Position Title: Advisor, Land Use and Permitting
Department: Land and Resources
Reports To: Director, Lands and Resources
Location: Inuvik
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
PURPOSE
Reporting to the Director, Land and Resources, the position is responsible for overseeing the administration and compliance of land use activities on Gwich’in Private Lands (GPL), ensuring that all access and usage align with the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA) and reflect the values and priorities of Gwich’in communities. This role plays a central part in safeguarding Gwich’in lands through effective permitting processes, intergovernmental collaboration, and ongoing community engagement.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage the intake and record-keeping of activities proposed on Gwich’in Private Lands (GPL).
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Lead the assessment, decision-making, and issuance of GPL permits, including fee collection and distribution to stakeholders.
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Develop permitting protocols, tools, and workflows to support consistent and efficient reviews.
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Conduct technical reviews in collaboration with subject matter experts.
- Monitor permitting systems and ensure ongoing compliance with applicable requirements.
- Manage participant gravel authorizations in accordance with established guidelines.
- Provide Technical support on complex or high-impact land use applications.
- Liaise between the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC), communities, and regulators to ensure compliance with the GCLCA.
- Maintain internal tracking systems for land use activities on Gwich’in lands.
- Support consultations with community members regarding proposed land use activities.
- Prepare detailed reports and updates for senior management and leadership.
- Provide guidance on policies, as well as territorial and federal legislation that may impact Gwich’in rights.
- Maintain field safety systems; ensure appropriate awareness of field activities, adherence to safety procedures, and identification and mitigation of potential hazards.
- Complete monitoring reports for land use activities authorized under permits, including follow-up to ensure rectification of any non-compliance with terms and conditions.
- Coordinate the development and ongoing maintenance of the land registry database.
- Establish and maintain a geo-referenced database of maps to support the identification, evaluation, and implementation of land use plans, water use plans, conservation planning, and other land management initiatives within the Gwich’in Settlement Area (GSA).
- Additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Geography, Indigenous Studies, Land Use Planning, Environmental Law, or Public Administration.
- A postgraduate diploma or master’s degree in any of the above areas would be considered an asset.
- Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in land administration, permitting, or environmental/resource management, preferably within an Indigenous or northern governance context.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA) and the governance structure of the Gwich’in Tribal Council is strongly preferred.
- Experience with GIS mapping systems, land registry databases, and compliance monitoring tools is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with territorial and federal legislation affecting land use, Indigenous rights, and environmental assessments (e.g., Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act, Species at Risk Act, etc.).
- Willingness to travel within the Gwich’in Settlement Region and occasionally beyond.
APPLY
Please submit your resume and cover letter combined into a single PDF file via email to [email protected] with the subject line Advisor, Land Use and Permitting Application. Kindly indicate if you are a Gwich’in Participant or Indigenous applicant requesting priority consideration or if you require any accessibility accommodations.
In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and our obligations under the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA), preference will be given to qualified GCLCA Participants and Indigenous applicants. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they wish to be considered under this preference.
