Conservancy Assistant

**EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY**

**The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq**

**Department of Environment & Natural Resources**
- _Conservancy Assistant_

**About The CMM**

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (The CMM) is a Tribal Council representing eight, Mi’kmaw communities of mainland NS. Our mission is to proactively promote and assist Mi’kmaw communities’ initiatives towards self-determination and enhancement of community. The CMM main office is in the Millbrook Mi’kmaw Community in Nova Scotia and has over 100 Employees. The

**Position Overview**

This position is part of a joint Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) program that includes The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM), Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources
(UINR), and Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission (EFWC), and is led by the Assembly of Nova Scotia
Mi'kmaw Chiefs. The CMM, UINR, and EFWC are supporting all 13 Mi’kmaw communities in advancing
IPCAs within Nova Scotia. IPCAs are lands and waters where Indigenous governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems; culture and language are the heart and soul of an IPCA.

The Conservancy Assistant will work closely with the Conservancy Coordinator, as well as the CMM,
UINR, and EFWC’s IPCA Coordinators and Manager to identify and secure lands important to the
Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia. The Land Trust Assistant will support the continued development of a
Mi'kmaw-led land trust (Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy). The position will be based out of the
CMM’s office located in Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia.

**Responsibilities**:

- Reach out to appraisers and surveyors to procure appraisals and survey of Conservancy properties
- Draft and develop Conservancy internal policies, protocols, and documents.
- Draft agendas and record minutes of IPCA/Conservancy Working Group meetings and

Conservancy Board of Director meetings.
- Manage and update property records and documents.
- Research, review, and summarize materials on topics related to land trusts and IPCAs such as land stewardship, monitoring and conservation.
- Assist with drafting conservation agreements and contracts, including easements, land donations, and purchase agreements.
- Assist with the preparation, development, and implementation of workplans, budgets, and reporting.
- Present updates and prepare reports for CMM, UINR, and EFWC management, Board of Directors, advisory committees, and/or the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs.
- Liaise with funders and donors and support fundraising activities.
- Assist with the creation and implementation of a landowner outreach program and provide support to landowners in land conservation.
- Advance community relations and awareness of the Mi’kmaw-led Land Trust and coordinate public inquiries and responses.
- Prepare presentations and content for communications materials, as required.
- Assist with the management of properties and collection of conservation information.
- Assist with other day-to-day tasks related to the development and functioning of the Mi’kmaw
- led Land Trust.

**Position Requirements**:

- Relevant post-secondary education (bachelor’s degree or college diploma) in a related field and/or related experience or combination of experience and education.
- Familiarity with Mi’kmaw culture, language, beliefs, and traditional practices and experience or understanding of working for or with Indigenous communities or organizations.
- Experience or understanding of working with various levels of government, NGOs, First Nations, educational institutions, and local communities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and using online platforms.
- Experience in a fast-paced environment and in technical research, writing, and communications.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Excellent facilitation, problem resolution and consensus building skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Strong work ethic and ability to work in an environment requiring discretion and confidentiality
- Must have valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel within Nova

Scotia as required (overnight and work overtime when required).

**Additional Position Requirements**:

- Time in the office in front of a computer is required.
- Travel within Nova Scotia will be required
- There is an occasional requirement to work when required outside of normal working hours due to the requirements of the member communities and clients

**Asset Qualifications (Not required)**:

- Experience in an administrative/supportive role an asset, but not necessary.
- Grant writing and fundraising experience considered an asset.
- Fluent Mi'kmaw speaker and writer is an asset

**Salary/Employment Term**:
**Why work with us?**

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (The CMM) is well known throughout Canada as a professional o