Environmental Monitoring Coordinator

About the Position

The Environmental Monitoring Coordinator is responsible for implementing the Natural Resources and Heritage Department’s activities focused on collecting Local Knowledge and scientific information about key environmental parameters related to ecosystem health, habitat quality, environmental conditions, climate change, and emergency planning. The Environmental Monitoring Coordinator also coordinates training for community members to participate in information and data collection related to travel safety and environmental conditions and facilitates knowledge-sharing opportunities for community members. The Environmental Monitoring Coordinator will act as a liaison with external partners and collaborators, including academic researchers, federal and territorial governments, consultants, and non-governmental organizations. Reporting to the Lands Manager, some of the responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to

• Coordinates Local Knowledge and scientific data gathering to implement land and water monitoring programs.
• Gathers and shares information to be integrated into emergency planning and preparedness processes.
• Provides technical and administrative support to the Lands Manager to increase awareness of environmental health and quality VGFN Traditional Territory.
• Informs and engages with citizens, residents, and the public by attending meetings and forums pertaining to scientific monitoring and emergency planning.
• Prepares communication materials where needed for community members, external researchers, and emergency planning partners.
• Liaises with emergency planning and preparedness staff across VGFN and external consultants.
• Supports the Lands Manager in establishing internal processes to monitor and oversee work planning activities with external partners. 
• Gathers environmental samples and data in adherence to standards and quality control guidelines.                               

What You Bring 

• Experience and training in natural resource stewardship or scientific fieldwork, such as lived experience guided by Vuntut Gwitchin language and values or a diploma/degree in a related field (e.g., environmental science, ecosystem management, conservation, biology).  
• Knowledge of northern ecology and habitats. 
• Experience conducting ecology and environmental fieldwork, including environmental sampling, data collection, and mapping (e.g., water sampling, vegetation identification, permafrost monitoring). 
• Ability to conduct fieldwork year-round in diverse seasonal conditions, handling extreme temperatures, precipitation, and winds in all seasons.
• Experience coordinating with a range of partners and collaborators.
• Ability to travel for training, attend meetings, and access remote areas of the Traditional Territory.
• Experience living in and supporting the operations of remote field camps.
• A history of working with and engaging the public in Indigenous communities.
• Awareness and appreciation for Vuntut Gwitchin history, culture, traditions, and languages, including the Final Agreement.
• A commitment to Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty.
• A strong desire to uplift and support our community.
• Experience working in an Indigenous northern community is an asset. 
• Positive and engaging interactions with colleagues and the public.   

What We Offer

• $56.00 - $68.45 per hour (Based on education and experience)
• Working hours: 65 hours biweekly.
• 4% Northern Community Remoteness Allowance for employees residing in Old Crow full-time.
• 4% Northern Travel Allowance for employees residing in Old Crow full-time.
• 4 weeks’ vacation to start, plus 2 weeks paid time off over the Christmas holiday season.
• A very healthy extended benefits package.
• 10 days sick pay per year.
• 10 days paid special/personal leave per year.
• A matched pension plan, meaning VGFN contributes the same amount as the employee by-weekly.
• A relocation allowance.
• Subsidized housing may be available.

Who We Are

The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) promotes wellness, self-sufficiency, and prosperity in our community through cultural teachings and environmental stewardship, and by building and maintaining an accountable government that serves and provides opportunities for Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens.

VGFN is the government of the Van Tat Gwich’in people. Located on the Porcupine River in the heart of the Vuntut Gwich’in homeland, the community of Old Crow is the seat of our government.

Apply for this position:

To apply for this position, please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@vgfn.ca Please include the name of the job you are applying for in the subject line of the email. The cover letter should be addresssed to the Human Resources Director.

In accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA, Section 16(1)), hiring preference will be given to Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation citizens. Following this, preference will be extended  to Indigenous candidates, and then to those with experience and knowledge First Nations traditional customs and practices.

While we appreciate all applications, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.