Job Details

Position Location: In-person
Salary: 80,000 – 85,000
Status: Three Year Term, 37.5 hours/week

WHO WE ARE:
Kátl'odeeche First Nation (KFN) is a vibrant Indigenous community located in the traditional territory of the Kátł’odeeche Got’ı̨ Ndee on the shores of Great Stave Lake. Committed to preserving and enhancing our environmental values and traditional knowledge, we are actively seeking an Environmental Program Manager (EPM) to lead our efforts in environmental research and monitoring.

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE:
As the Environmental Program Manager, you will work closely with the Lands Director to spearhead KFN's environmental research and monitoring initiatives. Your role involves overseeing program design, implementation, and reporting, ensuring the integration of traditional knowledge and the active participation of KFN elders and harvesters.

HOW TO APPLY
• Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience to careers@jouta.com
• We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Preference may be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry s16(1) CHRA and have knowledge of local First Nations traditional customs and practices.

Job Description

WHO YOU ARE:
We seek a dynamic individual with a university degree in Environmental Sciences, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology, or a related field. The ideal candidate will bring experience in environmental program management, a deep understanding of traditional knowledge research methodologies, and proficiency in GPS, ArcGIS, and other mapping technologies. This role demands a self-motivated individual with strong teamwork skills, ability to participate in on-the-land travel and work, and cross-cultural communication skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Developing and Implementing Monitoring Programs:
• Lead the Nahendeh Kehotsendı̨ monitoring program, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of KFN's research and monitoring efforts.
• Secure funding, implement, and report on specific monitoring programs relating to fisheries, Indigenous conservation areas, Wood Buffalo National Park, water quality and flow, wildlife, and climate change, among others.

2. Incorporating Traditional Knowledge:
• Facilitate the active participation of KFN elders and harvesters in environmental programming.
• Ensure traditional knowledge is a fundamental component of all research and monitoring activities.

3. Data Collection and Management:
• Oversee the collection, storage, and maintenance of GIS and other data, making it accessible for analysis to guide environmental decision-making.

4. Staying Informed and Assisting in Policy Initiatives:
• Stay abreast of current research related to environmental issues and assist the Lands Director in policy and intervention initiatives.

5. Communication and Reporting:
• Keep the Lands Director fully informed of environmental research and monitoring issues and outcomes.
• Manage staff and program funding in accordance with KFN policies and specific contribution agreements.
• Facilitate effective communication and information sessions with the community, ensuring transparency and fostering community involvement in environmental research and monitoring initiatives.
• Complete comprehensive and accurate reports, adhering to specified timelines, and ensuring that all reporting requirements outlined in contribution agreements are met.


6. Field Research and Monitoring:
• Participate in field research and monitoring activities during all seasons and in various weather conditions.
• Travel by light plane, boat, and snowmobile as required for research and monitoring purposes.
• Implement and enforce stringent safety protocols to ensure the well-being of team members during field research and monitoring activities.
• Stay informed about weather conditions to make informed decisions regarding the safety of field activities, especially during challenging seasons.


7. Project Management
• Supervise the Guardians Coordinator, Lands Technician, and casual Guardians.
• Develop comprehensive project plans outlining goals, timelines, and resource requirements for environmental research and monitoring initiatives.
• Skillfully allocate resources, including personnel and budgetary allocations, to ensure the successful execution of up to 14 contribution agreements simultaneously.
• Identify potential project risks and implement proactive measures to mitigate challenges, ensuring the smooth progression of environmental programs under various contribution agreements.
• Manage project budgets in accordance with financial policies and terms and conditions of specific contribution agreements, ensuring prudent financial stewardship.
• Lead project teams with a collaborative approach, fostering a positive working environment and ensuring the cohesive functioning of teams associated with each contribution agreement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Highly refined communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating the ability to adapt communication style to various audiences. This may include effectively engaging with government officials, employees, community members, hunters, fishers, elders, and diverse stakeholders.
• Solid and proven project management skills.
• Ability to manage a budget and pivot when necessary to stay on track.
• Exceptional understanding of traditional knowledge research methodologies.
• Working knowledge of GPS, ArcGIS, and other mapping technologies.
• Highly self-motivated with strong teamwork skills.
• Capable of on-the-land travel and work in all types of weather and conditions.
• Cross-cultural communication skills/experience.
• Desire to live in a relatively small northern community (Hay River area).
• Knowledge of northern First Nation environmental concerns.
• Intermediate knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

TRAINING, EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE
• University degree in Environmental Sciences, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
• Experience in environmental program management and implementation.
• A valid NWT driver’s license and a willingness to travel on KFN business.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Work from the KFN Office Complex in close collaboration with the Lands Director and the Guardian Coordinator.
• Regular office hours with flexibility for evening and weekend work as required.
• Participate in field research during all seasons, with the ability to work outside in inclement weather.
• Utilize various modes of transportation, including light planes, boats, and snowmobiles.
• There may be an opportunity to work a hybrid model.


WHAT WE OFFER
• The ability to complete meaningful work and make an impact while working with a team focused on innovative, creative and fresh ideas.
• Healthy Benefits Package
• Matched Pension Plan of up to 8% of salary
• 3 weeks vacation to start
• Additional paid time off during the holiday season
• Additional paid week of for cultural leave
• A salary range of $80 - $85,000.00 per annum