Position Title: Planner II

Team: Planning and Implementation (P&I)

Reports to: Technical Lead or Research Manager

Job Location: Firelight office or home-based remote office

Term: 1-year (Mat leave coverage), full time with possibility of permanent position

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

One of the largest Indigenous-owned research firms and values-based organizations, the Firelight Group has provided socially responsible, community-driven research services across Canada since 2010. Indigenous clients have trusted Firelight to provide high-quality research and technical services that decolonize research practices and centre on Indigenous Knowledge and values to protect rights and advance self-determination. Firelight has an expanding, diverse team of over 100 talented professionals working on multi-disciplinary projects in nine business units: Indigenous Knowledge Research, Socio-Economic Research, Environmental Assessment, Indigenous Negotiations, Mapping & GIS, Planning & Implementation, Ecology, and Indigenous Health.

Firelight has offices in Xwmlchtstn, xmkym Territory, Lkwungen, and (Amiskwacwskahikan). Firelight acknowledges that most of our work is with clients on territories where we are invited guests, and we are deeply grateful for this trust. We bring respect, humility, and a willingness to learn while recognizing that our work supports realizing our clients needs and objectives. Firelight proudly provides client-identified services that amplify and strengthen community voice and participation.

JOB OVERVIEW

Firelights Planning and Implementation Team supports the gathering, analysis, and sharing of technical information, including community-held knowledge and wisdom regarding governance and human-land relationships. We support Indigenous Nations to undertake or otherwise participate in planning-related projects and initiatives ranging from comprehensive community plans, to community land use plans, to larger landscape planning initiatives (e.g., Territory scale planning, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area planning, collaborative land use planning with other governments), and more. We help Nations visualize, communicate, and achieve their own preferred stewardship and development outcomes.

The Planner II brings experience in land use planning and a passion for supporting Indigenous-led planning initiatives that advance Nation-driven priorities. . With growing expertise in community planning, project management, engagement, facilitation, and Indigenous rights alongside associated frameworks such as UNDRIP and FPIC Planner II is a planning specialist that informs the design, development and execution of planning projects, and manages a small number of projects, with supervision. The Planner II contributes to strong and accountable client relationships.

RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES

Technical Support

• Support the design, development, and execution of planning projects under the supervision of the Technical Lead or Research Manager
• Work with Technical Leads and Research Managers to design and support community engagement, conduct research and analysis, and contribute to strategic planning and policy development
• Produce high-quality deliverables (i.e., planning, research, and engagement materials and plans/reports for clients and other audiences as required)
• Act as a facilitator (either in-person or virtually) on select projects
• Support the implementation of innovative practices that are aligned with emerging trends and best practices in the Indigenous-led planning realm

Project Management

• Act as a Project Manager on small projects aligned with Firelight values and client expectations
  • Develop and monitor project scope, plans, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery;
  • Ensure timely execution of current, planned, and/or adjusted tasks in alignment with the project scope and schedule
  • Identify and allocate fiscal and human resources, delegate tasks and work appropriately to achieve project success
  • Ensure timely invoicing
• Manage information, data and documents following established procedures
• Ensure quality control and security of research data
• Oversee logistical coordination of multi-day community engagement with research teams

Client Engagement

• Represent Firelight to clients, communities and in some technical meetings, with oversight from the Technical Lead and Research Manager
• Work with and coordinate the activities of community partners and others, including Firelight team members and external consultants, to develop, design, and implement projects
• Support and coach others in effective community engagement aligned with Firelights values and with shared objectives
• Nurture and cultivate partner and client relationships through service excellence, knowledge transfer, and skills development

People Leadership

• Foster a positive and respectful workplace, aligned with Firelights values and objectives
• Ensure the workplace, including while travelling for in-community and on-territory work, meets all health and safety guidelines and regulations
• Support the development of Firelights organizational learning and knowledge
• Mentor Researcher / Planner staff in support of their growth and development

QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of recent, relevant experience related to community and/or Territory-level planning
• 3-5 years of experience working with and for Indigenous Nations and communities
• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience
• Fluency in spoken and written English
  

WHY JOIN US?

Firelight offers compensation that is commensurate with skills and experiences. We provide a progressive and flexible work environment, along with the following benefits:

• Four-day work week (32 hours/week) with options for remote or hybrid work - Offices located in Vancouver, Victoria and Edmonton.
• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Long Term Disability (LTD) andAccidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Health Spending Account (HSA) and Wellness Spending Account (WSA)
• Parental Leave Top-up payments
• Child & Elder Care Benefit
• Paid time off and holidays
• Indigenous Cultural Leave - Time off for cultural practices
• Anniversary vacation and Winter Break

Please respond to our online ad with the following: (1) resume and (2) cover letter. All files should be in PDF format using your last name as the file name.

The application deadline is June 13, 2025. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals will a full package (resume and cover letter) and who meet the requirements of the role will be considered.

At Firelight, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive team and we welcome all cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. We recognize and celebrate the diversity of all peoples and actively promote development of inter-cultural competence within our team.

As an Indigenous-owned organization, we are particularly committed to supporting the employment of Indigenous individuals because we recognize the unique challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people and because we feel it is necessary to reflect Indigenous perspectives and values in the work that we do. We encourage all Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their cover letter so that we consider their application accordingly, as Firelight may give preference to these applicants.

If any candidate requires accommodation or support to participate in the application process, please contact our HR Department via email [email protected].

Working at the Firelight Group means being passionate about what we do. Be part of our amazing team, with a very exciting future.