Environmental and Regulatory Advisor - 031-2026

Fort McKay First Nation • Fort McKay, AB

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Fort McKay First Nation is seeking a motivated individual who is flexible and works well in a team environment to fill the Environmental and Regulatory Advisor position. Based at the Fort McKay Sustainability Department Office in Fort McKay, the Environmental and Regulatory Advisor serves as a dedicated expert, providing advanced advice, guidance, and engagement on both on and off-reserve environmental and regulatory matters to safeguard and address FMFN’s rights and interests. This role entails representing the Nation and the FMFN Sustainability Department at various forums and venues, actively engaging with community stakeholders, and integrating traditional knowledge into environmental and regulatory initiatives and processes. As a seasoned environmental and regulatory professional, the Advisor operates with considerable technical independence, proactively developing and maintaining effective working relationships with all levels of management, industry, and external agencies.

Requirements

• At a minimum, Bachelor's degree in a related field such as environmental sciences, with a focus on Natural Resource Management, biology, ecology, geography, forestry, chemistry, geochemistry, limnology, hydrology, geology, or related disciplines.
• An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.
• Standard First-Aid training desired. Ability to take similar training is required.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in environmental regulatory services, with extensive experience in implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and proposing environmental programs.
• Proven track record of producing comprehensive reports and providing expert guidance at high-level meetings.
• Experience in integrating traditional knowledge with western science, showcasing advanced proficiency.
• Proficient in regulatory processes of the Alberta Energy Regulator and Alberta Environment and Parks, with advanced knowledge of government, environmental, and regulatory policies that apply to oil sands activities.
• Advanced understanding of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the new Impact Assessment process.
• Advanced understanding of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.
• Proficient in GIS software and producing maps.
• Ability to work in both office and field environments for consecutive days, in different seasons and remote locations.
• Ability to fly in light aircraft (e.g., floatplane, helicopter).

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science degree and/or engineering degree in environmental sciences is preferred.
• Eligible for or registered with an environmental regulatory professional designation (Professional Agrologist (PAg), Professional Biologist (P.Biol), Environmental Professional (EP)) is preferred.
• Experience in technical oil sands-related geology, hydrogeology or reclamation areas of expertise is desired.
• Experience in the operation of snowmobiles, ATVs, boats, canoes, etc., and camping and outdoors experience is an asset.
• Experience working with an Indigenous community is desired.
• Ability to speak either Dene or Cree language is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Proactively engage with industry operators to request information and provide technical input on and review monitoring and mitigation plans, demonstrating sound decision-making advice for Management’s final review.
• Review consultation submissions made by industry and government, advising on mitigations or changes where required to prevent impacts to FMFN rights and interests.
• Lead the tracking of environmental and regulatory developments of significance to FMFN, providing expert guidance.
• Lead and oversee community-based monitoring programs, demonstrating advanced expertise in program leadership and execution.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and briefing notes for internal departmental distribution and submission, showcasing advanced report writing skills and expertise.
• Integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Traditional Land Use (TLU) information into environmental programs with a high level of proficiency.
• Lead and execute field inspections and scheduled environmental monitoring activities, producing detailed and thorough reports.
• Ability to search for and submit applications for funding opportunities. Ability to work closely with funding agency and execution teams to comply with funding requirements and reporting.
• Provide expert support for environmental and emergency response planning, demonstrating the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with community members, Elders, trappers, and other traditional land users, demonstrating extensive experience in community engagement, and supporting FMFN's community engagement team regarding relevant industry and government files.
• Provide advanced support in the development of environmental programs, policies and procedures, field safety protocols, field standard operation protocols, and certification and training requirements for field work.
• Collaborate with FMFN’s Environmental Guardian and Park Ranger Program staff to achieve required community-based monitoring goals, providing expert guidance and support.
• Perform other related duties as required, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in addressing evolving environmental challenges.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• A healthy work-life balance with an on-site fitness centre
• Transportation to and from work
• An employer matched Pension Plan
• Comprehensive Health benefits package with Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
• The opportunity to work with a community that is committed to protecting its traditional lands

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior