Indigenous Engagement Specialist

AECOM; Burnaby; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm in British Columbia is seeking an Indigenous Engagement Specialist. The role involves leading engagement strategies with Indigenous Nations regarding transportation and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field along with significant experience in Indigenous engagement. This position offers a permanent full-time role with potential for remote work based on location.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible work options

Award-winning training programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience in Indigenous engagement or consultation.
• Knowledge of Indigenous rights and governance structures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Indigenous engagement strategies for infrastructure projects.
• Support Indigenous consultation activities related to environmental assessments.
• Foster strong relationships with Indigenous communities.

Skills

Indigenous engagement

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Project management

Education

Degree in Communications, Environmental Planning, Indigenous Studies

Job description

Overview

AECOM is seeking an Indigenous Engagement Specialist with experience in transportation and highway infrastructure to join our Environment Business Line in British Columbia. This permanent full-time position will support impactful engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities while aligning with technical project delivery, particularly for provincial transportation and infrastructure initiatives. Reporting to the Team Lead Impact Assessment and Permitting, this role will work closely with engineers, planners and permitting experts to advance projects through B.C.s regulatory process while respecting Indigenous rights, knowledge and priorities.

As part of the Environment Business Line you will play a key role in strengthening our approach to Indigenous engagement by collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams of environmental/engineering professionals and technical specialists. This position is responsible for developing and implementing Indigenous consultation strategies ensuring that proposals and projects respect Indigenous knowledge, rights and interests while aligning with regulatory requirements, environmental assessment (EA) / permitting processes and best practices for reconciliation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement Indigenous engagement strategies that foster respectful, transparent, and culturally appropriate relationships with Indigenous communities, governments and organizations.
• Support Indigenous consultation activities related to environmental assessments, permitting and construction phases of infrastructure projects, including MOTI-led highway and transit corridor initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineers, environmental planners and design teams to ensure Indigenous Knowledge is meaningfully integrated into project design, permitting and mitigation measures.
• Track and manage Indigenous engagement milestones aligned with regulatory requirements and technical schedules.
• Prepare culturally inclusive communication materials, summary reports and records of engagement for regulatory filings and client updates.
• Respond to concerns raised by Indigenous rights-holders in a manner that fosters trust, accountability and responsiveness throughout project lifecycles.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with Indigenous businesses and governments to support capacity-building, employment and procurement opportunities.
• Coordinate field-level engagement for construction projects, archaeological assessments and field investigations.
• Contribute to business development efforts by supporting proposal writing, budgeting and participating in networking opportunities.
• Mentor and support junior and peer staff in Indigenous engagement best practices and cultural safety.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• A degree or professional designation in Communications, Environmental Planning, Indigenous Studies or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Minimum 4 years of experience in Indigenous engagement, consultation or communications within public or private sector projects.
• Demonstrated experience with the Province of B.C.s regulatory consultation approach and Indigenous relations protocols.
• Knowledge of Indigenous rights, legal frameworks (e.g., Duty to Consult, UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action) and governance structures in B.C.
• Proven ability to work respectfully and effectively with Indigenous Nations and organizations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including proposal writing, report development and public presentation delivery.
• Willingness and ability to travel to Indigenous communities, including during evenings or weekends.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8 years of experience in Indigenous engagement with a focus on infrastructure, transportation and environmental permitting.
• Lived experience as an Indigenous person (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) is considered a strong asset.
• Direct experience supporting Indigenous consultation on MOTI highway and transit infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with B.C. Environmental Assessment Act, the federal Impact Assessment Act and permitting frameworks.
• Experience coordinating linear infrastructure consultation including land access, fieldwork coordination and contractor liaison.
• Membership in IAP2, CPRS, IABC, IAF or a related professional association is an asset.

Additional Information

• This position is based in British Columbia. Remote / hybrid work may be considered based on location and client requirements.
• Relocation is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship for Canadian employment authorization is not available.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at .

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.