Principal Indigenous Engagement Specialist
About The Position
Join a team that is advancing meaningful, relationship-based engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities throughout British Columbia and the Yukon. In this role, you’ll use your extensive expertise in Indigenous engagement to lead relationship building and engagement projects that contribute to environmental assessment, permitting, and Indigenous Knowledge studies that shape projects across Western Canada. As part of our Earth & Environment group, you will work with environmental scientists, social scientists, cultural heritage specialists and engagement professionals—people deeply committed to honouring Indigenous Knowledge, respecting community priorities, and helping clients develop better, more culturally grounded projects. We strongly encourage Indigenous candidates to apply and welcome lived experience, cultural knowledge, and perspectives you bring.
Requirements
- Deep, grounded experience working with Indigenous leadership, lands departments, Rights Holders, and community members in British Columbia.
- An in‑depth understanding of Indigenous history, governance, cultural practices, and laws, along with the BC and federal regulatory context.
- Expertise shaped by 15+ years in Indigenous engagement, consultation, community‑based research, or policy role, within an Indigenous Nation or supporting Indigenous communities is highly valued.
- A collaborative mindset that prioritizes respect, relationship‑building, and reciprocity.
- Strong writing and synthesis skills, including the ability to integrate Indigenous Knowledge and community priorities into technical and regulatory work.
- A valid driver’s licence and comfort working in community, on the land, and in remote locations.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of an Indigenous language is an asset.
- A strong passion for Indigenous‑driven, community‑centred work—WSP welcomes candidates who may not meet every qualification but demonstrate commitment, promise, and lived experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead engagement plans and processes that honour community protocols while supporting transparent, respectful, and culturally grounded dialogue throughout environmental assessment and permitting processes.
- Collaborate with Indigenous Nations to design and deliver Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Land Use studies rooted in Indigenous methodologies and community‑defined approaches.
- Assess project impacts on Indigenous rights and interests, shaping mitigation, management, monitoring programs, and benefit plans that reflect community priorities.
- Integrate Indigenous perspectives and Knowledge across multidisciplinary teams, verifying they meaningfully inform technical studies, regulatory submissions, and project decision‑making.
- Work directly in communities across BC, including remote regions, supporting field programs, community workshops, knowledge‑gathering sessions, and ceremony‑aligned activities where appropriate.
- Advance best practices in Indigenous participation, staying aligned with evolving regulatory expectations, Indigenous governance structures, and international standards.
- Contribute to proposals, publications, and thought leadership, elevating the role of Indigenous‑centred approaches in environmental practice.
- Support WSP’s corporate Indigenous Relations commitments, strengthening relationships with Indigenous leadership, Nations, communities, groups, and businesses.
Benefits
- Flexible work, real balance – we honour the importance of work–life balance and support you to prioritize wellbeing.
- Local and National grassroots Employee Resource Groups foster inclusion, belonging, and community through events that celebrate, educate, and engage employees around shared identities, interests, or experiences.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
No Education Listed
