Nlak’apamux Forestry Program Coordinator
Summary of Organizational Responsibilities:
Nlak’apamux Forestry Program Coordinator is responsible for forestry related projects within the Economic Development Department. The Nlak’apamux Forestry Program Coordinator will have, or will gain, an understanding of Nlaka’pamux traditional teachings along with a strong passion for protecting and preserving natural resources within the Traditional Territory and upholding the rights of Nlaka’pamux peoples’ access to these resources. The position is in person and will require both office and field work. Office work will include long periods of sitting while filed work may include walking on uneven forest terrain in all weather conditions.
Work in a team environment to receive and respond to referral requests. Work will often involve time sensitive communications with industry. An important aspect of the job will include researching LNIB’s interests and use within the Traditional Territory and area of interest. Work will also involve developing, assessing, and making recommendations regarding natural resource management strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure adequate and meaningful consultation and accommodation of LNIB’s Rights and Title. Responsible for managing and scheduling LNIB Cultural Heritage and Environmental Technicians to ensure the timely and efficient execution of annual field season workplans, safety and compliance duties related to field staff and fleet vehicle, drafting field reports, and communicating with licencees on an ongoing basis. Coordinate with external organizations including Provincial ministries, First Nations governments and service agencies, and non-governmental organizations, and attend relevant meetings. Nlak’apamux Forestry Program Coordinator may be required to facilitate training and accompany technicians in the field.
Assist the Title and Rights Manager related to resource developments throughout the Traditional Territory. Work closely with supervisor and team (staff and consultants) as required to develop efficient policy, and workflow to manage referrals projects. The nature of material requires the strictest confidentiality to protect the interest of LNIB and its membership.
Duties and Tasks::Referrals:
- Administers forestry related referrals from government ministries, agencies, licencees, developers and stakeholders, including proposed developments, cutting permit applications, Forest Stewardship Plan amendments, Timber Supply Reviews, Forest Landscape Planning updates, and cultural heritage reviews related to forestry;
- Reviews and drafts responses to any other referrals assigned by Title and Rights Manager following the referrals process;
- Keeps accurate and appropriate filing of Referral correspondence within the database;
- Locates filed materials upon request, ensuring that materials are given only to authorized users;
- Represent LNIB on various technical committees relating to resource development operations (i.e. referral technical working group);
- Report on LNIB’s interests regarding environmental and cultural aspects of resource projects on reserve and throughout the Traditional Territory;
- Notify the Title and Rights Manager regarding significant resource development activities within the Traditional Territory; and
- Draft Briefing Notes for Chief and Council.
Reporting:
- Draft reports on resource development projects, including Preliminary Field Reconnaissance (PFR) reports and cultural heritage monitoring reports;
- Draft recommendations to uphold and mitigate impacts to LNIB’s Title and Rights; and
- Review and finalize reports with Director of Economic Development prior to submission.
Field Staff oversight:
- Field staff scheduling, send schedules with project numbers and maps;
- Liaison between the field staff and Director of Economic Development;
- Review of field staff weekly reports
o Truck Inspections;
o Timesheets; and
o Site forms.
o BC Forest Safety Council (SAFE Certification)
o Avetta (HVC)
o ISN (TM)
- Administrator for department software programs including use of Lightship, Avenza, SiteDocs;
- Assist Director of Economic Development in drafting, negotiating, and executing minor and major service agreements and contracts;
- Facilitate meetings with Forestry Companies;
- Participate in Provincial engagement processes related to forestry i.e. Forest Landscape Planning, Timber Supply Review,
Forestry Technical Working Groups;
- Facilitate field staff orientation, onboarding, and training;
- Management of truck fleet
o Inspections;
o Schedule maintenance; and
o Ordering supplies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities::
- A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (Mandatory);
- Knowledge and experience of similar program delivery in the context of First Nations culture and history;
- Familiarity with Provincial forest regulatory environment;
- Familiarity with constitutional consultation framework;
- Excellent oral and written communications skills;
- Excellent knowledge and experience with computers;
- Strong research skills, including the ability to read and interpret maps;
- Ability to work outside in variable conditions;
- High attention to detail and accuracy; and
- Knowledge of LNIB’s history, culture, and membership.
Qualifications::
- Minimum bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Geography, or a similar program of study;
- Preference will be given to a candidate with a professional designation (RPF/RFT) or eligibility for designation; and
- Experience managing field crews an asset.