Full job description
The Watershed Stewardship Technician position is a key resource for information, education, outreach and implementation of programs linking landowners, predominantly in the rural areas of the watershed, and the agricultural sector, to various conservation incentive programs, with a focus on water quality improvement. Reporting to the Water Quality Scientist, the Watershed Stewardship Technician is responsible for assisting rural landowners and the agricultural community with the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) through the delivery of landowner financial incentives. Responsibilities include the coordination, delivery and promotion of community outreach activities and acts as the primary contact for landowners accessing ERCA’s Clean Water~Green Spaces landowner grant program.
This position is classified as a ‘Special Grant Employee’ as the tasks associated with this position are funded in whole or in part through Federal and Provincial agency funding sources.
To Apply:
- Send your resume and cover letter in ONE document (either Word or PDF format only) to careers@erca.org by no later than 4:00 pm on May 26, 2025.
- Note the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Generates landowner interest, through extensive promotion of the term-limited landowner incentive grant program, and responds to applicant inquires, in a timely manner. Conducts preliminary evaluations of sites and evaluates potential to optimize the implementation of one or more Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as header tiles, buffer strips, rock chutes, cover crops, nutrient management plans, etc.
- Actively engages the landowner in further collaborative evaluation of potential projects in order to achieve the funders’ objectives, relating to nutrient management and impacts on water quality. Promotes one or more options, with consideration of various factors, such as site suitability, landowner interest/financial capacity, desired environmental outcomes and available grant funding.
- Obtains final project designs in order to finalize and confirm the eligibility of proposed projects. Records, tracks, monitors and reports on individual landowner grant applications to ensure projects are executed and documented.
- Prepares all necessary documentation for disbursements of grants to landowners, for supervisor approval. Works collaboratively with the Finance team to ensure prompt and accurate payments to landowners.
- Develops and implements agricultural outreach and stewardship activities through developing mailings, media releases, social media, direct contact, workshops, conferences, site visits, and tailgate tours.
- Attends rural and urban events to raise awareness of ERCA’s role in water quality, and land stewardship projects, and promotes the opportunities available for funding of agricultural stewardship activities, that meet the criteria for grant funding.
- Responsible for liaising with internal stakeholders, private landowners, local agricultural groups, various local, provincial and federal committees, and other potential partners to allow for engagement of the community in stewardship projects, and to ensure successful project completion and delivery of required objectives.
- Provides assistance to ERCA’s water quality monitoring program across the region, including assisting with collection of surface water samples in predetermined areas for nutrient analysis.
- Works with multidisciplinary teams to produce guidelines, educational displays, newsletters, social media posts and communication outreach activities related to watershed stewardship and conservation management practices.
- In consultation with the Director, Conservation Services, may assist with drafting elements of future related grant requests, reports, and proposed grant-related deliverables.
- Performs other related duties and responsibilities consistent with the position as required.
MINIMUM SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelors’ degree or diploma in Agriculture, Resource Management, Environmental Science or related discipline.
- Minimum of 2 years related experience with demonstrated practical understanding of agricultural practices, restoration, conservation and environmental stewardship is required.
- Basic to advanced understanding of agricultural practices, agronomy, soil erosion control, and ecosystem management as well as knowledge of current agricultural issues along with a strong interest in agricultural sustainability, specifically relating to soil health and water quality.
- Proficient with various software applications (SharePoint, MS- Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Teams), Zoom and other web-conferencing software. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), aerial photo interpretation and mapping tools.
- Demonstrated experience with project management including coordination, planning, proposal development, implementation, executing to budget, program delivery and reporting.
- Some experience in conducting environmental monitoring, including water quality data collection, storage, calculating nutrient loads and analyses is considered an asset.
- Basic knowledge of regulations and policies including; the Conservation Authorities Act, and other applicable legislation (including but not limited to the Drainage Act, and Fisheries Act).
- Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships within the community, including other agencies.
- Ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written English to varied audiences and adjust content when appropriate.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Valid Class ‘G’ Ontario Drivers Licence required.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Typically, Monday through Friday, up to thirty-five (35) hours per week, from 8:30am to 4:00 pm. May occasionally be required to work additional hours or adjust working schedule to attend meetings and/or meet business needs of the Authority. There is no guarantee of full-time hours and this position may be subject to temporary layoffs from time to time and/or alternate work schedules should business interruptions occur or project funding or scope be reduced or terminated.
- Hazards and Risks: normal office environment, as well as fieldwork with regular exposure to moderately uncomfortable factors including, working in hot and cold temperatures, dirt and dust, working around noxious weeds, stinging insects and working in/near water.
- Environmental conditions: work regularly requires extended periods of visual and mental concentration of 2 to 4 hours duration, prolonged sitting (and associated physical strain), manual dexterity, accuracy and attention to detail. Duties may involve on-site meetings at potentially remote locations in adverse weather conditions where walking on uneven terrain, through wetlands, near watercourses, etc. will be necessary.
This positions offers optional participation in an OMERS pension, flexible personal paid time off, access to the Employee Assistance Plan and a Health Care Spending Account.
Department: Conservation Services
Union Affiliation: None
Job Status: Special Grant Employee, ~33 month Contract
Hours of Work: Typically, up to 35 hours per week with some weekend and evening work.
Posting Added Date: May 12, 2025
Posting Closing Date: May 26, 2025
Posting Closing Time: 4:00 pm
Positions to Fill: One (1)
Progress Status: Receiving Applications
Office Location: 360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite 311, Essex, ON N8M 1Y6
Wage Rate: $31.30 – $35.19 per hour (2025 rate; based on qualifications and experience)
Grade: NBU/Lvl 3
Contact: Nicole Kupnicki, Human Resources Manager
- ERCA is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and promotes an inclusive workplace.
- We thank all applicants in advance, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
- Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for the purpose of this employment opportunity only.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not utilized in the recruitment process to sort, screen or assess potential applicants.
- We are pleased to accommodate any individual needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation throughout the hiring process, please contact HR 519-981-4469 to make your needs known in advance.
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 42 months
Pay: $31.30-$35.19 per hour
Expected hours: 35 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Wellness program
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-05-26
Expected start date: 2025-07-07
