ASSISTANT FISHERIES NEGOTIATOR
Full Time Permanent
POSITION SUMMARY
The Assistant Fisheries Negotiator supports Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) in the implementation and advancement of fisheries-related rights and responsibilities under the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement and Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution.
Reporting to the Manager of Natural Resources and the Fisheries Negotiator, the Assistant Fisheries Negotiator participates in fisheries negotiations, supports agreement implementation, reviews policies and regulations, and coordinates fisheries-related work with governments, other First Nations, and rightsholders. The role ensures that TFN interests are represented and that fisheries activities align with TFN laws, priorities, and stewardship responsibilities, local businesses, and community partners to support the growth and sustainability of the program.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Negotiation Participation
- Participate in fisheries-related negotiations and engagement processes with:
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
- Province of British Columbia
- Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance
- Other First Nations and regional bodies
- Support preparation for negotiation sessions, including background materials and position summaries
- Document discussions and track outcomes and commitments
- Assist with drafting and reviewing fisheries agreements and related documents
Treaty Implementation Support
- Support implementation of fisheries provisions under the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement
- Track commitments and obligations of federal and provincial governments
- Identify implementation issues and bring them forward to the Manager of Natural Resources
- Coordinate internal efforts to align TFN fisheries activities with treaty requirements
Policy and Regulatory Review
- Monitor and review changes to fisheries policies, management plans, and regulations
- Summarize implications for TFN in clear, accessible formats
- Provide input to support TFN responses to proposed regulatory or policy changes
- Assist in the development of TFN policies, procedures, or positions as required
Technical Coordination
- Work with internal staff and external technical experts to gather information supporting fisheries work
- Compile and review data related to fish stocks, harvest levels, and habitat conditions
- Incorporate Tsawwassen knowledge and community perspectives into fisheries work
- Coordinate technical input for meetings, submissions, and reporting
- Coordinate Food Fish processing
Relationship Management
- Maintain positive working relationships with:
- Neighboring First Nations
- Government agencies
- Industry and regional stakeholders
- Support communication between TFN leadership, staff, and community on fisheries matters
- Attend meetings, working groups, and regional forums as required
Administrative & Reporting
- Prepare briefing notes, reports, and meeting summaries
- Maintain records of agreements, meeting outcomes, and fisheries-related files
- Provide regular updates to the Manager of Natural Resources
- Support responses to emerging fisheries issues
- Attend, present at, and help coordinate community meetings including Natural Resources Committee Meeting
Scope of Work
- Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) fisheries facilitation and distribution assistance.
- Commercial fisheries access and licensing
- Fisheries allocation and harvest planning
- Habitat protection and aquatic ecosystem health
- Aquaculture and marine activities within TFN territory
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Degree or diploma in fisheries, natural resources, environmental studies, public policy, or related field
- Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in fisheries, natural resources, or related field
- Experience working with First Nations or Indigenous governments is preferred
- Experience participating in negotiations or multi-party processes is an asset
- Familiarity with the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement, is an asset
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of fisheries management systems and regulatory processes
- Understanding of Indigenous rights and treaty-based fisheries
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to review and interpret technical and policy documents
- Strong organizational and coordination skills
- Ability to build and maintain working relationships across organizations
- Ability to work respectfully in a culturally grounded environment aligned with TFN values
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work requires primarily indoor work and occasionally outside work with good working conditions and occasional pressures of volume of work and tight deadlines
- Office-based with regular attendance at meetings within and outside TFN territory
- Potential for hybrid - remote work
- Occasional travel required
COMPENSATION
- $34.74 to $36.79 per hour. Placement within the pay scale is based on a review of skills, experience and internal equity
- Annual cost of living increases
- BC Municipal Pension Plan – employee contributes 8.61%, employer contributes 9.31%
- Excellent benefits, 100% paid by employer:
- 100% prescriptions paid, no deductible
- 100% basic dental coverage, no deductible
- 100% varied paramedical coverage
- Up to 15 Personal days per year
- Paid time off during the Christmas & New Year break
- Paid vacation time
We wish to thank all interested applicants; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.
Pursuant to the Tsawwassen First Nation Government Employees Act, first priority in hiring among qualified applicants will be given to Tsawwassen Members, second priority to spouses (as defined in s. 3 (1) of the BC Family Law Act) of Tsawwassen Members, and third priority to members of other First Nations. If you fall within one of these categories and you wish to have this voluntary information considered as part of your application, please indicate the applicable category in your cover letter.
