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’re members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System - OMERS pension fund. We find time to have fun and celebrate successes. 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 Coordinator, Sustainable Neighbourhoods, this position coordinates activities to advance the goals of Credit Valley Conservation’s (CVC) Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program, as well as additional corporate-wide initiatives as assigned. This includes coordinating the development and delivery of neighbourhood-based urban renewal and climate action projects that foster community sustainability and resilience, and is achieved by: coordinating inter-agency and community collaboration; conducting research and data analysis to support the preparation of integrated, multi-disciplinary neighbourhood action plans using best available science and analysis of local issues and opportunities; liaising with CVC staff, residents, community partners, and other stakeholders to encourage local environmental action through behaviour change, restoration and stewardship; and planning and delivering education, outreach, communication, technical and administrative activities.
Eligibility Requirements
Education
- Post-secondary education at college or university in environmental sciences/studies, ecology, geography, planning, community development or related discipline or equivalent expertise gained through life and work experience
Experience
- Minimum three years’ experience related to major tasks
- Experience in project planning, project delivery and documentation
- Experience delivering outreach and promotional campaigns, tools and projects
- Experience developing and delivering adult environmental education programs and materials
- Experience performing research, data collection, analysis, and report preparation
- Experience in event planning and coordination and public speaking
- Experience engaging with members of the public and/or stakeholder groups
Knowledge, Skills and Ability
- Working knowledge and understanding of environmental sustainability concepts and best management practices
- Strong communication (verbal, presentations/visual and written) and customer service skills
- Familiarity with community-based social marketing
- Demonstrated organizational, administrative and research skills
- Ability to work with a range of clients and communicate to diverse audiences including corporate, residential, agency, public and non-profit, adults and children
- Ability to think strategically and bring creative solutions to program and promotional development activities
- Strong computer skills including data entry, database management and word processing
- Valid Ontario ‘G’ Driver’s License required
- Valid First Aid/CPR Certification
- Able to work some evenings and weekends
Summary of Major Tasks
Program Development and Support
- Review and synthesize recommendations from strategies, studies and other conservation planning documents to inform program development
- Deliver project update presentations to internal and external stakeholders at work planning and committee meetings
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research related to program development (e.g., surveys, interviews, desktop analysis, neighbourhood audits, site visits, etc.)
- Spearhead program progress tracking by collecting data, conducting analysis, and preparing summary reports
- Organize and maintain project documents, files, photos and materials
- Purchase and prepare materials and supplies for meetings and events, and track expenses
- Provide input into the development of project budgets
- Contribute to the preparation of funding applications and proposals by researching, writing and reviewing
Education and Outreach
- Lead the strategic planning and delivery of in-person and virtual public and stakeholder consultations and a range of community events in project neighbourhoods including interpretative walks, community meetings, workshops and open houses.
- Ensure consistent delivery of Sustainable Neighbourhoods messaging to the public at a variety of in-person and virtual education, outreach, and stewardship events
- Attend and represent the Sustainable Neighbourhoods program at special events such as tree plantings, interpretive tours, and display booths
- Lead development of event plans, process registration forms and evaluation forms, and prepare event summaries by analyzing and tracking data following events
- Respond to public inquiries pertaining to Sustainable Neighbourhoods events and projects
Marketing and Communications
- Lead the development of marketing and communications and community engagement plans for projects, campaigns and events, with direction from Senior Coordinator
- Prepare content for newsletters, flyers, blogs, displays, website, social media, guides/information sheets, videos and other promotional and educational materials
- Communicate with residents, project partners and other stakeholders, coordinate meetings and site visits, respond to phone and email inquiries
- Prepare correspondence, project reports and briefing notes
Collaboration
- Organize meetings with internal and external contacts, prepare agendas, and record meeting minutes
- Liaise with internal staff, other agencies, community groups, and members of the public
- Foster partnership opportunities with local community groups, organizations, agencies and businesses
- Consult with others to ensure that activities are supported by the most current science and technical approaches
Additional Information
- 35 hours per week Monday to Friday with some evening and weekend work required
- Occasional overtime to assist with community events
- May encounter various weather or working conditions during a site visit or outdoor events, e.g.., hot, cold or wet weather or difficult terrain