Community Education Specialist

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority invites applications for the position of:

Community Education Specialist


Job Status: Full-time, 12-month contract
Compensation: With OCT $39.13 (starting) to $47.62 per hour
                          Without OCT: $33.35 (starting) to $40.58 per hour
Number of Positions: 1 existing vacancy
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Work Location: Based primarily at the Watershed Conservation Centre in London, with occasional work at  
Wildwood Conservation Area in St Marys
Application Closing Date: March 11, 2026

At the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), our mission is ‘Communities engaged in a healthy, resilient environment’. We work in partnership with the 17 municipalities within the Upper Thames River watershed, whose appointed representatives bring both urban and rural perspective to our Board of Directors. Together, we shape policies and programs that reflect the needs of our communities and support the long-term health of our watershed.

 We focus on five key areas:

• Protecting people and property and supporting safe development 
• Delivering landowner stewardship
• Providing natural spaces and recreational opportunities
• Making science-based decisions
• Empowering communities and youth.

The Upper Thames River watershed spans approximately 3,421 square kilometers and includes predominately rural landscapes, as well as the urban centers of London, Stratford, and Woodstock. We serve a diverse population of approximately 600,000 residents. Our Conservation Areas offer outdoor recreational opportunities that welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, helping to educate visitors and share conservation messages that support the health of our watershed.

As a member of our team, you will support our mission by contributing your skills, knowledge, and experience to meaningful work. We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger and are committed to creating a collaborative, inclusive environment where people feel supported, respected, and encouraged to do their best work together. If this opportunity aligns with your experience or interests, we invite you to apply. 

Summary
The Community Education Specialist develops, implements, and evaluates inclusive community education programs that inspire youth and community members of all backgrounds to value the natural features of the Thames River watershed and to collaborate in improving the health of their local environment. 

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate age-appropriate, curriculum-based environmental education programs and community engagement opportunities that foster watershed stewardship.
• Liaise between school boards, community partners, and the Authority to support diverse needs and promote understanding of the Authority’s role in watershed health. This includes ensuring all programs and events are inclusive of all youth and community members by addressing barriers, providing accommodations, and seeking necessary support.
• Deliver and assess community education and awareness programs, including volunteer participation in Citizen Science projects, while also collaborating with Community Partnership staff to provide outreach and education on UTRCA programs.

Qualifications

• A Diploma or Degree from an accredited post-secondary institution in Geography, Biology, Environmental Science, Resource Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year experience in a related Teaching, Communications or Resource Management role, with experience supporting diverse learnings or communities considered an asset.
• A strong natural history knowledge base.
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills, including the ability to engage and include audiences with varied backgrounds, learning styles, and accessibility needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, as well as independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, as well as other database and information management software.
• Strong skills to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with diverse stakeholder groups.

Certifications, Memberships, Licenses

• Valid Ontario Driver’s License;
• Valid Ontario Teaching Certificate (Applications from candidates that do not possess a valid Ontario Teaching Certificate (OCT) will be considered provided they meet the education and experience requirements. As the OCT is a compensable factor for the role, candidates that do not possess this qualification would be considered on an under fill basis).  

Background Check Requirements

• Successful candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector police check prior to commencement of employment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Group Benefits, Pension Plan (OMERS) and Vacation package.
• Free access to UTRCA Conservation Areas (Fanshawe, Pittock and Wildwood).

Application Information

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by March 11, 2026 at 11:59pm to be considered for this opportunity.  Please submit your cover letter and resume to the UTRCA, in confidence, via:

Mail:                1424 Clarke Road, London, ON, N5V 5B9
E-mail:             jobs@thamesriver.ca

Please indicate the position title “Community Education Specialist” in the subject line of your email.  We thank all individuals who expressed interest in this role. Please note that only those selected to move forward in the interview process will be contacted. 
We are committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment that is free from discrimination and fosters belonging.  We encourage and welcome applications from qualified members of the four designated groups, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Accommodation is available and will be provided in all aspects of the hiring process as required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation and as requested by applicants.  Should you require accommodation in making an application, please contact UTRCA by phone at 519-451-2800 or at the email address above. 

Personal information collected in relation to the recruitment process is collected under the authority outlined in the Conservation Authorities Act R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27, s. 18 (1) and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to: General Manager, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, 1424 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 5B9, 519-451-2800.