Forester
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Natural Resources Director, the Natural Resources Forester will assist in the oversight, management development and sustainable stewardship of natural and cultural heritage resources within ‘Namgis First Nation territory.
Key Responsibilities:
- Positively represent ‘Namgis to members and the outside world in all activities.
- Assist in the coordination and implementation of NRD objectives.
- Maintenance of a comprehensive understanding of ‘Namgis forest lands and resources;
- Maintenance of knowledge of BC and Canadian government policy, legislation, regulations, and legal precedents related to forestry and cultural heritage resources;
- Liaison with forest tenure holders with jurisdictions within, and adjacent to, ‘Namgis territory.
- Participation in the negotiation and management of implementation of forestry related protocol and other, agreements that extend opportunities for the ‘Namgis First Nation to directly manage ‘Namgis Territory;
- Coordination of the technical review of BC Ministry of Forests management processes, including Timber Supply Area Reviews, Forest Development Plans, Forest Stewardship Plans, Forest Landscape Plans (FLP), Forest Operations Plans (FOP), TFL Management Plans and related or successor processes;
- Participation in the research, preparation and regular update of territorial and sub-territorial land/water use plans for ‘Namgis, and adjacent, territory;
- Participation in the implementation of forestry related management and community economic development opportunities identified in ‘Namgis land use planning processes;
- Participation, as required, in rights and title related research, negotiations, consultation, and community outreach activities;
- Participate in the administration and management of obligations related to campsites, trails, cabins, and other eco-tourism and cultural infrastructure and values located throughout ‘Namgis Territory
- Management of the ‘Namgis Culturally Modified Tree survey crew and their related tasks and processes
- Management of consulting archaeologists working for ‘Namgis
- Active involvement in management of federal, provincial and other agreements
- Proofread, edit and/or write various communications related to Natural Resources activities for public or community purposes
- Assist in the preparation of monthly/quarterly/annual reports
- Various duties that include occasional manual labour
- Tasks sometimes include travel by ferry and truck/boat to work site or as part of activities
- Other related duties as assigned by the Natural Resources Director
Qualifications:
- Current Registered Professional Forester certification in good standing
- Three to Five years’ experience in operational forest management in British Columbia
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence
BACKGROUND
The Forester’s main duties are implementation of the new Nimpkish Forest Landscape Plan (FLP) in collaboration with all forest companies working in the territory, and to coordinate Archaeological work for ‘Namgis.
‘Namgis negotiated a progressive Pilot Forest Landscape Plan (FLP) for the Nimpkish Watershed (largest river on Vancouver Island, 2,600 km2 watershed), which includes a conservation network for fish, wildlife, and hydrological recovery. The conservation reserve connects existing forest reserves: Wildlife Habitat Areas, Ungulate Winter Ranges, Old Growth Management Areas, and riparian buffers. Further ecological recovery is ensured with low impact harvest zones on all salmon rivers, with a minimum rotation age of 120 years on Sockeye Rivers, and maximum opening size of 10 ha. Large Cultural Cedar (red and yellow) will be protected, based on size and quality.
The design of every cutblock is negotiated with forest companies. Leading edge archaeology is required by the Nation, which is the responsibility of the Forester. ‘Namgis 350 registered archaeological sites since 2000, with 25 new sites discovered each year. ‘Namgis hosted exciting archaeological research documenting a 14,000-year-old habitation site, amongst the oldest in BC, and paleontological remains in caves from the last ice age ie: short-faced bear.
Northern Vancouver Island provides an exciting place to live, with abundant outdoor recreation, and steadily developing amenities, and the most affordable housing on the BC Coast. ‘Namgis First Nation offers generous benefits: extended medical and dental, vacation, family, and sick days. A hybrid position can be negotiated, between working from home and the ‘Namgis office in Alert Bay.
Namgis First Nation, PO Box 210, Alert Bay, BC V0N 1A0
Level 21 – $73,364 – $86,250
Questions can be directed to forester@namgis.bc.ca Send cover letters and resume to humanresources@namgis.bc.ca
JOB POSTING Link and Attached PDF: https://namgis.bc.ca/employment/forester/