RECENT OR POTENTIAL GRADS: Conservancy Coordinator

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq

Department of Environment & Natural Resources

Conservancy Coordinator

About The CMM

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (The CMM) is a Tribal Council representing eight, Mi’kmaq communities of mainland NS. Our mission is to proactively promote and assist Mi’kmaq communities’ initiatives towards self-determination and enhancement of community.  The CMM main office is in the Millbrook Mi’kmaw Community in Nova Scotia and has over 100 Employees. The CMM’s Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) is currently looking for an energetic, mature, and independent candidate to fill the role of Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy Coordinator.

Position Overview

This position is part of a joint Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) program that includes The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM), Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR), and Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission (EFWC), and is led by the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. The CMM, UINR, and EFWC are supporting all 13 Mi’kmaw communities in advancing IPCAs within Nova Scotia.

The IPCA Program is led by the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. IPCAs are lands and waters where Indigenous governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems; culture and language are the heart and soul of an IPCA.

The Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy Coordinator, under the direction of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, and reporting to the CMM, UINR and EFWC, will support the continued development of a Mi’kmaw-led land trust (Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy). This position will focus on developing the Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy as a legal mechanism to advance IPCAs and will also be responsible for land acquisitions.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Prepare, develop, and implement workplans, budgets and reporting requirements. Work alongside the Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy team to develop conservation easements.
• Collaborate and establish partnerships with other relevant organizations and partners.
• Develop policy and legal mechanisms to continue to support Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy and ensure compliance with the Canada Land Trust Standards and Practices.
• Work towards becoming a Registered Charitable and ensure Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy remains in good standing with both the CRA and the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
• Assist the IPCA team with the creation and implementation of a landowner outreach program, provide support to landowners in land conservation, identify landowner contacts, and initiate and lead negotiations to secure private lands prioritized as important for Mi’kmaw cultural values.
• Identify and secure long-term funding to support the acquisition of private lands of interest to Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy and the long-term sustainability of Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy.
• Report to and liaise with funders and donors and support fundraising activities.
• Complete the protection of IPCAs by applying appropriate policy mechanisms including easements and conservation tax exemption.
• Stay up to date on provincial and federal tax, charity and conservation laws and procedures as they pertain to the Conservancy.
• Present updates and prepare reports for The CMM and UINR Board of Directors, advisory committees and/or the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs.

Position Requirements

• Minimum of an undergraduate degree from a recognized university with specialization in conservation biology, natural resources management, environmental science, law, real estate, or planning.
• Minimum two years experience working with various levels of government, industry, NGOs, First Nations, educational institutions, and local communities.
• Experience with NGO development and/or land trust development.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment and in technical research, writing, and communications and managing large budgets.
• Excellent facilitation, problem resolution and consensus building skills.
• Must have valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel within Nova Scotia as required.

Asset Qualifications (Not required):

• A basic understanding of legal, financial, and scientific issues involved in land securement, conservation, protection and management, and a willingness to deepen that understanding. Additionally, experience in real estate transactions or law.
• Experience working for or with Indigenous communities or organizations is considered.
• Demonstration of effective communication skills.  Fluent Mi’kmaw speaker and writer.

Salary/Employment Term:  

Salary: $42,500 per year. This is a Permanent Position (pending successful one-year probationary contract).

Why work with us?

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (The CMM) is well known throughout Canada as a professional organization that is committed to providing a pleasant and healthy working environment for all its employees. As an organization, we understand that a great work/life balance is essential to success. As a full-time employee you can expect:

• An atmosphere that is both professional and family oriented.
• Enrolment in the organization’s benefits packages on your first day of employment with no waiting period, which includes Health & Dental, and Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
• Generous amounts of paid time off (Paid Statutory Holidays plus St. Anne’s Day and Aboriginal Day, Summer Shutdown (2 weeks), Christmas Shutdown (roughly 2 weeks), plus 1 week of discretionary vacation time (up to 2 weeks with 10 years of service).
• Social Committee, Staff Days, Staff Knowledge Days, etc.

If you would like to join The CMM Family, please see below on how to apply for this position.

Application Deadline:  Open until position is filled.

Submit Cover Letter AND Resume to:                 

Human Resources

c/o The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq

PO Box 1590, Truro, Nova Scotia B2N 5V3

Email:  HR@cmmns.com

We are an equal opportunity employer; however, qualified Aboriginal applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.  Only those applicants who provide an up-to-date CV along with a cover letter and qualify for interview will be contacted.  The successful candidate may be required to submit a current criminal record check. Applicants MUST provide proof of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency.