RECENT OR POTENTIAL GRADS: Department of Aquatic Resources & Fisheries Management – Project Lead (AFSAR)

  • Location: Truro, NS
  • Deadline: Open Until Filled

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq
Department of Aquatic Resources & Fisheries Management
Project Lead (AFSAR)

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) is a Tribal Council located in Mi’kmaki and provides services to the eight Mi’kmaw communities of mainland Nova Scotia. Our mission is to proactively promote and assist Mi’kmaw communities’ initiatives towards self-determination and enhancement of community. The CMM’s main office is situated in the Millbrook Mi’kmaw Community and has over 120 employees. The CMM’s Department of Aquatic Resources and Fisheries Management (DARFM) is currently looking for an energetic, mature, and independent candidate to fill the role of the Project Lead (AFSAR).

The DARFM is focused on promoting and restoring the concept of Netukulimk in Nova Scotia’s watersheds. Staff members are involved in various marine and freshwater resource management projects. The objective of this work is to ensure that future generations will have access to a healthy environment. The services provided promote youth mentorship and Mi’kmaw capacity building. Key project areas include species-at-risk, marine spatial planning, water quality, commercial fisheries, and habitat restoration.

Reporting to the Manager of Aquatic Ecosystems, the Project Lead (AFSAR) for our Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) project will be responsible for developing and executing research projects related to aquatic resource management. Specifically, this role will focus on monitoring species at risk (Atlantic salmon, brook floater, etc), creating educational activities and events related to species at risk and invasive species, and other activities related to aquatic species at risk. They will be responsible for managing project budgets and deliverables, leading field work, documenting and organizing field data, promoting scientific capacity within Mi’kmaw Communities, presenting findings to advisory groups, and following safety protocols for working outdoors around water. Field activities include, electrofishing, seining, operating a rotary screw trap, visual and tagging studies for mussels, along with other techniques.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

  • Lead and manage project deliverables and results in a cohesive manner.
  • Promote scientific capacity within Mi’kmaw First Nations Communities
  • Develop creative and effective ways to present technical skills and project activities to community members, leadership, colleagues and project partners
  • Adhere to safety protocols associated with field work in aquatic environments
  • Oversee the acquisition of project materials and resources.
  • Track expenses and provide budget forecast.
  • Assist in creating proposals that relate to aquatic resource management
  • Document all project related research and activities in a project file, field journal and reports
  • Conduct field related activities including but not limited to electrofishing, seining, operating a rotary screw trap, visual and tagging studies for mussels, along with other techniques.
  • Assist with preparing and submitting scientific research permits and/or amendments and ensuring compliance with federal and provincial regulations
  • Calibration of equipment, monitoring data quality, and troubleshooting throughout field operations
  • Conduct literature reviews, surveys, and research as directed by the Manager of Aquatic Ecosystems

Position Qualifications:

  • Post-secondary education in marine management, science, education, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of research methodologies and standards related to marine environmental issues.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to collaborate with various partners (e.g., Indigenous groups, academic, government, NGOs).
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work flexible hours and some weekends (if necessary).
  • Proficiency with common office software including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Experience with data analysis and/or statistics.
  • Experience writing proposals and reports.
  • Must have access to a reliable vehicle and have a valid driver’s licence.

Assets:

  • Completion of supplementary field-based courses and training is considered an asset
  • Experience monitoring fish and habitat assessments is considered and asset.
  • Experience coordinating meetings or events.
  • Knowledge of current First Nation community challenges and opportunities relating to fisheries and marine management.
  • Understanding of issues related to the gathering and sharing of Mi’kmaq Knowledge systems.
  • Understanding of the Indian Act and Mi’kmaq aboriginal and treaty rights.
  • Proficient in Ocean literacy principles.

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.
  • Enrollment 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.

Salary/Employment Term:
Salary Range: $50,000-$65,000/year depending on qualifications and experience. This is a maternity leave position (12 month).
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 qualify for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate may be required to submit a current criminal record check. Non-Canadian applicants must be able to provide proof of current entitlement of eligibility to work in Canada.