Native Seed Specialist (10-month leave coverage)
Top Benefits
About the role
Fixed-term of 10-months
Full-time
Remote within Canada
Who we are:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada's wildlife is conserved for generations to come. Learn more about our mission by clicking here.
Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, and women in non-traditional roles. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please notify HR at any time.
Position Overview:
We are seeking coverage for a 10-month maternity leave for the position of Native Seed Specialist! The Specialist is responsible for advancing a draft framework to guide the development of an ethical, efficient, and effective National Native Seed Strategy and completing specific actions to implement the seed strategy in Ontario and nationally. This involves collaborating with restoration practitioners, native seed growers, and policy experts to identify capacity and priority actions needed to improve the availability and quality of native plant seeds across Canada. Reporting to the Senior Conservation Biologist of the Terrestrial program, the Native Seed Specialist conducts research, prepares communications materials, and presents reports related to this framework to advocate for the importance of native plants in achieving national restoration and sustainability targets. The ideal candidate will have significant experience and knowledge specifically in seed-based restoration. Experience in conservation-based collaborative project management required.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research & Reporting
- Engages with native seed growers and collectors nationwide to assess Canada’s current native seed capacity.
- Assists CWF partners in developing a five-year estimate for native seed demand in Southern Ontario.
- Identifies regional knowledge and capacity gaps in native seed-based restoration.
- Prepares communications materials, presentations, and reports that articulate the value of native plants in meeting biodiversity and climate change mitigation objectives.
- Convenes stakeholders in eastern Ontario in the development of a native seed partnership
- Assists CWF partners with creating a Strategy and Action Plan document for seed-based restoration in wildfire-affected regions of British Columbia.
Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach
- Engages with a wide network of industry stakeholders and rightsholders, including Indigenous groups, environmental consultants, and government agencies, to build momentum around Canada’s National Seed Strategy.
- Identifies new and existing native seed growers interested in expanding their seed production.
- Presents the national native seed strategy at conferences.
- Facilitates workshops and meetings to solicit feedback and foster collaboration among stakeholders and rightsholders.
- Develops workplans and reports on progress, facilitating positive partner relations and problem-solving challenges as needed.
Other Responsibilities
- Assists with preparing grant proposals and program reports to secure funding and communicate conservation efforts to partners.
- Provides technical knowledge and advice on native planting, seed sourcing, and habitat restoration techniques for various CWF programs and initiatives.
- Assists with other conservation activities as required.
Education, Experience, and Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Botany, Geography, Biology, Ecology, Conservation Science, or a related field or post degree certificate in restoration ecology required. Preference will be given to candidates who hold a Master's degree in the related fields.
- 3-5 years of related experience in seed-based restoration or significant experience in conservation-based project management required.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. French is considered an asset.
- Ability to comfortably present information and facilitate workshops to share information, solicit feedback, and increase collaboration.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work closely with other departments and external stakeholders and rightsholders.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Work Conditions:
- Fixed-term for 10-months to cover a maternity leave.
- This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday for 37.5 hours per week.
- Salary can range from $74,000 to $80,000.
- Location: Remote within Canada. Ideally, based at our Head Office in Kanata (Ottawa West), Ontario, with hybrid flexibility to work from home two consecutive days per week. Travel may be required to attend conferences or other meetings on occasion.
- Manual dexterity required to operate computer and peripherals.
- Exposure to mental stress due to managing demands from multiple work activities and emotionally charged situations that deal with sensitive conservation topics.
- Interacts with colleagues, environmental consultants, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and other various stakeholders and rightsholders.
Why Work With Us?
- We are a rapidly growing team of forward-thinking individuals who all share a common passion: wildlife and habitat!
- Friendly and casual work environment.
- Opportunity to expand your network of conservation, education, fundraising, marketing, and program experts.
- We are committed in improving work-life balance.
- We are committed to building a more diverse workforce.
- Relevant professional development opportunities for career growth.
- Compensation in lieu of enrollment to benefits plan for this fixed-term position.
- Complimentary subscription to our Canadian Wildlife magazine.
Application Deadline: August 8, 2025
How To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be submitted online. Only the candidates who meet qualifications and are selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank you for your interest in the Canadian Wildlife Federation!
We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace for all its candidates and employees by supporting their accessibility and accommodation needs throughout the employment lifecycle. We ask that job applications please identify any accommodation requirements by contacting the Human Resources department when selected for an interview.
About Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation conducts its activities through a cooperative approach – working with people, corporations, non-government organizations, and governments to inspire collaboration in achieving wildlife conservation. We will use the best available science-based information to develop our policies, programs and communications.
