Natural Resource Manager

Reports to: Lands Director

Term: Full-time Indeterminate

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with one hour unpaid lunch

The Natural Resource Manager will oversee the administration, stewardship, programming, and sustainable development of Whitefish River First Nation's lands, natural resources, and environment. This position plays a pivotal leadership role in protecting WRFN's territorial integrity, supporting self-governance, and ensuring that the Nation's interests are represented in all land-related matters.

Key Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Promote land stewardship, environmental conservation, and protection.
• Review environmental and technical reports and/or studies that pertain to Whitefish River Reserve Lands, Traditional Territory, and Robinson-Huron Treaty Area. Identify any data gaps.
• Provide technical assistance and/or advice to the Lands Director and Chief and Council on development within our territories (municipalities, industry, government).
• Maintain knowledge of all federal, provincial, First Nations, and municipal legislation and policies that may impact our Aboriginal Rights or Titles and the environment.
• Monitor government websites for potential legislative and policy changes that would impact the plan.
• Complete site inspections, fieldwork, and aerial assessments, preparing reports as required.
• Review and implement the WRFN Environmental Action Plan (EMAP), update the environmental scan, and provide recommendations for keeping the EMAP current and active.
• Participate in the development and ongoing revisions of a Land Use Plan, resulting in the identification of future land uses and significant spaces (e.g., cultural, traditional, critical habitat, harvesting, etc.) based on community needs and requirements (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, open space, etc.).
• Develop and implement land use plans, managing land allocations, and ensuring compliance with land codes and agreements.
• Overseeing the sustainable use of natural resources, including forestry, fisheries, and wildlife, and potentially managing harvesting rights and permits.
• Implementing environmental protection measures, managing environmental impacts, and potentially developing environmental management plans.
• Engaging with community members, elders, and stakeholders on land and resource management matters, facilitating consultations, and incorporating traditional knowledge, thereby contributing significantly to the community.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant federal, provincial, and First Nation laws, policies, and regulations.
• Participate and lead in Traditional Ecological Knowledge studies for the Whitefish River.
• Conduct research and provide technical advice and support for environmental assessments, including studies of potential impacts on the environment and human health.
• Monitor and evaluate environmental assessment processes, including compliance with local, provincial, and federal regulations.
• Prepare environmental assessment reports and other documents, such as environmental impact statements, for review by regulatory agencies.
• Develop and implement plans to mitigate potential environmental impacts resulting from projects or activities.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to environmental assessments.
• Develop Lands programming and projects. Including but not limited to the Walleye Project and the Species at Risk Turtles.
• Manage budgets, project funding, and reporting as required.
• Conduct field work and site inspections as required.
• Attend meetings, workshops, training, and conferences on behalf of the lands department as required.
• Maintain Whitefish River First Nation Geographic Information Systems and accurate land records, maps, and databases.
• Supervise Lands and Resources staff, contractors, and field personnel.
• Attend Lands Department Meetings as required.
• All other duties assigned, which may include additional tasks related to land and resource management, community engagement, and environmental protection.

Financial:

• Oversee and monitor the Land Department's expenditures in accordance with the approved budget and policies.
• Seek out and acquire funding sources to support lands and resources initiatives further.
• Develops with staff applications for grant and funding programs.
• Monitors and reports to the Lands Director on approved budgets for lands and resources.
• Approves accounts payable, prepares purchase orders, prepares payroll documents for lands and resource staff, and develops and maintains documentation for respective funding agencies and submits the same to the Finance Department for processing.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in land management, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Experience in land management, resource management, and community engagement is essential.
• Knowledge of First Nation land codes, relevant legislation, and traditional knowledge.
• Knowledge of land use and environmental issues as they affect First Nations.
• Experience in general accounting/budgeting.
• Knowledge of Geographical Information System (GIS).
• Experience working with or for a First Nation.
• Understanding WRFN's culture, lands, stewardship, protocols, and community values.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Must possess a Pleasure Craft Operators License

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge, respect, and understanding of Anishinabek culture, traditions, and language.
• Proven computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, as well as strong organizational and analytical abilities.

Upon Hire:

• Must provide a clear Criminal Reference Check.
• Must possess a valid Ontario driver's license and access to a dependable vehicle.
• Must complete First Aid and CPR Training, WHMIS, and Mental Health First Aid Training.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 18th, 2025, AT NOON.

Interested applicants must submit a current resume, cover letter, two (2) work-related references, and one (1) character reference (with contact information) to:

CONFIDENTIAL: NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGER

c/o Human Resources

Whitefish River First Nation

17-A Rainbow Ridge Road, P.O. Box 188; Birch Island, ON P0P1A0

Email applications are also accepted at:

At Whitefish River First Nation, we value diversity and inclusion. Miigwetch to all who apply; however