Fish & Wildlife Manager

Who We Are

With boundless pride in our ancient cultural heritage and ancestral homelands, we exercise our inherent right to self-government, to take the responsibility for the general welfare of our Citizens, and to provide for the good governance of our community, lands and resources. We promote wellness, self-sufficiency, and prosperity in our community through cultural teachings and environmental stewardship, and by building and maintaining an accountable government that motivates, inspires, and provides opportunities for the Vuntut Gwitchin.

About the Role

The Fish and Wildlife Manager oversees programs and projects in the Vuntut Gwitchin Traditional Territory to ensure the protection and sustainability of fish, wildlife, habitats, and their traditional use by Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation citizens. The manager collaborates on monitoring and research projects, develops and implements co-management plans, drafts resource-related legislation, ensures compliance with relevant fish, wildlife, and habitat regulations, delivers on-the-land programming for VGFN citizens, and conducts meaningful outreach and education to citizens and the public. Fish and wildlife activities have a long-lasting impact on the stewardship of VGFN fish and wildlife resources. Reporting to the Natural Resources & Heritage Director, some of the responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to;

• Department Operations: Manages the day-to-day operations and staff of the Fish and Wildlife Branch of the Natural Resources and Heritage Department.
• Program Delivery: Manages and implements VGFN fish, wildlife, and habitat projects and programs involving Traditional Knowledge and values, as well as scientific knowledge and practices.
• Technical Review and Advice: Provides technical advice and guidance to ensure the use and occupation of the VGFN Traditional Territory is enforced and respected.
• Strategic Partnerships: Maintains partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and rights holders, including other First Nations organizations, boards, councils, and committees, as well as working groups of the federal and territorial governments.
• Communications: Educates and informs the public on conservation, harvesting, compliance, and fish and wildlife topics by attending meetings and forums. Oversees communication materials to the public, such as exhibits, brochures, posters, and notices.
• Advocacy: Ensures VGFN interests and concerns related to the management and protection of fish, wildlife and habitat are expressed by participating in intergovernmental initiatives.‍
• Financial Management: Develops the Branchʼs annual budget. Oversees budget and expenditures and prepares financial reports.

What We Offer

• Very competitive salary that is commensurate with the candidateʼs education and experience.
• Working Hours: 80 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 weeksʼ vacation to start plus two weeks paid time off over the Christmas season.
• A very healthy extended benefits package.
• 12 days management Leave per year
• 10 days sick pay per year.
• 10 days paid special/personal leave per year.
• A matched pension plan.
• Subsidized Housing may be available.
• Relocation Allowance.

What You Bring:

• Knowledge of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Traditional Territory and Final Agreement.
• Experience and training in natural or renewable resource stewardship, including lived experience guided by Vuntut Gwitchin language and values or a bachelorʼs degree in biology, conservation, environmental science/studies, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Considerable experience managing conservation or fish and wildlife projects and programs, strategic planning and evaluation in a northern community.
• Experience leading and managing teams.
• Experience building partnerships with a variety of external contacts to promote and protect fish, wildlife, and habitats.
• Experience developing and delivering community on-the-land programming.
• Considerable financial management experience, including budgeting, applying for and administering federal/territorial funding programs.
• Knowledge of fish and wildlife ecology, resource management, human-wildlife conflict, and ecological sustainability principles and practices to lead inspections, surveys, and projects.
• Applies knowledge of legislation, trends, practices and research to fish and wildlife planning and sustainability.

Supporting you along the way

We believe that a rewarding career is not only good for our employees, but it also leads to better outcomes for our clients, workplace and the community. That’s why we are committed to providing you with a competitive salary, health benefits, and a retirement plan. Beyond compensation, you will have the opportunity to make meaningful connections and work on initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.

To Apply:

Please send your resume and a cover letter to: jobs@vgfn.ca

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 of First Nations customs and practices.

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