Manager, Forest Stewardship ($76,087 - $108,735)

• Be a part of an excellent team, and perform meaningful work that will realize long-term benefits!
• Receive an attractive annual salary ranging from $76,087 - $108,735 based on skills and experience, plus benefits!
• Join a vibrant, healthy community in which everyone has a role to play!

About ʔaq̓am.

ʔaq̓am is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation (pronounced ‘k-too-nah-ha’). ʔaq̓am Organization exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the ʔaq̓am Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan – “ka kniⱡwityaⱡa ~ Our Thinking”, and continue to progress and move our Community forward.

ʔaq̓am is located in the beautiful, sunny centre of Ktunaxa Traditional Territory in the southeast corner of British Columbia. If you love the outdoors, the mountains, fresh air, and the sun, this is the place for you. We are here to work towards achieving ʔaq̓am’s Vision: “A vibrant, healthy community, speaking our language, governing effectively, and maximizing our lands and resources for the benefit of future generations and all living things, in a manner consistent with qanikitȼi (our values and principles).” Be a part of an excellent team, perform meaningful work that will realize long-term benefits, share in worthwhile accomplishments, celebrate successes, join in the camaraderie, build strong relationships and enjoy lifelong learning!

For more information, please visit aqam.net

About the Opportunity

We are currently recruiting a Manager, Forest Stewardshipto join our team in Cranbrook, BC. You will be responsible for the assessment and strategic planning of ʔaq̓am’s forestry assets, engagement with multiple levels of government and mentoring staff. This position is supervised by the Director of Lands & Natural Resources (DLNR).

Your key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing professional forest management advice to colleagues and decision-makers to support the development of ʔaq̓am's forestry assets
• Comprehending forestry-related legislation and synthesizing the overarching strategic objectives of ʔaq̓am
• Working collaboratively and consultatively with both community and external stakeholders to develop meaningful, long-term relationships and partnerships
• Engaging in forest management and strategic planning for ʔaq̓am's forestry assets, including the forested land base on Reserve lands, replaceable tenure, and new opportunities
• Implementing ecosystem restoration and fuel mitigation projects on ʔaq̓am lands, including prescribed burning
• Exploring potential business-to-business initiatives with key industry partners in the Rocky Mountain Resource District and Kootenay Boundary Region
• Conducting timber supply analysis and acquiring LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for areas of interest for a potential ʔaq̓am First Nations Woodland License
• Developing an Indigenous Forest Bio-economy for the community and building business case assessments for the potential ʔaq̓am First Nations Woodland License
• Listing opportunities for additional tenure acquisition and advocating for allocations to ʔaq̓am with the Ktunaxa Nation and the Provincial Government
• Participating in the Forestry Working Group, a strategic collaboration of the four (4) Ktunaxa communities
• Providing ʔaq̓am with an understanding of the implications/impacts of the Strategic Engagement Agreement negotiations on our Forestry tenure
• Developing Forest Stewardship principles for ʔaq̓am that align with our community vision and strategic plan
• Creating a harvesting plan for ʔaq̓am’s on-reserve forests
• Promoting and developing partnerships with Ktunaxa communities
• Responding to industry referrals and FSC certification audit requests and managing harvesting activities in a manner that maximizes revenue while reflecting ʔaq̓am’s stewardship principles

More About You

In order to qualify for the Manager of Forest Stewardship role, you must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role, developing strategic plans, and land and resource development. You also need to be registered as a Professional Forester (RPF) or eligible for registration, with the Association of British Columbia’s Forest Professionals.

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Expertise in forest management planning, practices, and legal obligations
• Knowledge of forest ecosystem management, fuels, and wildfire mitigation
• Proven analytical and organizational skills for reviewing information and making recommendations on resource matters
• Experience with harvesting operations, log selling, and marketing
• Physical fitness and capability to work in the field in different weather conditions
• Strategic and analytical thinking abilities
• Experience leading project working groups/committees and making oral presentations to stakeholders
• Experienced in supervising and developing staff, from fostering technical skills to advancing cultural awareness and developing community and external engagement skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to simplify complex information
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse backgrounds and demonstrate professionalism
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with attention to detail
• Initiative-taking and ability to prioritize multiple projects
• A high degree of ethics, confidentiality, and integrity
• Proficiency in financial management, ability to oversee multiple project budgets and ability to review land-related documents for accuracy
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with GIS, GPS, and current technologies
• Ability to travel as needed
• Completion of Aboriginal Culture Training, training in engagement and consultation, and/or Aboriginal rights and title training/workshops (asset)
• Previous experience working in a First Nation or Aboriginal environment (asset)

Additionally, it is essential for candidates to have an understanding of ʔaq̓am and/or the Ktunaxa Nation. This can be achieved through being a member of the ʔaq'am Community and/or the Ktunaxa Nation, having ʔaq̓am or Ktunaxa ancestry, or having previous experience working with the Community and/or the Nation. If a candidate lacks this understanding, they should demonstrate a genuine interest in learning and immersing themselves in the culture to gain a greater understanding.

About the Benefits

As a valued member of our team, you will be rewarded with an attractive annual salary ranging from $76,087 - $108,735 based on skills and experience, along with the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Health and Dental Benefits Package
• Pension Plan
• Vacation starts at 2 weeks + Christmas Break
• Long-term disability coverage
• On-site daycare and gym facilities
• Proximity to nature, hiking, and nearby river
• Exciting Staff events and employee engagement activities
• Annual Wood Day tradition, chopping, gathering and distributing wood to the community
• Flexible working arrangements with a focus on work-life balance (work day ends at 4:30)
• Relocation support, up to $5,000 considered

Upon joining ʔaq̓am, you will be welcomed into a friendly and supportive team, and have the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the community.

Don't miss this unique opportunity. APPLY TODAY!