Who We Are
The Mikisew Cree First Nation (Mikisew) has lived on the ancestral lands of the Athabasca Delta and Wood Buffalo National Park in northeastern Alberta since time immemorial. The lives of our members are linked to the land and to a close understanding of traditions, history and a natural way of life. Many of our members live in the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan, and our traditional lands range over a large portion of Athabasca oil sands.
Are you interested in joining our Mikisew Government Industry Relations Department (GIR)? Our Mikisew GIR department is directed by the MCFN Leadership and acts as a liaison between resource developers, operators, government agencies and the community. The Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) Government & Industry Relations (GIR) office is a leading-edge office with several key initiatives underway such as the Wood Buffalo Nation Park – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Action Plan , Alberta’s Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP) 10 year review and Federal Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination processes and developing shared governance and co-management options for parks and places of interest to the MCFN. Alongside these key initiatives, the MCFN GIR undertakes review and formal consultation on several Federal, Provincial and Municipal legislation and policy review processes engaging with all levels of government and with multi-departmental formal consultations.
Reporting to the Director of GIR. The Environmental Manager at the Mikisew Cree First Nation has the responsibility of overseeing the environmental territory. Their role involves developing and implementing environmental strategies, policies, and programs to promote sustainable development. They also assess industry activities to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with environmental laws. Additionally, they manage on and off-reserve environmental initiatives, handle industry applications and related regulatory matters.
This position is based in Fort McMurray, AB
Roles & Responsibilities
- Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the policies, standards, protocols, and procedures of the GIR and as directed by the Director.
- Leading and developing the industry consultation and IBA team to deliver agreed outcomes (quality/timeliness/cost) for agreements and consultation proposals.
- The development of policies, procedures and processes that maximize efficiency and the achievement of desired outcomes relating to Industry consultation and IBA’s.
- Monitoring of existing operating projects, including Industry related issues, identifying relevant concerns, and ensuring that performance issues are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Development and implementation of annual plans for the effective delivery of all matters relating to consultation proposals from Industry and the effective implementation of IBA’s.
- Develop and implement consultation protocols between Industry partners and the MCFN community to ensure meaningful consultation, participation, community engagement, and reporting.
- Contributing as a member of the GIR leadership team to the development and delivery of GIR’s strategy and annual planning process.
- Management of financial resources relating to the team’s activities including annual budgeting, monthly reporting, and delivery of commitments within allocated resources.
Environmental
- Identify potential environmental risks that can affect the MCFN community and ensure that Industry develops monitoring programs to avoid/minimize these risks,
- Review Industry projects to ensure environmental risks are effectively identified using systematic assessment techniques and ensure best environmental technology/practices are used in the project’s design, construction and operational phases,
- Provide strategic input and technical advice into long-term environmental sustainability agreements, environmental committees, and negotiations,
- Monitor, evaluate and provide technical reviews to government policies, regulations, and land management,
- Ensure Industry develops and implements effective environmental protection, including monitoring and adaptive management plans, reclamation and closure, waste management, and emergency response programs,
- Ensure compliance and effectiveness of company-specific environmental commitments in agreements,
- Coordinate and manage environmental strategies and programs with other Indigenous Governments,
- Undertake appropriate environmental studies to ensure baselines are identified, potential impacts are accurately assessed, and control and monitoring systems are implemented,
- Work with legal counsel to establish appropriate mitigation, offsets and accommodation for environmental impacts and impacts on Treaty and Aboriginal Rights,
- Develop and manage relationships with counterparts in Governments, Industry, and related stakeholder and Indigenous nations,
- Ensure accurate, timely and regular formal scans of the regional, national and international environmental policies, procedures and practices that may impact the immediate, intermediate, and long-term sustainability of the community,
- Represent MCFN in regional initiatives to manage cumulative effects, including any regional environmental and technical issues of concern,
- Manage consultants to ensure timely and accurate technical review of project applications and policy documents are developed to support immediate, intermediate and long-term sustainability strategies and discussions with Industry and government,
- Implement existing communications processes to ensure effective two-way communication with community constituents.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary degree in Environmental Science, Business Administration, Political Science or related field of study; plus, minimum of 5 years progressively responsible experience in consultation with Indigenous communities.
- Proven experience in negotiating IBA’s.
- Exemplary oral and written communication skills in presenting clear and concise findings for decision makers and writing a variety of proposals, policy and procedure drafts, reports, and other documentation.
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and manage shifting priorities to produce results within deadlines.
- Knowledge of the Athabasca Oil Sands region and Indigenous participation within regional development.
- Cultural competency and sensitivity towards Mikisew Cree First Nations cultural traditions with the ability to use sound judgment and diplomacy in high stress/conflict situations.
How to Apply
If you feel you have the demonstrated background and you meet the qualifications as listed above and are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity, please submit a cover letter, current resume with dates specified, a photocopy of education [diploma/certificate]
hr@mikisewcree.ca
Application deadline is until a suitable candidate is found.
All applications will be reviewed, although only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Mikisew Cree First Nation is committed to equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Final candidates for this position will be required to complete a security screening, which includes a criminal background check.
kinanâskomitin (Thank you) for your interest.