ABOUT WILLIAMS LAKE FIRST NATION (WLFN)

The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), or the Texelcemc (people of WLFN) have belonged to the Secwepemc (or Shuswap) Nation for over 6500 years. Today, the WLFN community includes a growing population of over 800 registered members who live on reserve in Sugar Cane, in nearby Williams Lake, BC, and across the globe.
We are Culturally Centered, Future Focused. WLFN provides staff with an excellent benefits package, RSP matching up to 8%, 3 weeks' vacation upon completion of probationary period, and many other benefits.

Deadline for Applications:Open until filled.

POSITION

Reporting to the Manager, Natural Resources, the Wildlife Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for advancing Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) wildlife stewardship priorities through the development, implementation, and coordination of culturally grounded conservation initiatives. The Wildlife Coordinator leads the creation of a WLFN Hunting and Conservation Framework and a Caribou Recovery Strategy, while serving as a key representative in discussions with government agencies, researchers, and external partners on wildlife management, habitat protection and species at risk. This position integrates Secwpemc knowledge systems with Western science to support the respectful and sustainable management of culturally important species and ecosystems across WLFNs Stewardship Area.

The Wildlife Stewardship Coordinator plays a central role in conducting and overseeing wildlife monitoring projects, reviewing development referrals, participating in policy reform processes, and engaging the community through educational and planning initiatives. This role requires a strong foundation in wildlife biology and Indigenous-led conservation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work across disciplines to support both the ecological and cultural values of WLFN. The position also involves grant coordination, technical reporting, and active participation in fieldwork to ensure decisions and recommendations reflect on-the-ground realities and uphold WLFNs stewardship principles.

Employment Type

Full time, 35 hours per week.

Probation Period

3 months from the date of hire.

Education Required

• Undergraduate or graduate degree or diploma in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field.

Experience Required

• Three to five years of experience in wildlife management, conservation biology, or environmental monitoring, with a strong understanding of habitat protection and species stewardship.
• Experience working with or for a First Nations government or organization is preferred.
• Experience conducting wildlife field studies and using monitoring techniques such as remote cameras, GPS tracking, and ecological surveys is strongly preferred.
• Experience reviewing wildlife assessments, habitat studies, or technical reports related to land use, development proposals, or species recovery is required.

Overtime Status

Non-exempt.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop a WLFN Hunting and Conservation Framework that supports sustainable harvesting, promotes wildlife stewardship, and incorporates community values and Secwpemc Law.
2. Create a WLFN Caribou Recovery Strategy that identifies culturally and ecologically appropriate actions to protect and recover caribou populations within WLFNs Stewardship Area.
3. Serve as a key WLFN representative in engagements with provincial and federal regulators, research institutions, and stakeholders regarding wildlife conservation, habitat management, and species at risk.
4. Collaborate with WLFN Elders and other knowledge holders to integrate Secwpemc traditional knowledge into wildlife protection, planning, and habitat management.
5. Support the Referrals Coordinator by reviewing and assessing the wildlife-related aspects of land use referrals, environmental assessments, permits and other development proposals within WLFNs Stewardship Area.
6. Facilitate community meetings, Elder engagement sessions, and youth education workshops to share information and gather input related to wildlife issues and culturally important species.
7. Prepare technical summaries, briefing notes, presentations, and reports to inform WLFN leadership and membership on wildlife matters and recommended actions.
8. Support grant applications and track reporting requirements for wildlife-related research, monitoring, and capacity-building initiatives.
9. Represent WLFN in regional, provincial, or federal processes related to wildlife law and policy reform, species recovery planning, and cumulative effects assessments.
10. Participate in and support wildlife-related fieldwork activities, including habitat assessments, site visits, and collaborative research projects.
11. Design, implement, and manage wildlife monitoring initiatives such as camera traps, wildlife surveys, and tracking studies.

The duties listed are provided as examples of area of responsibility and are not intended to create limits to responsibility but to help understand the scope of the position. All staff are expected to be team oriented and maintain confidentiality of all information gained while working with the organization.

Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry - per Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

We thank all those individuals who applied. Given the large number of applicants we receive for our job postings, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Are you interested in relocating but want to know more about why you should make the move to the Cariboo? Learn more here!Make the Move - Cariboo Regional District (cariboord.ca)