Native Seed Specialist (10-month leave coverage)
Top Benefits
About the role
Fixed-term of 10-months
Full-time
Remote within Canada
Who we are:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada's wildlife is conserved for generations to come. Learn more about our mission by clicking here.
Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, and women in non-traditional roles. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please notify HR at any time.
Position Overview:
We are seeking coverage for a 10-month maternity leave for the position of Native Seed Specialist! The Specialist is responsible for advancing a draft framework to guide the development of an ethical, efficient, and effective National Native Seed Strategy and completing specific actions to implement the seed strategy in Ontario and nationally. This involves collaborating with restoration practitioners, native seed growers, and policy experts to identify capacity and priority actions needed to improve the availability and quality of native plant seeds across Canada. Reporting to the Senior Conservation Biologist of the Terrestrial program, the Native Seed Specialist conducts research, prepares communications materials, and presents reports related to this framework to advocate for the importance of native plants in achieving national restoration and sustainability targets. The ideal candidate will have significant experience and knowledge specifically in seed-based restoration. Experience in conservation-based collaborative project management required.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research & Reporting
- Engages with native seed growers and collectors nationwide to assess Canada’s current native seed capacity.
- Assists CWF partners in developing a five-year estimate for native seed demand in Southern Ontario.
- Identifies regional knowledge and capacity gaps in native seed-based restoration.
- Prepares communications materials, presentations, and reports that articulate the value of native plants in meeting biodiversity and climate change mitigation objectives.
- Convenes stakeholders in eastern Ontario in the development of a native seed partnership
- Assists CWF partners with creating a Strategy and Action Plan document for seed-based restoration in wildfire-affected regions of British Columbia.
Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach
- Engages with a wide network of industry stakeholders and rightsholders, including Indigenous groups, environmental consultants, and government agencies, to build momentum around Canada’s National Seed Strategy.
- Identifies new and existing native seed growers interested in expanding their seed production.
- Presents the national native seed strategy at conferences.
- Facilitates workshops and meetings to solicit feedback and foster collaboration among stakeholders and rightsholders.
- Develops workplans and reports on progress, facilitating positive partner relations and problem-solving challenges as needed.
Other Responsibilities
- Assists with preparing grant proposals and program reports to secure funding and communicate conservation efforts to partners.
- Provides technical knowledge and advice on native planting, seed sourcing, and habitat restoration techniques for various CWF programs and initiatives.
- Assists with other conservation activities as required.
Education, Experience, and Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Botany, Geography, Biology, Ecology, Conservation Science, or a related field or post degree certificate in restoration ecology required. Preference will be given to candidates who hold a Master's degree in the related fields.
- 3-5 years of related experience in seed-based restoration or significant experience in conservation-based project management required.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. French is considered an asset.
- Ability to comfortably present information and facilitate workshops to share information, solicit feedback, and increase collaboration.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work closely with other departments and external stakeholders and rightsholders.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Work Conditions:
- Fixed-term for 10-months to cover a maternity leave.
- This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday for 37.5 hours per week.
- Salary can range from $74,000 to $80,000.
- Location: Remote within Canada. Ideally, based at our Head Office in Kanata (Ottawa West), Ontario, with hybrid flexibility to work from home two consecutive days per week. Travel may be required to attend conferences or other meetings on occasion.
- Manual dexterity required to operate computer and peripherals.
- Exposure to mental stress due to managing demands from multiple work activities and emotionally charged situations that deal with sensitive conservation topics.
- Interacts with colleagues, environmental consultants, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and other various stakeholders and rightsholders.
Why Work With Us?
- We are a rapidly growing team of forward-thinking individuals who all share a common passion: wildlife and habitat!
- Friendly and casual work environment.
- Opportunity to expand your network of conservation, education, fundraising, marketing, and program experts.
- We are committed in improving work-life balance.
- We are committed to building a more diverse workforce.
- Relevant professional development opportunities for career growth.
- Compensation in lieu of enrollment to benefits plan for this fixed-term position.
- Complimentary subscription to our Canadian Wildlife magazine.
Application Deadline: August 8, 2025
How To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be submitted online. Only the candidates who meet qualifications and are selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank you for your interest in the Canadian Wildlife Federation!
We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace for all its candidates and employees by supporting their accessibility and accommodation needs throughout the employment lifecycle. We ask that job applications please identify any accommodation requirements by contacting the Human Resources department when selected for an interview.
About Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation conducts its activities through a cooperative approach – working with people, corporations, non-government organizations, and governments to inspire collaboration in achieving wildlife conservation. We will use the best available science-based information to develop our policies, programs and communications.