Conservation Officer

Prime Earth is hiring Conservation Officers in Burlington, ON, Canada, to lead habitat restoration and urban tree planting projects. The role involves project management, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring youth in conservation practices. Candidates should have expertise in GIS mapping and biodiversity conservation. The position focuses on strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities and enhancing urban green spaces while engaging youth in hands-on conservation efforts.
Overview
We're seeking dedicated and skilled Conservation Officers to lead and implement habitat restoration and urban greenspace tree planting projects.

As we expand our programming across Canada, we are prioritizing the hiring of youth furthest from employment and those from employment equity groups to fulfill these important roles that play a crucial part in restoring ecologically viable habitats, enhancing urban green spaces, and reconnecting fragmented forest areas.

Conservation Officers will oversee project planning, execution, and long-term management while mentoring young adults in conservation practices. A core focus of this work is strengthening partnerships with local Indigenous communities and community partners to drive meaningful environmental change.

The ideal candidates will have expertise in GIS mapping, biodiversity conservation, and habitat restoration, combined with a deep commitment to youth engagement and environmental stewardship.

Duties:

[1] Project Management & Fieldwork:
• Assist in developing forest management plans, including native species selection, invasive species control, and ecosystem monitoring.
• Provide technical guidance on tree planting strategies, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation.
• Oversee tree survival monitoring, pest/disease assessments, and ecological impact evaluations.
• Support research on sustainable forestry, ecosystem restoration, and Indigenous-led conservation strategies.

[2] Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development:​​
• Establish and maintain relationships with donors, environmental NGOs (ENGOs), and community partners to support restoration initiatives.
• Develop partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability of tree planting sites.
• Work with municipal governments, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities, and private landowners to secure project approvals and site access.
• Represent the organization at meetings, community events, and networking opportunities to advocate for conservation initiatives.

[3] Technical & Data Management
• Utilize GIS, Google Earth Pro, photogrammetry, and IUCN databases to map and analyze restoration sites.
• Collect and manage data on tree growth, soil health, biodiversity indicators, and climate resilience metrics.
• Develop reports, mapping tools, and impact assessments to inform project planning and evaluation.

[4] Youth Engagement & Mentoring:​
• Mentor and train young adult participants in tree planting techniques, habitat restoration, and ecological stewardship.
• Lead hands-on fieldwork to engage youth in real-world conservation projects.
• Develop and deliver educational workshops on forestry, urban greenspaces, and climate action.
• Support conservation career development and leadership training for program participants.

[5] Project Coordination & Implementation:​
• Plan, coordinate, and implement conservation events for our members (ages 16-27) by developing work plans, schedules, and logistics for tree planting and habitat restoration projects, including hands-on tree planting, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, data collection, and monitoring.
• Coordinate volunteers, staff, and program participants to ensure efficient and safe project execution.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, permits, and best management practices.

Qualifications
• Degree or diploma in Environmental Science, Forestry, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
• Experience in habitat restoration, tree planting, or conservation project management.
• Proficiency in GIS mapping, data analysis, and ecological monitoring.​​
• Proficient knowledge or understanding of current environmental issues, biodiversity/wildlife and human-animal relations, and climate change​​
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective community outreach and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience mentoring youth and leading hands-on fieldwork.
• Knowledge of Indigenous conservation practices is an asset.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and lead field teams.​​​​​​
• Passion for wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently.​​​​
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively on a diverse team with a variety of people from different cultures and sub-cultures, and regions.
• Availability to work on Saturday mornings and occasional evenings.
• Ability to provide or secure own transportation to and from project sites.
• Experience in workshop development and delivery is an asset​​
• Previous involvement in youth programs or community outreach activities is an asset.​​
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to Prime Earth’s mission.

Eligibility:

This position is pending funding by the United Nations Association - Canada Green Corps - Science and Technology Internship Programme (CGC-STIP). As per the program requirements, selected candidates hired must meet the following criteria:
• Be between 15 – 30 years of age at the start of the employment. The youth must be 15 years of age at the beginning of the employment period. The youth may be more than 30 years of age at the end of the employment period as long as the youth was 30 at the beginning of the employment period.
• Be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment.
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
• Be available to work the full work term April - December 2025.​

This position will include work from home and in-person activities. Candidates must have access to a reliable internet connection, computer, phone, and transportation to/from field-sites to fulfill this job position.

Selected candidates must also be approved by CGC-STIP 2025-2026.

Qualified candidates are invited to with a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and interest in the role to

by 5:00pm EDT on Thursday, April 10th, 2025. ​

Any applications received without a cover letter will not be considered.

Visit our website at www.prime-earth.org/jobpostings for more details.

Thank you to all who apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 9 months

Pay: $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:
• Flexible schedule

Schedule:
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):
• Are you located in the area of Hamilton/Burlington/Oakville/Milton ?

Experience:
• Project planning: 1 year (required)
• GIS: 1 year (required)
• Project management: 1 year (required)
• Organizational skills: 1 year (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Burlington, ON L7P 4L4

Application deadline: 2025-04-10
Expected start date: 2025-04-28