Research Manager

**Position Title**: Research Manager, Environmental Assessment

**Reports to**: Research Director, Environmental Assessment

**Job Location**: Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria or Home-based remote working

**Desired Start Date**: January 13, 2025

**ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS**

The Firelight Group is an Indigenous-owned, dynamic, socially responsible business providing community-based research and consulting services across Canada. Since 2010, we have been trusted by our clients to do high quality work that centers Indigenous knowledge and values to protect rights and advance self-determination. We have a growing team of over 100 professionals, and offices in Xwmélch’tstn, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Territory, Lkwungen, Tkarón:to and ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Amiskwacîwâskahikan).

**JOB OVERVIEW**

The Research Manager advances Indigenous self-determination by leading innovative and rigorous Environmental Assessment (EA) projects for major developments in sectors such as mining, energy, and infrastructure. Rooted in Firelight’s values of relationships, accountability, quality, and responsibility, the Research Manager supports Indigenous-led impact assessments, oversees interdisciplinary technical reviews, and guides communities through federal, provincial and territorial EA processes — ensuring alignment with the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).

This senior position leads transformative work in Indigenous-led EA, combining methodologies such as alternatives assessment, rights impact assessment and cumulative effects assessment with rigorous research. By ensuring that community knowledge and priorities shape every project, the Research Manager drives meaningful change and sets new standards for excellence in EA practice.

As a mentor and leader, the Research Manager fosters a collaborative, supportive environment for interdisciplinary teams, guiding staff development and strengthening Firelight’s organizational capacity. This role also provides opportunities to contribute to thought leadership in the field, including developing new frameworks, sharing knowledge at conferences, and publishing insights to advance Indigenous rights and values in EA. This is an opportunity to drive meaningful change, deliver values-driven work, and contribute to a just and sustainable future while advancing the practice of EA.

**RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES**

**Technical Advising**
- Lead the design, strategy, and execution of EA projects, ensuring methodologies and outcomes align with Indigenous rights, priorities, and values.
- Support Indigenous Nations in navigating federal, provincial, and territorial EA processes, offering strategic guidance and representing clients in technical advisory committee meetings and discussions with proponents and EA agencies.
- Oversee the execution of advanced methodologies, including rights impact assessment, cumulative effects assessment, and alternatives assessment, to address key project challenges and community concerns.
- Design and oversee community-based research, including interviews, focus groups, and workshops, and conduct analysis of collected data (e.g., coding and synthesis) to generate actionable insights and findings.
- Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration by coordinating input from ecological, social, economic, health, heritage and culture technical experts to create cohesive and impactful assessments and technical reviews.
- Provide technical oversight and ensure the quality of research deliverables, including data collection, analysis, reporting, and presentation.
- Develop and deliver training sessions to build community capacity for participating in EA processes, with a focus on Indigenous priorities and knowledge systems.
- Contribute to thought leadership in the field by piloting innovative approaches, publishing findings, and presenting at conferences.

**Project Management**
- Oversee the development, execution and evaluation of complex, multi-methods projects aligned with Firelight values and client expectations.
- Develop and monitor project scope, plans, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful and timely project delivery.
- Identify and allocate fiscal and human resources, developing workplans and delegating tasks and work appropriately to achieve project success.
- Oversee and coordinate the activities of Firelight team members, external consultants and community partners to ensure timely execution of tasks in alignment with the project scope and schedule.
- Manage project budgets, coordinating with the Finance Department to ensure profitability, healthy cash flow, and timely invoicing.

**Client Engagement**
- Represent Firelight to clients and communities ensuring alignment with Indigenous priorities and Firelight’s values.
- Build and nurture trust-based relationships with Indigenous clients and partners, ensuring their priorities are at the center of all interactions and project outcomes.
- Lead discussions with cli