Climate Change Coordinator

Government of Northwest Territories; Yellowknife; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional government department is looking for a Climate Change Coordinator in Yellowknife, NT. This role involves leading climate change initiatives, evaluating their impacts on health, and engaging with Indigenous communities. Candidates should have relevant degrees and experience with a strong background in environmental science or public health. The position includes a competitive salary, relocation assistance, and additional benefits. The role requires living in Yellowknife, where a hybrid/remote work plan is not available.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual northern living allowance

Defined benefit pension plan

Health and dental benefits

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in environmental science and at least one year of experience.
• Master's degree with six months of relevant experience.
• Diploma with a minimum of three years in climate change.

Responsibilities

• Assist with climate change program and offer technical support.
• Evaluate climate change impacts on health and well-being.
• Develop a climate change health impact surveillance plan.
• Engage local communities in discussions about climate impacts.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to assess vulnerabilities.

Skills

Technical expertise in climate change

Collaboration with Indigenous groups

Public messaging skills

Knowledge of environmental health

Education

Undergraduate degree in environmental science

Master's degree in environmental science

Diploma in environmental science

Job description

The Department of Health and Social Services works under the direction of the Minister and Deputy Minister, in partnership with the Health and Social Services Authorities, to support the health and wellbeing of people across the NWT through planning, development, evaluation and reporting on program and service delivery.

HSS is committed to the development and provision of quality services in such a way as to make the best use of public resources, ensure the sustainability of the system, focus on client safety and best practices and promote positive health and social outcomes. HSS strives to continually improve the health and social service system to ensure best health, best care, and a better future for the people of the NWT.

Job Information

The Climate Change Coordinator (Coordinator) will support and enhance the coordination of the Department of Health and Social Services' (HSS) climate change-related activities. The Coordinator will lead the coordination of the Department's climate change initiatives, including climate-related contaminants of concern, emerging infectious diseases, human health impact assessments, mitigation plans, and adaptation initiatives. This includes addressing the human health impacts of contaminants arising from or exacerbated by climate change, such as those mobilized through permafrost thaw, changing water systems, and wildfires. Further, this role supports and informs the development of advice on the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT)-wide health-related climate change issues and policies and regularly links HSS with other initiatives.

The Coordinator is responsible for developing a Department climate change health impact surveillance and adaptation plan. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Advisor, the incumbent will consult various department units and take direction for the work. The Coordinator interacts with representatives from other GNWT departments, Indigenous governments and organizations, community governments, the federal government and other external partners.

The Coordinator may be called to participate in inter- and intra-agency, and stakeholder consultation meetings. The incumbent may therefore travel to communities and out-of-the territory on occasion (possibly twice a year, or more often as required).

This position is located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. The incumbent would be required to live and work in Yellowknife, NT. A hybrid/remote work plan is not a possibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with and provide technical expertise and administrative and logistical support to the Department's climate change program and GNWT-wide climate change program.
• Support HSS staff and Senior Management for external assessments to evaluate the impact of climate change on the physical and mental health, and social well-being of NWT residents, including risks posed by contaminants such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
• Document and use traditional and local knowledge by involving local and Indigenous residents, including youth and elders, and communities in discussions on the impact of climate change.
• Develop departmental Climate Change Health Impact Surveillance and Adaptation Plan and support implementation, monitoring, review and update to the plan.
• Develop and play an active role in public messaging and stakeholder consultations.
• Collaborate with other GNWT departments, regional authorities, indigenous governments, and health representatives from all over the territory to assess regional vulnerabilities in terms of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity.

Key Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in environmental science, environmental public health, or other related science field, plus a minimum of one (1) year experience working in the field of climate change.
• Other related fields may include:
  • Climate Science, Environmental Epidemiology, or Environmental Engineering
• A Master's degree in environmental science, environmental public health, or other related science field, plus a minimum of six (6) months' experience working in the field of climate change.
• A Diploma in environmental science, environmental public health, or other related science field, plus a minimum of three (3) years' experience working in the field of climate change.

The GNWT offers a competitive salary, an annual northern living allowance, a generous defined benefit pension plan, and health/dental benefits in addition to relocation assistance. For more information about living and working in the Northwest Territories please visit our benefits page orNWT Tourism.

GNWT Inquiries

Inquiries Only:

Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel [phone] Extension 14106
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.