Director, First Nations Engagement & Consultation

British Columbia Energy Regulator; Victoria; On-site; CAD 116,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regulatory body is seeking a Director, First Nations Engagement & Consultation to provide strategic oversight and leadership in negotiations with Indigenous communities regarding renewable energy projects. The role requires a strong background in natural resource management, extensive experience in building relationships, and a commitment to culturally informed engagement practices.

Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience in a related natural resource management discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading consultations with First Nations.
• Ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction on Indigenous engagement and consultation processes.
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with First Nations.
• Supervise and mentor geographically dispersed staff.

Skills

Conflict Management

Developing Others

Flexibility and Adaptability

Indigenous Collaboration

Education

University degree in Natural Resource Management

Technical diploma

Job description

Description

Classification: Management Band B, Excluded

Office Location: Victoria or Kelowna or Fort St John or Prince George or Terrace or Fort Nelson or Dawson Creek

Salary: $116,303 – $152,239 – Permanent Full-Time, based on a 35-hour work week.
An additional 3% Location Allowance will be added to posted salary for employees based in Fort St John, Dawson Creek, Prince George, and Terrace.
An additional 13% Location Allowance will be added to posted salary for employees based in Fort Nelson.

About the Job:
The Director, First Nations Engagement & Consultation (Director) provides leadership in the development of negotiations with individual nations involved in the expanding mandate into renewable energy and transmission lines.

The Director works collaboratively with BCER staff and provides leadership on individual projects and in the development of negotiations and consultation strategies with individual nations involved in the expanding mandate into renewable energy and transmission lines and strategic and operational oversight to a team of diverse and geographically distributed professionals across the province. The Director is responsible for driving adaptive and culturally informed negotiation strategies, agreements where needed and assisting with consultation processes and responses to emerging issues and evolving priorities with Indigenous communities impacted by BCER’s expanding mandate.

Organization Chart:
Commissioner, Chief Executive Officer
Executive Vice President, Resource Management & Stewardship
Vice President, Energy Development, Restoration & Sustainability
Executive Director, Renewable Energy
Director, First Nations Engagement & Consultation (Topic Position)

Accountabilities:
Provide strategic direction and leadership on individual projects, Indigenous engagement, negotiations and consultation processes related to energy resource applications and projects.

Lead and facilitate engagement, negotiation and consultation processes with First Nations and industry proponents that result in meaningful engagement that supports the collaborative development of project terms and conditions, reflecting the interests of Indigenous communities, applicants, and the Crown.

Identify, analyze, and respond to emerging risks, legal developments, and evolving consultation standards.

Brief senior leadership and executive management on key engagement, negotiation and consultation issues, emerging risks, and opportunities for enhanced engagement.

Build and maintain respectful, trust-based working relationships with First Nations and industry representatives to support the identifying and resolving complex and sensitive issues affecting energy and resource development projects.

Lead the development and implementation of tools, procedures, training, and best practices that support consistent, effective, and culturally appropriate consultation with Indigenous Nations.

Brief executive leadership on high-impact consultation issues, challenges, and opportunities.

Engage with industry applicants to clarify consultation requirements and monitor progress throughout the application and approval process.

Ensure alignment between regional consultation work and broader organizational goals and regulatory frameworks.

Provide strategic direction and mentorship to a geographically dispersed team, ensuring Indigenous consultation and engagement initiatives align with organizational goals and provincial regulatory frameworks.

Supervise and support staff across the province, fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and consistency in consultation practices.

Education & Experience Requirements:

Education:
University degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science or related field, and five (5) years’ experience in a related natural resource management discipline; or

Technical diploma and seven (7) years’ experience in a related resource management discipline; or

A relevant combination of education, experience and training that would result in the person meeting the above standards.

Experience:
Demonstrated experience leading consultation or negotiations with First Nations communities and groups on complex issues and processes in a natural resource or regulatory context.

Demonstrated experience building and maintaining strong relationships with First Nations communities, governments, and organizations, grounded in respect, cultural awareness, and trust.

Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of consultation process improvements, tools, and/or policy frameworks.

Demonstrated experience building productive and collaborative partnerships with industry, First Nations communities, and government agencies to support sustainable energy or natural resource development.

Demonstrated experience supervising, leading, coaching, and mentoring geographically dispersed staff and/or teams.

Demonstrated experience providing expertise in facilitation and conflict resolution, with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues.

Preference may be given to applicants who identify as Indigenous.

Preference may be given to applicants who have direct experience in renewable energy or transmission line projects.

Key Competencies:
Conflict Management
The ability to effectively identify, address, and work to resolve conflicts within the organization or externally. It involves managing risks, fostering positive working relationships, and promoting a collaborative and productive work environment.

Developing Others
The ability to foster the long-term learning and development of others through coaching, mentoring, managing performance, and providing feedback. Driven by a genuine desire to enhance others’ growth and development, focusing on developmental intent and effect rather than merely transferring skills to complete tasks.

Flexibility and Adaptability
The ability and willingness to adjust to diverse situations and work effectively with a variety of individuals or groups. It involves understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives, adapting one’s approach as situations change, and accepting changes within one’s work. It also encompasses reacting positively to change and cooperating readily with revised methods and priorities in a changing work environment.

Indigenous Collaboration
The ability to utilize collaboration and problem solving when aligning organization objectives with those of Indigenous communities, seeking commonalities, and questioning assumptions. Facilitates collaborative decision making by understanding diverse perspectives, respecting traditional practices, and communicating transparently.

If you are interested in applying for this role and meet the minimum selection criteria, please select “Apply Now” and submit your cover letter and resume prior to the closing date. Applicants should review the education and experience listed in the job requisition and clearly articulate how their work experience and skills are aligned with the requirements. Please note, applicants will only be contacted if they are selected to proceed further in the process.