National Manager, Land and Freshwater

Overview

Title: National Manager, Land and Freshwater / Gestionnaire, Terres et eaux intérieures

Organization: Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society | Apply

Location: Ottawa, Ontario (remote work possible)

• Postion type:
  Permanent, full time
• Language:
  Excellence in English or French required – written, oral, and comprehension. Bilingualism is considered a strong asset.
• Salary range: $73,000 to $75,000 per year, dependent on experience.
• Benefits: 3 weeks of vacation, plus an office closure between Christmas and New Year, and up to 10 sick days per year. Comprehensive medical and dental benefits offered.
• Posting date:
  February 2026
• Start date:
  
  As soon as possible

About The Organization

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (cpaws.org) is a national charitable organization with 13 chapters across Canada, almost 100 staff, and hundreds of volunteers who have helped to protect over half a million square kilometers of Canada’s public land and water, since 1963.

Our conservation vision is to protect at least half of Canada’s public land and water in a framework of reconciliation – for the benefit of both wildlife and humans.

CPAWS National is based on the unceded and unsurrendered lands of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation and works in both unceded and treaty lands of First Nations, Métis and Inuit throughout the country known as Canada.

CPAWS is committed to operating in a way that upholds justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). Our goal is to create an inclusive place for people from diverse backgrounds.

About The Role

The Manager for CPAWS National’s Land and Freshwater Program is a key member of our conservation team. You will report to the National Director for Conservation and will direct and manage staff on our land and freshwater conservation team.

We are seeking a strategic thinker who has experience with project or campaign management, working with government departments and agencies, and a deep understanding of Indigenous-led conservation.

You will own projects and campaigns from beginning to end. This includes developing the overall goals and strategies; then managing them through to their successful implementation.

Because we are a small team, you will take on a range of responsibilities throughout this work. For example, while leadership is a key part of the role, at times it will be necessary to participate with content writing and other necessary tasks.

You will work particularly closely with our Ocean team and Communications team, with an eye to helping to make supporters and decision makers feel connected to our work.

This role requires high-level organization, adaptability, and a can-do attitude to ensure campaigns can adapt quickly to situations outside CPAWS’ control, while keeping a clear focus on the outcomes we are working to achieve.

• Team Management & Administration (25%)
• Day to day management of Land and Freshwater conservation staff, including the Conservation Coordinator and policy analysts.
• Ensure completion of work plans, annual performance reviews, and other important administrative tasks.
• Work with the National Conservation Director to ensure the overall health and functioning of the team.
• Program Management and Delivery (30%)
• Lead the development and manage the successful implementation of a range of CPAWS land and freshwater conservation projects and campaigns.
• Identify opportunities and strategic priorities for moving the conservation agenda forward in Canada.
• Writing and editing content for public and decision makers, including reports and communications materials.
• Seek opportunities to support CPAWS Chapters across Canada, as they work to protect 30% of Canada by 2030 and beyond.
• Support national office efforts to advance Indigenous-led conservation.
• Collaborate closely with Oceans Program staff on common projects and work closely with other national conservation staff to assist with projects as needed.
• Mentoring and supporting more junior staff as they support the projects you are leading.
• Public Affairs (30%)
• Supporting CPAWS National office’s government relations work, including our work to protect 30% of Canada by 2030.
• Working with other conservation,…