Indigenous Consultation Coordinator

Who we are. Mercer Peace River Pulp is an integral part of the Canadian forest products industry, providing the northwest Alberta region with approximately 300 jobs while sustainably managing the forests. A career at Mercer Peace River offers an opportunity for growth, meaningful work, and a collaborative learning environment. Throughout your career, you will be supported by a team of skilled professionals and provided a self‐motivating environment to make your goals achievable. At Mercer: One Team ‐ One Goal.

What we believe. We believe that a culture of diversity and inclusion is critical in making the best decisions for our people and achieving sustainable business success. Together, we encourage, support, and celebrate the diverse voices of our team members. We strive to provide an inclusive culture by fostering an environment of mutual respect and fairness and providing opportunities to contribute and grow.

The role. We seek a full-time, permanent Indigenous Consultation Coordinator within our Woodlands Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for participating in forest management planning activities with 16 First Nations and Metis communities. Exceptional communication, strong relationship-building skills, a calm demeanour, and collaborative listening skills are essential to this role.

This role will engage with Indigenous communities early in the planning stages of forest management activities by recognizing the unique legal and constitutional status of Indigenous peoples and the need for free, prior, and informed consent; providing clear and accessible information about activities and together consider the potential impacts of the activities on Indigenous rights, culture, and the environment by including the Communities in decision-making processes that may affect their interests.

This individual is expected to address concerns Indigenous communities raise and work collaboratively with them to find solutions to ensure positive and respectful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement Indigenous consultation plans in compliance with the Alberta First Nation and Metis consultation guidelines.
• Engage with Indigenous communities early in the planning stages to build positive and collaborative relationships.
• Provide clear and accessible information about the activities, and listen to the concerns and priorities of Indigenous communities.
• Collaborate to address Indigenous community concerns and identify potential solutions and work to seek Indigenous consent when required.
• Respect and incorporate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into decision-making processes.
• Keep Communities informed throughout the forest management planning activities and follow up on commitments made during the consultation process.
• Work with MPR’s Indigenous Relations Coordinator to identify programs (i.e. culture, rights, traditional values, consultation, education, training, etc.), and where appropriate, contribute to and assist in the preparation of submissions, funding applications, grants, and tenders.
• Participate in forums and committees dealing with consultative processes in the Province of Alberta.

Qualifications and Experience

• A completed High School diploma or equivalent.
• A degree or diploma in a relevant field, such as Indigenous studies, resource management, or environmental science, is an asset.
• Experience with provincial consultation regulations and engagement with Indigenous communities.
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external Rights Holders and Stakeholders.
• Demonstrated respect for traditional knowledge, perspectives, cultures and history.
• Respectful and inclusive communication focused on listening, thoughtful responses, and avoiding technical language if required.
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license for travel to Indigenous communities with the ability to work outside of traditional working hours when required.

Featured Benefits of Working with Us

• Our full‐time team members are provided a comprehensive benefit plan that’s among the best in our industry, including top‐tier medical, dental and vision plans covering team members and dependents. We also offer a comprehensive employee assistance program, life insurance, and short – and long‐term disability.
• We want to ensure you enjoy your retirement years comfortably. Our MPR Pension Plan has three components, with a defined benefit registered plan and the opportunity to contribute to your retirement through a flexible pension plan or registered retirement savings plan (where we will match you up to a maximum of 3%).
• We like to provide you with ample time to enjoy your life. This role works four 10‐hour days a week (i.e. Monday ‐ Thursday) from 7:00 a.m. ‐ 5:00 p.m. This means you will enjoy a 3‐day weekend every week.
• Compensation is based on experience, qualifications and competency with a base annual salary range of $112k ‐ $125k. You will also start with three weeks (120 hours) of annual vacation, prorated based on your start date.
• Employer provided relocation assistance for anyone outside our local hiring area. We want to make moving as stress-free as possible so that team members can concentrate on getting acquainted with their new position at Mercer Peace River, with their team, and with our community.
• Company-provided vehicle and cell phone.

We are committed to building positive and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, and the successful candidate will play a key role in achieving this goal. If you are passionate about Indigenous consultations, land management, and want to impact our organization positively, we encourage you to apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $112,000.00-$125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company car
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Relocation assistance
• RRSP match
• Store discount
• Vision care

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2023-03-23