Indigenous Liaison Specialist

Role Responsibilities

Are you an engaging, collaborative, and team-oriented individual who has experience fostering relationships with, and engaging Indigenous communities as well as organizations? Then you should apply to the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Forestry and Parks. 

As the Indigenous Liaison Specialist for the Forestry Division, you will report directly to the Director, Indigenous Liaison. Your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Building and Maintaining Relationships: Cultivate and sustain respectful, productive relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and stakeholders across Alberta.

Policy and Process Development: Lead and support the development, implementation, and refinement of divisional policies and processes that help support meaningful as well as productive Indigenous consultation and engagement.

Advising Leadership: Provide expert guidance and advice to Branch leadership and departmental decision makers on matters that may potentially impact forest management planning or project approval decisions.

Issues Management: Manage emerging and systemic issues proactively, often in complex and politically sensitive scenarios. You will lead and support the development of recommended solutions and responses. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Develop and foster ongoing, respectful partnerships with Indigenous peoples, other ministries, industry stakeholders, and other jurisdictions to support collaborative, solutions-driven outcomes.

In this role, you will leverage your knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and communities, while applying your political acumen and strong communication skills, to help navigate and support decisions affecting Alberta's forest management. You will also be expected to work under tight timelines and balance competing interests.
 

Please click on this link to view the job description.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Build Collaborative Environments: Initiates strategic communication systems linking up and down throughout the organization and with external stakeholders. 

Systems Thinking: Considers the whole system and recognizes links between everything from the complex network of global to departmental priorities. Sets goals within the context of long-term outcomes and broad perspectives. 

Creative Problem Solving: Brings the right people together to solve complex problems and find solutions.

Develop Networks: Connects consistently with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders while ensuring their needs are represented in decision making.  

Agility: Creates opportunities for improvement, recognizes the importance of timing and being prepared to act when appropriate.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

University degree (4 years) in a related field (e.g. public administration, natural resources, environmental sciences, Indigenous studies) supplemented with at least 6 years demonstrated related experience (e.g. Indigenous consultation/engagement, community and stakeholder engagement, integrated planning, natural resource management, policy development).

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered based on: 
•    1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 
•    1 year of experience for 1 year education.

Special Requirements:
•    Experience working with Indigenous peoples and a range of other stakeholders.
•    Knowledge of Indigenous history, culture, protocols, and governance
•    Experience successfully leading and supporting multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
•    Class 5 driver’s license.

Assets: 
•    Knowledge of Treaties including the Federal, Provincial and First Nations' perspectives.
•    Knowledge and experience working with Alberta's Indigenous consultation policies, guidelines, and procedures.
•    Knowledge of forest management principles and practices.
•    Experience with the forest industry and/or forest management, and/or other areas of natural resource management. 
•    Knowledge of ministry-specific legislation, regulations, policies, mandates, and direction.
 

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This position is a full-time permanent opportunity. Hours of work are from Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., 36.25 hours a week. Ability to travel throughout Alberta is a requirement for this position.

In your application, please a include cover letter detailing your interest, and role related experience. In your resume include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time, or full time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three, 8 hour shifts/week).

Candidates may be required to complete a written assignment.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

What the GoA has to offer:

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages- working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•     Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•     Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.