004 - Advisor, Environmental

About The Role:

The prime objective of the Environmental Advisor in the Lands, Resources and Consultations (LRC) Branch of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is to provide support to the Managers and Supervisor in the LRC Branch and, where required, to the Director of the Branch. Under the direction of the Managers and Supervisor in the LRC Branch, the Environmental Advisor will assist in the development and running of environmental initiatives and projects benefiting the citizens of the MNO.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Provide technical support in relation to environmental initiatives.  Duties include, but are not limited to, research, liaising and creating data-based reports and professional presentations on the above-mentioned initiatives and development of new projects.
• Financial compliance and reporting. Duties include but are not limited to, creating budgets, submitting and filing purchase orders, submitting expenses, writing grants and applying to funding opportunities.
• Support the MNO’s environmental monitoring programs (i.e. water chemistry, benthic biomonitoring, eDNA, berry) including troubleshooting field equipment, coordinating with and training volunteer monitors, participating in monitoring, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Support the MNO carrying out its statement of prime purpose including “to protect and preserve the land and waters within our homelands for future generations”. This will include the development of new environmental programming and the running and maintenance of existing environmental programs.
• Plan and execute engagement activities with MNO community, such as engagement meetings, site tours and community information sessions etc. Duties include, but are not limited to, scheduling, confirming budgets, booking venues/catering, preparation of expense forms, purchase orders, agendas, briefings, briefing notes and leading meetings with RCCs, proponents, government officials, and MNO communities.
• Travel to communities to participate in water quality monitoring sampling and wetland site evaluations. This may require overnight stays in communities, long-distance driving, air travel and a varied work schedule include work during weekends and evenings.
• Visit sites of ecological/conservation interest to the MNO including areas that are poorly accessible. This could include walking on uneven ground, being exposed to inclement weather and using equipment such as a handheld GPS and water quality multi-meter.
• Develop and maintain contacts with proponents, government departments, and other entities, on projects, relevant issues and initiatives affecting and impacting communities in the MNO.
• Maintain a thorough record of all activities and consultations associated with projects, relevant issues and initiatives. Software such as MS SharePoint or other project management software may be implemented for project and other related coordination purposes.
• Develop communications for MNO communities regarding relevant topics, issues and initiatives, as well as for specific projects.  Communications tools may include, but are not limited to, letters, invitations, Métis Voyageur advertisements, brochures, research briefings and webpage postings etc.
• Work collaboratively with other staff of the LRC Branch and the MNO, including the MNO Community Relations Unit and the MNO Way of Life Unit, the MNO Education and Training Branch and the MNO Rights, Research and Policy Branch on assigned projects, initiatives and issues. Collaborative work to improve processes and standards within the LRC Branch is expected.
• Support all tasks listed with strong research and writing skills.

Qualifications: 

• A strong desire to act in the service of the Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture
• Completion of an undergraduate degree, with preference given to a Master’s degree, in fields of environmental studies, ecology, environmental sciences, earth sciences or a related area, or equivalent experience. 
• Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) certification.
• 3-5 years’ experience in the environmental sector. Experience with citizen science programs, water quality monitoring.
• An understanding of the intersection between Indigenous and environmental issues.
• Broad knowledge of environmental issues including climate change, water quality, and biodiversity loss.