Job Description

Location of Work: Cree Community (To Be Determined)

Status: Contract until March 31, 2026

Closing Date: May 16, 2024

Core Functions 

The Systematic Conservation Planner (SCP) is responsible for ensuring successful delivery of the Cree Nation Government’s Cree Regional Conservation Strategy through the use of systematic reserve techniques. More specifically, the position requires the SCP to develop management strategies including recommendations and solutions related to spatial planning and prioritization for conservation planning, establishment and management.

Functional Responsibilities:  

• Assist the Manager of Protected Areas with the development and implementation of the Cree Regional Conservation Plan and identify the priorities regarding conservation areas.
• Create tools for planning and prioritization of conservation objectives.
• Coordinate and complete conservation projects on time and within the appropriate budget and scope.
• Ensure that appropriate software tools used in conservation planning are aligned with the conservation strategy.
• Identify gaps in conservation planning and provide recommendations for updates to the planning tools when needed.
• Lead and support initiatives and external partners to enhance conservation planning.
• Conduct spatial analyses, interpret, and deliver the results.

Technical Responsibilities:

• Advise on best practices in conservation and spatial planning, develop strategies to implement best practices.
• Provide spatial planning expertise to cross-functional projects involving external partners.
• Provide support as needed for questions on data, tailoring tools to regional conservation needs, interpreting results etc.

Liaison Responsibilities:

• Promote ongoing, effective, and open communication with Cree Nation Government  departments, Cree communities and organizations such as  Cree Trappers Association (CTA), Cree Outfitting Tourism Association (COTA) and Cree Nation Youth Council (CNYC ) and all other stakeholders.
• Create engaging educational materials on conservation tools and best practices to enhance local communities and stakeholders’ involvement.
• Assist in the completion of the protected area network and its management through collaboration with consultants and other experts such as anthropologists and consultations with the communities.

Other Responsibilities:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in area(s) of responsibility.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geography, Planning or Environment, or equivalent.

Experience:

• Three to five years of relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of systematic conservation planning, decision science and optimization software are an asset.

Language:

• Fluency in verbal Cree.
• Fluency in English.
• Fluency in French is an asset.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple projects.
• Familiar with concepts relating to Indigenous conservation planning in Canada.
• Possesses advanced GIS and spatial analysis skills.
• Strong Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven ability to demonstrate strong judgment in complex situations.
• Proven ability to problem-solve, to think strategically, and to take initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work under significant pressure and to adapt to a changing environment.
• Computer programming skills in R and/or python.
• Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office products

Additional Requirements:

• Typical office setting where there are no unusual physical demands.
• Willingness to travel regularly.

The Cree Nation Government may, at its discretion, waive any or all of the aforementioned requirements if a suitable candidate who is a JBNQA beneficiary accepts to follow a training plan determined by the Cree Nation Government as a condition of employment.