News

CLOSED – Independent Contractor: Species at Risk Community Liaison

October 18, 2023

Effective Date

Immediately

Summary  

The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) is seeking an independent contractor to fill the position of Community Liaison to support CIER and Environment and Climate Change CanadaCanadian Wildlife Service (ECCC-CWS) with the Species at Risk Act Consultation, Cooperation and Accommodation Project (SARA-CCA). The Community Liaison will be responsible for supporting Indigenous communities in British Columbia on work related to providing direct input to terrestrial species at risk listing and recovery planning.   

Broadly, the Community Liaison will work collaboratively and in partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations (including technical staff and Elders/Knowledge Holders) to provide support on consultation and cooperation for federally listed terrestrial species at risk, identify and respond to funding opportunities, facilitate connections with ECCC-CWS staff, and support with gathering and sharing appropriate information. 

Position Type  

This posting is for an independent contractor for a Species at Risk Community Liaison. The work and remuneration will be adapted to the candidate’s level of experience.

This contract will have an end-date of March 31, 2024, with the possibility of an extension to March 2026. Applicants available to work full-time are preferred, but part-time work may be considered.  

This position involves a co-mentorship component where the successful candidate will provide guidance and advice to CIER and ECCC on such things as Indigenous engagement approaches and priorities learned from Indigenous Nations, and will receive the same in turn from CIER and ECCC along with any training needed for the Community Liaison position specific to the Species at Risk Act and its implementation.  

Areas of Responsibility  

  • Initiating outreach to Indigenous communities whose territories, reserve lands, and/or homelands overlap with areas ECCC-CWS engagement and/or consultation has started on federally listed terrestrial species at risk, to help with gathering/compiling input for recovery documents and SARA listing consultations.   
  • Work with First Nations to help scope their areas of interest (e.g., mapping Critical Habitat (CH) – biophysical attributes, occurrences, Indigenous Knowledge (IK), language, threat assessment) and support respectful sharing of information they have identified with ECCC-CWS (e.g., technical training, community engagement, equipment, documentation, establishing data sharing agreements, consultation workshops/meetings/formal input with ECCC-CWS).  
  • Facilitate community connections with ECCC-CWS staff to inform/participate in the above areas.  
  • Collaborate with Indigenous communities to support with applications for modest capacity support funding through the SARA-CCA project ($5k – $15k). For larger scale projects (e.g., multiyear, multi-partner), assist with project design and facilitate connections with ECCC funding program coordinators.   
  • Provide ECCC and CIER with mentorship (e.g., information, advice, and guidance to support them in their roles in the project).  

Roles of CIER and ECCC  

CIER will be responsible for overseeing the management of the Community Liaison, which includes:  

  • Weekly virtual check-ins with the CIER Project Manager and other contractors supporting the project to collaborate and share knowledge;  
  • Quarterly check-ins with the CIER Senior Project Manager to discuss progress and performance;  
  • Reviewing and providing feedback on deliverables;   
  • Providing guidance on workplan tasks; and,  
  • Processing contractor invoices.  

ECCC will be responsible for providing a co-mentorship relationship with the Community Liaison(s) (either contractors or students), which includes:  

  • Meeting regularly via Teams with different ECCC-CWS staff supporting key workplan tasks;  
  • Reviewing and providing feedback on deliverables; and,  
  • Providing any training needed for the position specific to the Species at Risk Act and its implementation (e.g., how recovery planning works, funding program processes). 

Working Conditions for Contractors  

Given the virtual nature of this work, the successful candidate must have access to a secure and reliable internet connection and a laptop with fully functional internet capability.  A valid class 5 license is required. This role mayinclude travelling across BC (may include travel to remote communities if necessary and safe to do so).    

Requirements  

Education and/or Work Experience  A university degree and/or post-secondary accreditation and/or relevant work experience relating to wildlife or conservation (Biology, Ecology, monitoring, surveying) or relevant social science (public policy, law, etc.) with experience directly relevant to the scope of this position.   
Knowledge  A strong understanding of Indigenous histories and current realities, Indigenous Rights, Title, and the Duty to Consult, environmental issues, policies and laws. Intermediate to advanced proficiency with MS Office applications. Familiarity with data sharing agreements context and 
 development is an asset but can be learned on the job. Familiarity and ability to use Geographic Information System (GIS) and software is an asset but can be learned on the job.   
Skills and Abilities  Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) – the ability to relay technical information in plain language is an asset. Ability to multi-task with limited supervision. Friendly, optimistic disposition with strong interpersonal skills.  Superior attention to detail and deadlines. Superior analytical and organizational skills with an ability to balance multiple priorities and produce tangible results in a dynamic work environment.   
Nice to Have  Fluency in Indigenous language(s). Experience working with Google docs, Microsoft Teams, Zoom. Experience arranging, chairing or facilitating meetings. Experience with or knowledge of species at risk.   

Who Can Apply?  

A strong preference will be given to applicants based in British Columbia. Although preference will be given to Indigenous contractors (including First Nations, Métis and Inuit), all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Applicants are asked to self-identify.   

Compensation  

Annual fees for this contract range from $69,000 to $75,000, inclusive of applicable taxes.    

Any travel costs will be outside of the compensation indicated above and will be pre-approved by CIER and reimbursed at the current National Treasury Board rates.   

Deadline for Submission  

If you are interested in this opportunity, please forward your resume or proposal and a brief cover letter to CIER c/o [email protected] by October 31, 2023.  

If you do not have access to email you are invited to either fax or mail your resume to us (866-288-3919 or PO Box 26092, RPO Maryland, Winnipeg, MB R3G 3R3. Please note in your cover letter if you are interested in full or part-time work.   

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.