We’re looking for a biologist!

Competition number NCCWB030821

The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) is accepting applications for the position of Biologist. This position may be located at headquarters office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay or at the satellite office in Cartwright or Port Hope Simpson. This position is in the Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) department of NCC.

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
  • Support the Environment and Natural Resources department to identify project ideas that respond to wildlife needs and assist in the planning and development of proposals for wildlife and climate change projects
  • Conduct research-based studies on plants and 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 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.
  • Lend a climate change lens on projects to include 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 wildlife assessment, habitat protection, rehabilitation, climate change impacts, and compliance
  • Ensure community outreach and education components are an integral part of projects
  • Implement and communicate results of NunatuKavut wildlife management plans
  • Promote traditional hunting and practice outreach and awareness amongst NCC members, communities and with external partners
  • Collect and analyze data from 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
Conditions of Employment
  • Lifting of heavy objects.
  • Travel within and outside NunatuKavut by various modes of transportation, including fixed and rotary winged aircraft, snowmobiles and boats, may be required.
  • Ability to work away from home for periods of time, often in a field camp environment with exposure to adverse weather conditions.
  • Hours of work may include evenings and weekends.
  • A driver’s license and ability to provide a clean, three-year driving abstract.
Skills and Qualifications
  • Research and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research that incorporate Inuit Traditional Knowledge
  • Ability to work with required sampling equipment, supplies and environmental samples in adverse conditions (e.g., terrain, weather) and to be able to adjust when necessary
  • Ability to understand the Labrador regional climate issues within the context of wildlife management is an asset
  • Ability to think strategically in developing novel approaches to 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
  • Ability to produce detailed documentation of field conditions, measurements and observations
  • Experience working with Indigenous organizations, different levels of government and other non- governmental organizations
  • Project management strategies and tools including time management, strong interpersonal skills and be able to function as part of a multi-disciplinary team as well as ability to work independently demonstrating self-motivation and initiative
  • Ability to simultaneously work on multiple tasks/projects and meet project deadlines
  • Excellent technical writing skills, experience writing applications and technical reports on environmental monitoring based on Traditional Knowledge and western science. These reports would describe monitoring methods, including collection, management, sharing and reporting of monitoring data
  • Ability to effectively communicate to a broad range of audiences
  • Ability to listen respectfully to subject matter experts and assist in the development of potential projects
  • 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, etc.) when required
  • 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 environmental monitoring and research programs which utilize Traditional Knowledge and Western Science, including field-based biological sampling, analysis and reporting and providing advice within a regulatory regime

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: cpadyson@nunatukavut.ca

Application deadline is March 22, 2021.
Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NCC Biologist – Job Ad .pdfDownload