Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) is a vibrant Anishinaabe community located on the white sands (Northeast shores) of Lake Superior near Wawa Ontario. The registered population is approximately 1,275 with 70 citizens living on reserve. With a strong sense of community and cultural identity, Michipicoten First Nation strives to maintain harmony and balance with Mother Earth, neighbouring First Nations, and surrounding communities.

The Michipicoten Lands Guardian Program is implemented by the Lands & Environmental Stewardship Dept. Lands Guardians are “boots-on-the-ground” who monitor, manage, and steward their lands and waters and act as the “eyes and ears” of the territory. The Michipicoten Senior Lands Guardian is vital in asserting our rights and title and monitoring mining, forestry and other activities affecting cultural and spiritual resources within the Michipicoten traditional territory. As the Senior Lands Guardian, you will function as the lead guardian for MFN; working alongside our Biodiversity Coordinator and Mineral Development Advisor, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Michipicoten and mentoring our lands guardians and summer students.

Specifically, as the Senior Lands Guardian, you will maintain a presence throughout the territory while out on patrol; monitor the impacts of resource use; report and/or enforce violations of our indigenous policies, as well as provincial and federal regulations; accurately collect monitoring data, and report activities to the Michipicoten Lands & Stewardship Department. This senior role supports all the Michipicoten Lands & Environmental Stewardship programs, including marine, forestry, mining, and bio-diversity activities within the traditional and shared territories.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide support and mentorship
• Provide mentorship to MFN Lands Guardians and Summer Students
• Coordinate with the Biodiversity Coordinator and Mineral Development Advisor to plan inspections
Field Work & Monitoring
• Actively monitor and demonstrate a presence on lands and waters throughout the territory (including occasional multi-day trips)
• Interact with visitors, resource users, sports fishermen, and other commercial operators and provide information about the Michipicoten Nation.
Research & Reporting
• Monitor, collect, and record data related to the health of Michipicoten ecological and cultural values and the impacts of resource use on these values
• Take lead in developing reports with recommendations, for presentation to the lands team and relevant parties.
Community Outreach and education
• Work with local schools to raise awareness with the youth about the Indigenous Guardian program
• Educate community members about Michipicoten First Nation issues and Indigenous Guardian activities.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education
• Degree or diploma in Natural or Renewable Resources Management, Environmental or Biological Sciences, Conservation Management, or equivalent combination of formal education, training, and related work experience.
Preferred training
• Environmental training (forestry, mining, and biodiversity)
• Water sampling
• Environmental Monitor training
• Pleasure craft license
• Forestry compliance
• Standard first aid
• ATV/UTV training
• Spot communications
Experience
• Min 5 years’ experience in a similar role
• Previous experience working for a First Nation preferred
• Experienced in the operation of ATV/UTV
• Experienced with communication devices i.e. spot radio
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Strong knowledge of Michipicoten First Nation territory and values
• Knowledge of GPS/GIS capabilities
• Knowledge of local marine, freshwater, and terrestrial species
• Familiarity with indigenous laws as well as federal and provincial rules and regulations
• Proficient computer skills, including Word, Excel, email and using handheld devices.
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact with visitors and resource users in a polite and positive manner.
• Confident, comfortable, and assertive in addressing violation issues with community members and resource users.
• Dependable, motivated and demonstrates a strong work ethic.
• Shows initiative and is a team player.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting the health of Michipicoten territory and culture.
Other
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable personal vehicle
• Ability to work irregular work hours, including some overtime and overnight trips.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check
• Must be in good physical health; able to travel in rough weather on a boat, hiking long distances on the territory, and moving heavy field equipment to remote sites.

WAGE RANGE $26.25-$28.50 /hr

TERM Full-time, permanent

TO APPLY Please submit your cover letter and resume as one document to [email protected] with the position title in the subject line before December 11, 2023. A full job description is available upon request to Human Resources.

Michipicoten First Nation is dedicated to promoting equity and diversity and serving the interests of their citizens. The successful candidate will be primarily engaged in serving the interests of Michipicoten citizens and will give preference to citizens and Indigenous candidates who possess the necessary qualifications.