees, CVC Board of Directors, municipal councils, and other agencies
- Develop partnership opportunities with local community groups, organizations, agencies and businesses
- Maintain current knowledge of relevant CVC, municipal and regional plans and strategies, programs and projects; integrate findings and recommendations to facilitate collaborative action on local priorities in SNAP neighbourhoods
Marketing and Communications
- Direct the development and implementation of locally tailored communications strategies to increase awareness of neighbourhood-based projects/issues and engagement in associated events/programs
- Direct production of promotional materials for programs and projects (e.g., brochures, displays, flyers, websites)
- Direct content development for social media, media releases, newspaper ads, blogs, newsletters, online forums, interviews, corporate website, etc.
- Oversee the development of surveys, storyboards and in-person/digital engagement tools for public and stakeholder consultation
Project Management and Program Development
- Lead the development, approval, and implementation of neighbourhood action plans
- Lead development of project budgets, work breakdown structures, evaluation plans and milestone reporting
- Consult with appropriate technical staff, seek expertise when needed and negotiate the support of key resources
- Direct the development of community engagement plans including activities such as open houses, audits, consultations, interviews, community meetings, workshops, and walks
- Chair project steering and implementation committees and working groups
- Lead research to inform program development, identify gaps, assess needs, and measure program performance
- Seek innovative funding opportunities to achieve program objectives
- Maintain knowledge of and apply best practices in neighbourhood-based sustainable urban renewal, residential retrofit, community engagement and behaviour change
Supervision of Staff and Other Duties
- Hire, supervise and train staff and administer CVC’s performance management process
- Coach and track work progress, provide input and guidance, set priorities, develop work plans, review and approve work
- Coordinate CVC corporate strategic initiatives, contribute to corporate performance measurement activities, and support municipal and regional initiatives as required
- Other duties and projects as appropriate to the position