Who are we?
Credit Valley Conservation is one of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing our local natural environment. We care for the Credit River, its streams and tributaries from the headwaters in Orangeville to the shores of Lake Ontario in Mississauga. We are scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, environmentalists, stewards, planners, foresters, recreation experts and much more. We create connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. We’re leaders and explorers. We are professional and we’re inspired. We know our stuff, and we work every day to make a difference.
Who are you?
You want to be part of an organization with an environmental goal. You get up every day and go to work with purpose. You accept that you may not change the world, but you’ll try to make an impact in your corner. You like to partner with skilled people across many professions. It’s as natural for you think about the outdoors as it is to think out of the box. You’re passionate, responsible and approachable. You do what’s right, not just what’s easy. You care, and it shows.
Why work for us?
We offer competitive public sector pay. We have a good employee benefits program. We’re members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension fund. We have flexible work hours for many positions. We find time to have fun and celebrate successes. You’ll have free access to our parks and discounts on recreational equipment rentals. You’ll know your co-workers by name and will make fast friends. You’ll like being at work.
Summary of Functions
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Land Planning and Capital Projects, this position is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Credit Valley Trail (CVT) and its Indigenous-focused strategic directions; including consulting with project partners and stakeholders, engaging communities, private landowners/residents, municipalities and other partners to encourage action that will achieve the vision of the Credit Valley Trail and its Indigenous place making initiatives.
This position is responsible for coordinating and supporting CVC’s commitments to empowering Indigenous leadership, developing sustainable and strategic partnerships and activities that advance the goals of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This position acts as the liaison between CVC and our Indigenous partners, simultaneously fostering a stronger cultural awareness across our organization and to the visiting public at CVC’s conservation areas.
Eligibility Requirements
Education
- Bachelor degree with a specialization in community engagement, Indigenous studies, environmental sciences/studies, planning or design or a field appropriate to the area of specialization (e.g. History, Archaeology, etc.)
- Valid “G” License
Experience
- 5 years’ experience related to major tasks
- Experience working with Indigenous communities and individuals within duty to consult or voluntary engagement frameworks for projects
- Experience developing and delivering outreach and promotional campaigns, tools and projects
- Experience preparing and managing project work plans and budgets
- Experience preparing grant applications and administering grant funds
- Experience working with or coordinating committees, external partners and volunteers
- Experience working with or coordinating interdisciplinary teams and consultants
- Experience coordinating and planning events
- Experience making presentations to small and large audiences
- Experience with MS Office and database management
Knowledge, Skills and Ability
- Ability to build and sustain relationships with Indigenous communities
- Ability to collaborate with a wide range of partners including municipal, provincial and Federal government, non-governmental agencies, non-profits and charities, residents, corporations and other special interest groups
- Past success working with a Board of Directors or Leadership Council, strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
- Ability to network well across disciplines and influence decision-makers by consistently providing quality work
- Demonstrated organizational and political awareness of sensitive issues that could involve an understanding of multiple stakeholder needs
- Demonstrated highly ethical and professional standards, effective organizational skills, sound analytical and decision-making skills, excellent communication skills, and exceptional service skills
- Solid, hands-on, project management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting
- Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating and task facilitation
- Strong public speaking ability and ability to convey a vision of CVT’s strategic future to staff, board, volunteers and investors
- Very good knowledge of Indigenous history and Treaties in Southern Ontario, as well as Indigenous communities, and the cultural conversation, around Truth and Reconciliation
- Working knowledge of the trail sector and trail planning
- Working knowledge and understanding of community-based social marketing
- Very good verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of municipal, provincial, federal and conservation authority legislation
- Valid Ontario ‘G’ Driver’s License
- Able to work some evening and weekends
Summary of Major Tasks
- Coordinate implementation of the Indigenous-focused strategic directions and of the Credit Valley Trail Strategy
- Lead internal capacity building activities to strengthen organizational Indigenous cultural awareness
- Provide internal subject matter expertise on delegated Duty to Consult requirements and legal framework for consultation and project planning (Treaty rights, record of consultations, etc.)
- Position CVC as a sector leader in Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation initiatives and as a trusted partner by Indigenous Communities (MCFN, etc.)
- Lead external capacity building activities and initiatives with Indigenous Nations’ and Indigenous communities to develop working partnerships, cultivate new relationships and develop trusting and effective partnerships
- Collaborate with Indigenous Engagement Working Group to develop strategic policies and guiding documents that support our commitments and maintain trusting and strategic partnerships with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) and other First Nations
- Collaborate with IEWG and CVC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee to support the implementation of Indigenous cultural competency training across CVC
- Collaborate with MCFN Chief and Council and MCFN’s DOCA (department of Consultation and Accommodation) to steer the development of CVC’s land acknowledgement, related training as well as engagement guidelines and practices
- Collaborate with Indigenous knowledge holders and academics to support the integration of traditional knowledge and cultural practices in CVC’s conservation efforts
- Steer the integration of Indigenous participation at CVC signature events, including CVC’s Maple Syrup festival
- Develop and implement new Indigenous-focused programming for the CVT and CVC Parks
- Work with the IRT to develop Use of Space guidelines for the Crane Gathering Space and develop and implement programming activities to activate the space
- Collaborate with CVC’s marketing and communication team to develop public-facing messaging regarding Indigenous engagement and the CVT
- Work with CVC staff to develop and implement the Conservation Areas Strategy Indigenous Engagement & Partnership Plan, including development of Treaty and Territorial signage and interpretation on CVC lands
- Support the implementation of other Indigenous placemaking projects on/at CVC Parks, lands and along the CVT (e.g. Jim Tovey Lakeview CA place making)
- Develop interpretive and narrative content for CVT and park signage, installations, website features, and publications, etc.