Stewardship Forester

The traditional territory of the Takla Nation is located in North Central British Columbia and totals approximately 27,250 square kilometres. The territory is a rich environment of lakes, rivers, forests, and mountains, bordered on the west by the Skeena Mountains and on the east by the Rocky Mountains.

Takla Nation is an amalgamation of the North Takla Band and the Fort Connelly Band, a union which occurred in 1959. Our traditional lands are the geographic area occupied by our ancestors for community, social, economic, and spiritual purposes. Carrier and Sekani place names exist for every physical feature and place that we occupy. Each name reflects the significance of the feature or site and today provides us with historical information to the rich history and extensive knowledge of our land and our resources.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Stewardship Forester is the primary advocate for Takla Nation’s cultural identity, values, and stewardship within the forest sector. Working alongside the Lands & Stewardship team, you will provide expert advice and guidance on how to advance sustainable forestry that recognizes Takla’s right to an economy, integrated planning protocols, and strategic partnerships.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Stewardship:
   • Engage with the Takla Lands team on crown consultation and industry engagement to render professional recommendations on forestry activities that impact Takla members;
   • Active participation in collaborative technical and planning tables with government, industry, and First Nations;
   • Develop and maintain Takla’s Forestry Stewardship Framework (FSF) to adapt to the evolving needs of membership, regulations, and industry;
   • Conduct routine field audits of forest activities to confirm FSF alignment and regulatory compliance;
   • Conduct field evaluations of timber harvest values in conjunction with community and stewardship interests.
2. Community Engagement:
   • Routinely engage with Takla Nation members in community, on the land, and virtually to share information on forest regulations, activities, and Takla’s stewardship approach;
   • Present quarterly and annual summaries of forest activities in presentation format;
   • Assist Takla members and groups with navigating the regulatory aspects of forestry and related initiatives.
3. Advisory:
   • Produce written/oral briefings and formal reports for Takla leadership;
   • Render professional recommendations on tenure management and operationalization;
   • Ensure Takla’s forestry operations (in both governance and commercial capacities) adhere to provincial and federal statutory frameworks and the bylaws, standards, and conventions set out by the Forest Professionals of British Columbia.
4. Administration:
   • Maintain robust administrative and operational records, including geospatial data, for:
   • Forestry referrals and consultation;
   • Takla forest tenure plans;
   • Community engagement and knowledge sharing.
   • Attend and contribute towards team and inter-agency meetings.
5. Other Duties:
   • The Stewardship Forester may be assigned other duties as required from time to time.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor of science in forestry, natural resource management, or suitable equivalent;
• Registered (or immediately eligible to register) as a Professional Forester (RPF) in B.C with Forest Professionals of British Columbia;
• Minimum of 5 years’ progressive experience in the B.C. forest sector with preference given to positions operating under Indigenous governments or partnerships;
• Experience administering “full phase” timber development including:
• Landscape-level planning;
• Reconnaissance and preliminary evaluation;
• Layout, silviculture prescription, appraisal, and operational cruising;
• Cutting permit application;
• Harvest planning and supervision;
• Silviculture obligation management;
• Tenure liability management.
• Demonstrated cultural agility and awareness of Indigenous cultures, tradition, history, and systemic issues;
• Proficient and applied knowledge of statutory frameworks surrounding forest activities, land use, and natural resource development;
• Familiarity with common law conventions associated with crown-Indigenous relations;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Proficient use of computer systems including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation and publishing suites, and web apps;
• Experience working with geospatial data in production mapping and web-based environments;
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate projects including resource management, programming, budgeting, and reporting;
• Experience supervising staff;
• Experience building and maintaining positive working relationships within community, government, and/or corporate environments;
• Demonstrated experience working with and producing technical and academic reports;
• A valid class 5 BC driver’s license;
• Ability to undertake frequent field work in all weather conditions and environments including travel to remote areas by vehicle, boat, air, or foot, overnight or extended stay in camp conditions and operation of a variety of equipment.

BENEFITS PACKAGE:

• Comprehensive Health benefits package with Medical, Dental and Vision coverage;
• An employer matched Pension Plan up to 5.5 percent;
• Excellent learning and advancement opportunities;
• Group RRSP plan;
• Opportunities for personal and professional training and development;
• 18 sick days;
• Five personal days;
• $500 Health care spending accounts per fiscal year;
• Paid time off during Christmas break.

Sustut LP is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from qualified Indigenous candidates. In accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code and Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, preference will be given to qualified candidates with Aboriginal Ancestry. Please send your completed resume to hr@taklafn.ca. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.