Indigenous Climate Action and Reforestation Manager
About The Opportunity
The Indigenous Climate Action and Reforestation Manager leads the rollout of Métis Nation British Columbia’s “2 Billion Trees” program and supports environmental initiatives focused on reforestation, biodiversity, climate change resilience, and Métis community well-being. The role provides expert guidance in forestry-related project management, including technical implementation, stakeholder engagement, strategic program development and employment opportunities. Key responsibilities include project oversight, partner collaboration, record-keeping, reporting, training and developing communication materials, and community outreach. The role works under broad direction and acts as a technical expert in environmental project management, engaging Métis citizens, governments, and external partners.
Duties And Responsibilities
Program Start-Up
The Indigenous Climate Action and Reforestation Manager leads the rollout of Métis Nation British Columbia’s “2 Billion Trees” program and supports environmental initiatives focused on reforestation, biodiversity, climate change resilience, and Métis community well-being. The role provides expert guidance in forestry-related project management, including technical implementation, stakeholder engagement, strategic program development and employment opportunities. Key responsibilities include project oversight, partner collaboration, record-keeping, reporting, training and developing communication materials, and community outreach. The role works under broad direction and acts as a technical expert in environmental project management, engaging Métis citizens, governments, and external partners.
Duties And Responsibilities
Program Start-Up
- Coordinates collaboration with reforestation project partners and funders for the initial rollout of the “2 Billion Trees” program. Develops and implements program policies, activities, and resource plans aligned with greenhouse gas reduction, nature-based climate solutions, and other environmental priorities.
- Implements capacity-building initiatives to enhance knowledge and participation in environmental programs among Métis citizens and MNBC staff.
- Liaises with federal partners, First Nations, contractors, local governments, and other stakeholders to initiate implementation.
- Coordinates training and employment programs that promote forest resilience and biodiversity.
- Ensures culturally relevant program design that addresses climate change impacts and food security in Métis communities.
- Implements program streams that support mass tree planting & forest management, community & urban tree planting, and capacity-building & training in forestry and silviculture for Métis in BC.
- Prepares and submits grant applications, budgets, revisions, and information requests from partners and leadership.
- Negotiates contracts and agreements with funders and delivery partners.
- Oversees mass planting, urban greening, forest management, and seed collection activities.
- Achieves the goals of significant carbon sequestration, habitat restoration, improved biodiversity, enhanced ecosystem resilience, and increased human well-being & environmental co-benefits through the activities of reforestation (mass tree planting), urban tree planting, forest management, tree monitoring, and education/training.
- Engages Métis communities in tree planting initiatives that promote ownership and participation.
- Collaborates with First Nations, local governments, businesses, educational institutions, and other public services and project reforestation partners to secure planting sites and resources.
- Develops Métis expertise in tree planting, management, and seed collection through strategic partnerships.
- Provides training to MNBC staff and citizens, enhancing knowledge related to sustainable forestry practices.
- Secures, monitors, and renews third-party partnerships and contractor agreements.
- Conducts environmental data gathering, technical research, and impact assessments.
- Assists in the preparation of surveys through the identification of knowledge holders and individuals with experience in the targeted subject areas.
- Facilitates engagement with communities in relation to climate change, biodiversity, and conservation projects.
- Facilitates virtual and in-person community gatherings, workshops and/or webinars and feedback sessions.
- Builds collaborative and respectful relationships with Métis Chartered Communities and other Métis agencies.
- Liaises with project partners on new conservation strategies and environmental innovations.
- Creates communication materials, including digital and print, in partnership with MNBC Communications.
- Travels to host community meetings, perform site visits, and represent MNBC at events as required.
- Develops and maintains contacts with proponents, government departments, and other entities, on projects, relevant issues and initiatives affecting and impacting communities.
- Oversees contractor deliverables and ensures alignment with fiduciary responsibilities.
- Contributes to CRM database enhancements and environmental survey methodologies.
- Tracks and analyzes program progress using monitoring and verification tools.
- Supports the development of comprehensive reports to MNBC leadership and stakeholders, highlighting achievements, and challenges.
- Maintains detailed records of program consultations and field activities using project management systems.
- Prepares detailed progress and financial reports for MNBC leadership and external funders.
- Gathers and shares community success stories related to conservation and climate action.
- Plans and facilitates engagement meetings, tours, and community sessions.
- Supports evaluation of contractor performance and ensures adherence to sustainability goals.
- Manages event logistics, budgets, schedules, financial documentation and briefing notes.
- Conducts field assessments and site visits under diverse environmental conditions.
- Implements projects that mitigate climate change and improve biodiversity.
- Promotes culturally appropriate conservation practices and Métis environmental stewardship.
- Supports the development of internal environmental policy recommendations.
- Ensures program compliance with all grant conditions, timelines, and reporting obligations.
- Collaborates with MNBC leadership on strategic environmental initiatives and policy priorities.
- Participates in committees and project teams as required.
- Undertakes related duties as assigned, consistent with the job grade of the position.
- Other duties may be assigned as needed to ensure the efficient operation of MNBC.
- Regular/ occasional attendance at meetings/ events that may require work and travel outside of normal business hours.
- Climate Action and Restoration Coordinator
- Completion of post-secondary education in fields of forestry, environmental studies, ecology, environmental sciences, earth sciences, environmental engineering, resource development, silviculture, or related area of study.
- Minimum of five (5) years experience in project management or program start-up related to forestry, silviculture, ecological restoration, or other climate change or environment-related work.
- Formal professional or technical designation in appropriate area of expertise.
- A combination of relevant experience, education and training will be considered.
- Experience in providing primary oversight of hired contractors’ timelines, scheduling, outcomes, and financial performance.
- Experience working with governments, both colonial and First Nations.
- Experience with citizen science programs and/or tree planting programs is an asset.
- Understanding of the intersection between Indigenous and environmental issues.
- Broad knowledge of environmental issues including climate change, water quality, biodiversity loss, carbon sequestration.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise projects and collaborate well with people.
- Strong administrative skills, including scheduling, correspondence management, and document preparation.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and perform multiple projects effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct oneself with a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Professional phone etiquette and strong people skills for effective collaboration within a team environment and collaborate across departments.
- Demonstrates analytical, interpretative, and critical thinking skills.
- Adaptability to changing priorities and willingness to take initiative in resolving issues independently.
- Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and a basic understanding of information management and technology concepts.
- Proven ability to utilize, adapt and embrace new technologies, database(s), and/or software required by the role.
- Knowledge and/or awareness of the historical and contemporary contributions made by Métis people in B.C.
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a Class 5 driver’s licence may be required.
- The position may require the completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.