Rights Based Treaty Fisheries Manager

Career Opportunity

Rights Based Treaty Fisheries Manager

(Full-time Permanent)

Closing:

Nov. 28, 2025

Anticipated Start Date:

Immediate

Salary Range:

Based on Qualifications and Experience

General Description

Under the general supervision of the Executive Direction of Operations, The Rights Based Treaty Fisheries Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, administration, and oversight of Sipekne’katik First Nation Treaty-protected fisheries operations. The Manager will work collaboratively with Chief and Council, fisheries community leadership, staff, legal and governance advisors, and external regulatory stakeholders. The Manager plays a critical role in supporting Sipekne’katik’s strategic exercise of Treaty rights including moderate livelihood fishery, Food, Ceremonial Social (FCS) fishery, and the implementation of Sipekne’katik’s management plan.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Program Management

- Lead and manage the Treaty Fisheries program, ensuring alignment with Treaty rights, community priorities, and strategic objectives.

- Chairs the Fisheries Management Committee for Moderate Livelihood.

- Develop and implement annual operating, plans, budgets, and work plans.

- Supervise and support Fisheries staff including Fisheries Guardians addressing issues as required.

- Fosters a positive team environment rooted in respect, accountability, cultural values, and safety.

Rights Protection and Advocacy

- Ensures activities and decisions reflect Treaty Rights as affirmed in Peace and Friendship treaties and upheld by legal challenges and Court decisions (e.g., Marshall decision, Sparrow decision, Simon decision).

- Advocate for and protect community fishing rights with government, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders.

- Participate in negotiations, consultations, and rights-based fisheries discussions with external organizations and government departments.

Operations Oversight

- Receive and review logbooks from fishers and monitor moderate livelihood landing reports.

- Maintain accurate tags, licenses, and lease records and adhere to reporting schedules.

- Negotiate and recommend fisher contracts.

- Approve payment of invoices and bills related to Fishery operations.

- Work collaboratively with the Manager Commercial Fisheries where joint marine infrastructure, logistics, and staff are involved.

- Other related duties as requested by the Executive Director of Operations, including tasks related to commercial fisheries role.

Community Engagement and Communication

- Engage with community members to ensure operations and decisions reflect community interest and values.

- Develop communication materials, updates, and presentations for Chief and Council, community meetings, and reporting requirements.

- Promote mentorship, skill development, and youth engagement in fisheries.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Stewardship

- Ensure adherence to marine, OH&S, and workplace safety regulations.

- Support the integration of cultural knowledge in fisheries management.

- Promote sustainable harvesting practices and stewardship for future generations.

Qualifications and Experience/Skills

- Minimum High School Completion certificate. Diploma or degree will be considered a strong asset.

- At least 5 years’ experience in the fishing industry or equivalency.

- Experience working with Indigenous communities or within First Nation governance is strongly preferred.

- Experience managing budgets and/or financial reporting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

- Knowledge of First Nations Treaties including Moderate Livelihood.

- Strong communication, strategic thinking, and negotiations skills.

- Ability to interpret internal policies as well as all federal laws, regulations, and protocols.

- Must be able to travel with access to reliable and insured vehicle.

- Ability to work flexible hours particularly during fishing seasons and operational requirements.

- Must be able to deal with conflict.

- Proficiency using MS Office.

- A satisfactory criminal records check is required.

Benefits

This position comes with a variety of benefits including Sick, Personal and Vacation Leave, Health, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance, an Employee & Family Assistance Program and employer matched Pension Plan.

Please apply with a resume, cover letter and criminal records check to the link above or :

Human Resources Department

Email employmentapplication@sipeknekatik.ca

Mail/drop off: 522 Church Street, Indian Brook, NS B0N 2H0

We are an equal opportunity employer; however, qualified Aboriginal applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The Band will not assume any expenses related to any job application process, included but not limited to travel, relocation, and application development. Please note certain positions come with mandatory employee benefits.

Only those applicants who qualify for an interview will be contacted.

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