Land Keeper/Wildlife Protection

The Eeyou Istchee Land Keeper (EILK) is responsible for patrolling, monitoring, reporting and providing management, stewardship and awareness support for the protection and respect of the land, water and animals of Eeyou Istchee. The incumbent works in close collaboration with the tallymen, communities and Wildlife Protection Officers in the surveillance of the territory.

Functional Responsibilities:

• Patrol, monitor and demonstrate a presence on lands and waters of Eeyou Istchee.
• Educate, build awareness and work with the communities and general public to ensure that laws, regulations, guidelines, best practices, policies, protocols and/or traditional practices and values related to lands, water and wildlife are understood and followed.
• Support and promote the role of the tallymen and the integration of local and traditional knowledge in the management and stewardship of the land, waters and animals.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the Wildlife Protection plan as well as other relevant management or operational plans as required, and ensure integration of concerns of the tallymen and communities.
• Monitor and establish compliance for the implementation of Resource Management plans and Wildlife and Lands-related agreements as required.
• Collect data, record, compile and provide reports on all activities and observations that impact the lands, waters and wildlife (e.g. illegal activities, non-traditional practices and any activities that impact lands, waters and wildlife).
• Monitor and collect data on priority issues as assigned (i.e. wildlife, climate, contamination, visitors’ impacts, access and occupation, illegal activity, non-traditional harvesting practices, compliance, etc.).
• Assist in prioritizing and conducting ecological protection and restoration work as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with certain sections of the laws and regulations concerning hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife habitats and control of the territory.
• Assist Wildlife Protection Officers during verifications done on residents, temporary residents and visitors in Eeyou Istchee.
• Verify hunting and fishing access rights on the territory.

Interaction/Communication Responsibilities:

• Maintain close communication and reporting with the Wildlife Protection Officers and the Cree Nation Government regarding non-compliance of regulations and laws as well as the Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Regime.
• Participate, promote and assist in ensuring cultural continuity, education and awareness initiatives to ensure respect of traditional customs, practices and values.
• Conduct seizures in accordance with their powers and ensure remittance to Wildlife Protection Officer.
• Ensure that enforcement powers are exercised within the boundaries of the territory specified in the deed of appointment.
• Participate and act as a witness in legal proceedings as requested.
• MFFP
• Facilitate tourism-related educational and awareness activities.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation and implementation of Annual Wildlife Protection plans.
• MFFP

Reporting Responsibilities:

• Protection de la Faune du Québec
• Prepare offence reports (e.g. PFQ-149, PFQ-150 and PFQ-587) on illegal activities concerning the environment and wildlife.
• Act Respecting Access to Documents Held by Public Bodies and the Protection of Personal Information

Other Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications

Education:

• Attestation of Collegial Studies (ACS) in a Wildlife related field or relevant field experience.

Experience:

• Three to five years of relevant experience.

Languages:

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

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strong planning, coordination, and organization skills.
• Good communication and public relations skills.
• Good team collaboration.
• Able to be self-reliant and take initiatives.
• Good sense of judgement.
• Ability to be discrete and maintain confidentiality.
• Capacity to analyze and draft reports.

Additional Requirements:

• Typical office and outdoor setting where there may be physical demands.
• Willingness to travel frequently.
• Sound moral character.
• Never have been found guilty of, or pleaded guilty to, an offence under the Criminal Code.
• Canadian citizen or have permanent residency status.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

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.