Natural Resources Director
Careers that make a difference
We work to build and maintain an accountable government that motivates, inspires, and provides opportunities for Vuntut Gwitchin Citizens. Our employees have the opportunity to make meaningful connections and work on initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.
“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 government of our community, lands and resources.”
—Preamble, VGFN Constitution
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 Natural Resources Director oversees natural resources and lands management programs for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) in accordance with directives and priorities established by VGFN Chief and Council and the Management Committee. The position ensures operations of the Department comply with legislation and policy, are within approved budgets, and are in collaboration with community organizations, partners and Citizens. The Natural Resources Director also leads planning processes to align strategy with operations to deliver services in the best interest of VGFN Citizens. Reporting to the Associate Executive Director, some of the responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to;
Departmental Oversight – Engages broadly with the Associate Executive Director, other VGFN Directors and Managers, and VGFN Council to identify lands and resources management needs to help inform the VGFN’s strategic plan, business plan and operating principles. Ensures services are accessible and responsive to Citizen needs and proactively identifies and manages risks, trends, and issues - particularly in relation to the Vuntut Gwitchin Final Agreement.
Planning – Directs the delivery of lands and resources management, including engaging with Yukon and Federal governments to ensure external resourcing/expertise. Strategizes with Departments to align activities with the VGFN’s long-term vision and strategic plan.
People Management - Manages direct reports and operations by establishing work plans with staff, evaluating activities and progress, addressing concerns, and communicating direction and expectations. Promotes capacity development through coaching, performance evaluation, encouraging individual development, and manages personnel issues and problem solving.
Proposal Development - Submits plans and proposals for discussion and approval and supports policy review. Manages project stakeholders, planning, development and implementation. Ensures projects are completed within approved budgets and timeframes. Monitors agreements and ensures compliance with financial reporting requirements of funding agencies.
Financial Management - Develops and allocates the Department’s annual budgets. Oversees contribution agreements and expenditures. Reviews variance reports with the Finance Department to identify projected shortages or surpluses to effectively manage financial resources and priorities.
Governance - Provides leadership, implements and champions human resources, financial and administrative frameworks, policy, and strategy (as guided by the Directors of Human Resources and Finance). Prioritizes a safe and healthy work environment in accordance with legislation. Fosters a culture of ongoing receptivity to continual change to improve the operation and effectiveness of the VGFN.
External Relations - Oversees or conducts public engagement and consultation sessions. Communicates information and facilitates community participation and feedback to inform problem solving, to improve services and to align Departmental actions and priorities. Responds to Citizen concerns as they arise.
Emergency Management - Responds to crisis situations of employees and Citizens and consults with appropriate parties to identify and achieve solutions.
What We Offer
· Working Hours: 80 hours bi-weekly.
· 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 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:
Post-secondary education in natural resources or land management, environmental science, business management, public administration, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
Significant (10+ years) experience in managing lands, resource management or conservation programs including strategic planning and evaluation.
Considerable (5+ years) experience motivating and managing staff, overseeing finance (budgets and procurement), policy and governance.
Experience building partnerships with community resources and external contacts to promote and protect resources. Direct experience in a Northern Arctic community or region is an asset.
Knowledge of Vuntut Gwitchin Final and Self-Government Agreements and/ or modern treaties in Canada is an asset.
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 areal 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.
