The Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management is a significant expression of Indigenous ingenuity and modern efforts to shed the colonial legacy of the Indian Act. Our team at the First Nation Lands Management Resource Centre (FNLMRC) is cutting edge, dedicated and experienced in assisting First Nations to develop workable solutions to the everyday challenges of community led lands and resources governance. We are currently searching for motivated and qualified candidates to fill an Environment & Solid Waste Management Advisor position.

CURRENT POSITIONS BEING STAFFED: 1

Location – Within Canada, to be determined based on the successful candidate.

Applicants meeting the essential criteria outlined below will be placed in a pool of partially assessed qualified candidates for consideration for future vacancies. Applications may be kept on file for a period up to one year.

ABOUT US

As part of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management (Framework Agreement), the Lands Advisory Board (LAB) and the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre (RC) provide political and technical support to developmental and operational First Nations.  The developmental process under the Framework Agreement consists of a series of activities including the drafting of community land codes, implementing communication strategies and community voting procedures, as well as finalizing Individual Agreements with Canada. Once a First Nation ratifies its Land Code and becomes operational, the LAB and RC provide various support services such as assisting/advising with drafting land laws, rules, procedures, and instruments, as well as implementing land governance systems and facilitating agreements and other arrangements with municipal, provincial, federal or First Nation governments.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting to the Manager, Land Code Governance, the Environment & Solid Waste Management Advisor is one of the RC’s “in-house” professionals. The incumbent will assist the LAB, the RC, RC senior staff and Operational and Developmental First Nations to fulfill their responsibilities under the Framework Agreement.  The incumbent’s responsibilities rest in four main areas:

• Assist First Nations with the development of strategies for improving physical environment issues, particularly solid waste management and enforcement of laws under the Framework Agreement.
• Maintain the administration, delivery, and coordination of the Solid Waste Management Funding and possibly other environmental funding initiatives for Framework Agreement First Nations.
• Assist the RC to develop legal issues management on physical environmental issues, particularly   solid wastes, including strategies for improving the enforcement of Framework Agreement First Nations’ solid waste management laws.
• Develop training materials, recommend best practices and precedents for consideration of Framework Agreement First Nations interested in improving environmental and solid waste management and enforcement of related laws.

The incumbent must have a good working knowledge of the Framework Agreement, as well as the land and environmental issues affecting First Nations’ land in Canada. The incumbent must also have a good grasp of the challenges in developing enforcement procedures, regulations, and laws on First Nation lands outside of the Indian Act.

The position requires an individual who is proficient at consulting with stakeholders, for example First Nation leadership, staff and community members, various specialists, third parties, and federal and provincial government officials. The incumbent must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Assisting the Manager, Land Code Governance to fulfill the FNLMRC’s responsibilities under the Framework Agreement  which may include:

• Work with RC field staff and Framework Agreement First Nations to develop practical measures to improve environmental and solid waste management under land codes.
• Work with RC field staff and Framework Agreement First Nations to develop practical measures to improve environmental and solid waste management planning, implementation and protections.
• Maintain knowledge of, and document existing Framework Agreement First Nations’ regulations and laws related to environment and solid waste management.
• For the purposes of law harmonization, advise Framework Agreement First Nations on provincial and municipal approaches to environment and solid waste management and potential partnership opportunities with other governments.
• Assist Framework Agreement First Nations with the interpretation of federal and provincial legislation related to environment and solid waste management.
• Represent the RC on various federal, provincial, municipal and First Nation environment and solid waste management working groups, advisory committees, consultation tables, etc. to ensure the solid waste management needs of Framework Agreement First Nations are fully considered.
• Work with the RC’s Training, Mentorship and Professional Development staff to develop and deliver environment and solid waste management training material, workshops and presentations.
• Maintain the RC’s environment and solid waste management webpage and ensure content is relevant, accurate, and up to date.
• Any other related workload in keeping with the LAB, RC and First Nations’ responsibilities in implementing the Framework Agreement.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for the position identified above, or for future consideration, please demonstrate how you meet the following essential criteria:

• University or other post-secondary education, preferably at the advanced degree level in the areas of solid waste management, environment, or a related field.
• Five (5) years’ experience supporting First Nations self-government efforts over reserve lands and natural resources.
• Experience with the development and implementation of solid waste management initiatives.

The following essential requirements will be assessed at a later date, either through an interview, written assessment and reference checks:

• Good understanding of the Framework Agreement
• Knowledge of enforcement issues affecting First Nations in Canada.
• Knowledge of land and environment issues affecting First Nations in Canada.
• Understanding of federal legislation affecting First Nations’ reserve lands.
• Understanding of Indigenous culture.
• Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with software programs such as Adobe Suite, Microsoft office and various virtual meeting platforms.
• Ability to undertake detailed analysis of laws, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing for a variety of audiences.
• Effective interpersonal relationships.
• Tact and good judgment.

ASSETS

If you meet any of the following, please explain how you meet these asset criteria.

• Bilingual (English/French)

OTHER

• Must be willing to travel.
• Candidates must possess a valid Driver’s  Licence and have access to a reliable personal vehicle.
• Candidate must work from a home office environment and be centrally located to facilitate travel.

PREFERENCE

– Due to the amount of work with First Nation communities, preference may be given to candidates with Indigenous ancestry.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

-Satisfactory criminal records check and education verification.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A competitive salary (starting at $77,000 annually; starting salary is based on experience).
• Paid vacation time.
• An opportunity to work from a home office setting.
• A comprehensive benefits package consisting of paid sick leave, extended health, and dental coverage as well as access to short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Access 24/7 to an employee assistance program.
• Ability to participate in a TFSA/RSP Employee Saving Plan Program.
• Education allowance and access to annual education leave.

We thank all those who apply. If you are interested in being considered for this rewarding opportunity please include a COVERLETTER along with your resume. To apply click HERE or send your application to careers@labrc.com. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Application Deadline: January 8th, 2025.