004 - Advisor, Environmental

Metis Nation of Ontario; Chapleau; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Metis Nation of Ontario seeks an Environmental Advisor within the Lands, Resources and Consultations branch to support environmental initiatives spanning the Great Lakes, water monitoring, climate and forest resources across MNO homelands.

The role involves developing programming, coordinating volunteers, and liaising with Community Councils, laboratories and government partners, with occasional travel to communities and field sites.

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of experience in environmental sector.
• Master's Degree OR University Degree + Professional Designation education in fields of environmental studies or related area.
• Understanding of water chemistry, ecology, invasive species and species at risk.
• Strong ability to write reports, briefing notes and presentations using academic methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for environmental initiatives including research, liaising and reporting.
• Develop initiatives to improve food sovereignty such as berry patch monitoring and community gardens.
• Plan and execute engagement activities with MNO communities; manage budgets and travel.
• Develop communications for MNO communities about topics and initiatives.
• Collaborate with LRC Branch staff and other units on assigned projects.

Skills

Environmental sector experience

Stakeholder management

Project coordination

Advanced communication skills

Research and writing skills

Technology literacy

Time management

Education

Master's degree in environmental studies

Tools

Survey123

MS SharePoint

Job description

About the Role

The Lands, Resources and Consultations (LRC) branch provides expertise and support to engage MNO citizens in a range of activities and issues related to the lands and waters of Métis Nation of Ontario’s (MNO’s) traditional territories. The Métis way of life is deeply intertwined with the natural world and environmental conservation. The prime objective of the Environmental Advisor is to assist in the development and running of environmental initiatives and projects related to one or more of the following; the Great Lakes, water monitoring, climate change, re-forestation, natural resources that enable MNO citizens and communities to participate in the conservation, monitoring and/or restoration of natural environments and ecosystems.Advisors specialize in one or more of the following areas community engagement and action, environmental, land and resources issues, ecology, water monitoring, species monitoring, Great Lakes, nature conservancy, species at risk, green technologies, silviculture, climate change issues, government policies, and can make independent decisions regarding aspects of the programming. Advisors conduct community outreach, prepare educational materials, deliver presentations, organize the logistics of community-based events (such as monitoring); manage relationships, collect data, conduct research (if applicable) and facilitate the completion of complex work, using specialized technology applications, tools, systems or processes.

What you will be doing

Provide technical support in relation to environmental initiatives. Duties include, but are not limited to, research, liaising and reporting on the above-mentioned items and development of projects and initiatives.Support in the development of initiatives to improve food sovereignty such as MNO berry patch monitoring and community gardens programs, water quality monitoring programs (i.e. water chemistry, fish tissue, benthic biomonitoring, eDNA) including developing a database, troubleshooting field equipment, coordinating volunteers, liaising with MNO Community Councils, laboratories, interpreting and communicating results, identifying areas for improvement.Support the MNO carrying out its statement of prime purpose including "to protect and preserve the land and waters within our homelands for future generations." This will include the development of new environmental programming and the running and maintenance of existing environmental programs.Plan and execute engagement activities with MNO communities, such as engagement meetings, site tours and community information sessions etc. Duties include, but are not limited to, scheduling, confirming budgets, booking venues/catering, preparation of expense forms, purchase orders, agendas, briefings, briefing notes and leading meetings with RCCs, proponents, government officials, and MNO communities.Travel to communities to participate in and present at meetings. This may require overnight stays in communities, long-distance driving, air travel and a varied work schedule including work during week-ends and evenings.Visit sites of ecological/conservation interest to the MNO including areas that are poorly accessible. This could include walking on uneven ground, being exposed to inclement weather and using equipment such as a handheld GPS. and water quality multi-meter. Wildlife and/or bear safety awareness and First Aid training are considered assets.Develop and maintain contacts with proponents, government departments, and other entities, on projects, relevant issues and initiatives affecting and impacting communities in the MNO.Maintain a thorough record of all activities and consultations associated with projects, relevant issues and initiatives. Software such as, Survey 123, MS SharePoint or other project management software may be implemented for project and other related coordination purposes.Develop communications for MNO communities regarding relevant topics, issues and initiatives, as well as for specific projects. Communications tools may include, but are not limited to, letters, invitations, Métis Voyageur advertisements, brochures, research briefings and webpage postings etc.Work collaboratively with other staff of the LRC Branch, including the MNO Community Relations Unit and the MNO Way of Life Unit and the MNO Education and Training Branch on assigned projects, initiatives and issues. Collaborative work to improve processes and standards within the LRC Branch is expected.Support all tasks listed with strong research and writing skills.

Qualifications

1 to 3 years of experience in environmental sector.Masters Degree OR University Degree + Professional Designation education in fields of environmental studies, ecology, environmental sciences, earth sciences or a related area, or equivalent experience.An understanding of water chemistry, ecology, invasive species and species at risk.An understanding of the intersection between Indigenous and environmental issues.Demonstrated ability in managing relationships with a variety of internal / external stakeholders.Demonstrated ability to write high quality reports, briefing notes and presentations including basic background research using academic methods (i.e. literature review of peer review publications). Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible when advising others in a demanding and dynamic environment.Strong desire to act in the service of the MNO citizens, to advance and uphold rights and cultureA high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment as well as technical competencies with environmental monitoring devices (i.e. aquatic multimeters, GPS)Advanced communications skills, both written and verbalSuperior organization skills and time/priority-managementHighly detail-orientedAbility to problem-solve independentlyAbility to work alone/indecently with minimal supervisionStrong project coordination, including the design and implementation of project work-plans A strong understanding of citizen science programs.An understanding of regulatory processes, environmental issues and Indigenous issues or a demonstrated ability and willingness to learn about these and other processes and issues quickly.