REPOST: We’re hiring a Wildlife Biologist!

Competition number NCCWB112122

The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) is accepting applications for a Wildlife Biologist position at our head office, located in the Upper Lake Melville area, or one of the satellite offices in Cartwright or Port Hope Simpson. The incumbent will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating research projects and initiatives related to NunatuKavut terrestrial wildlife – especially species at risk. The position will work directly with the Environment and Natural Resources Department (ENR) and NunatuKavut communities.

NunatuKavut means “our ancient land” and refers to the territory of Inuit who reside primarily in south and central Labrador. NCC is a rights-based governing body that represents NunatuKavut Inuit. We are a dynamic, fast-paced, and growing team that strives to meet the priorities, interests and needs of our people. Our governing vision demonstrates commitment to community and culture as we seek “to govern ourselves, provide and care for one another, our families and our communities while nurturing our relationship with our lands and waters.” We foster an open and transparent working environment which incorporates Inuit values of caring, fairness, respect, accountability, and teamwork.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Provide input on ENR terrestrial wildlife and climate change program/project planning including overseeing project budgets and commitments, as well as, providing logistical and technical support to terrestrial wildlife programs and projects
  • Conduct research-based studies on plants and terrestrial animals within NunatuKavut while working collaboratively with NCC’s staff and communities. This may include:
    • Monitoring migratory and boreal caribou, migratory birds, song birds, shorebirds, bats, moose, small mammals, and other wildlife as required;
    • Provide risk/hazard/vulnerability assessments;
    • Study various aspects of plant and terrestrial animal life such as their genetic structures, their interrelationship with other plants and animals, animal eating habits, diseases and health problems, collecting biological samples, etc.;
    • Assist with aerial and ground-based wildlife telemetry surveys and inventories;
    • Ensuring Inuit Traditional Knowledge is incorporated at all levels of the projects;
    • Present research data to NCC members as well as to research peers;
    • Maintain and prepare equipment for fieldwork.
  • Ensure that projects include a climate change lens and includes climate risks, severity of impacts to wildlife and the natural environment, and provide recommendations on risk mitigation and future climate adaptation measures
  • Assist in development of strategies for terrestrial wildlife assessment, habitat protection, rehabilitation, climate change impacts, and compliance
  • Ensure that all projects will have community outreach and education components
  • Implement and communicate results of NunatuKavut terrestrial wildlife management plans
  • Promote traditional hunting and practice outreach and awareness amongst NCC members, communities and with external partners
  • Collect and analyze data from terrestrial wildlife harvest within NunatuKavut
  • Draft correspondence and project reports as well as other administrative matters
  • Contribute to the development of ENR environment-related programs such climate change plans
  • Other duties as required

Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate should possess the following skills or competencies:

  • Demonstrated experience in planning, organizing, coordinating, and financial tracking of programs/projects using various project management strategies and tools
  • Research and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research as well as incorporating Inuit Traditional Knowledge
  • Ability to simultaneously work on multiple tasks/projects and meet project deadlines
  • Ability to listen respectfully to subject matter experts and assist in the development of potential projects
  • Ability to effectively communicate (orally and written) to a broad range of audiences
    • excellent technical writing skills, experience writing applications and technical reports on environmental monitoring based on Inuit Traditional Knowledge and western science.
    • detailed field documentation
    • presentations to NCC communities, senior management, and the scientific community
  • Ability to work with required sampling equipment, supplies and environmental samples in adverse conditions (e.g., terrain, weather), including lifting of heavy objects, and to be able to adjust when necessary
  • Ability to work with data in multiple forms (tables, graphs, maps, GPS, etc.) as well as ability to use Microsoft Office (Word and Excel required) and other software (Kaleidoscope, R, GIS, etc.) when required
  • Be able to function as part of a multi-disciplinary team as well as ability to work independently demonstrating self-motivation and initiative
  • Must be willing to travel within and outside NunatuKavut by various modes of transportation, including fixed and rotary winged aircraft, snowmobiles, and boats
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Must be willing to work flexible hours during peak season, including the ability to work away from home for extended periods, often in a field camp environment with exposure to adverse weather conditions
  • Understanding of Labrador regional climate issues within the context of wildlife management is an asset
  • Ability to think strategically in developing novel approaches to terrestrial wildlife management and mitigation is an asset
  • Familiarity with environmental assessments, cumulative effects assessment, land use planning, habitat models, and spatial GIS analysis is an asset
  • Working knowledge of provincial and federal environmental legislation and regulatory requirements is an asset

Education and Experience Requirements

  • Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences or related field
  • Three to six years of related experience (or an acceptable combination of education and experience) in designing and implementing terrestrial wildlife monitoring and research programs which utilize Inuit Traditional Knowledge and Western Science, including field-based biological sampling, analysis and reporting and providing advice within a regulatory regime.
  • Experience working with Indigenous organizations, different levels of government and other non- governmental organizations is an asset

Preference may be given to qualified members of the NunatuKavut Community Council.

How to Apply

Please submit resume, cover letter and three references to:

Chelsea Dyson, HR Coordinator
NunatuKavut Community Council
E: jobs@nunatukavut.ca
F: 709-896-0594
In-Person: 200 Kelland Drive, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL

Application deadline is December 20, 2022.
Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

PDF of Job Ad – Wildlife BiologistDownload