Land Guardian-2 Positions (Fort McPherson)

Position Title: Land Guardian

Reports To: Community Coordinator – Ft McPherson

Location: Gwich’in Settlement Region

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Closing Date: November 30,2026

PURPOSE

The Community Guardian positions are primarily field positions that bring the observe, record and report components to the Gwich’in Guardian Program and the communities. Being the eyes and ears throughout the Gwich’in Settlement Region is at its core, one of the most critical aspects of the program. Conducting day-to-day “on the land and water” monitoring of the Gwich’in Conservation Zones, Heritage sites and the settlement region in general is the honour these positions carry.

The Guardians work under the direction of the Community Coordinators as well as alongside other Guardians in the Settlement Region. The Guardians represent the Gwich’in Guardian Program during on the land cultural activities, land based field activities, support during community emergencies, and during co-management board or public meetings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Guardians are expected to maintain regular presence on the land and water during all seasons;
• This is accomplished by patrolling throughout the Settlement Region, but primarily in their community areas of interest and conservation zones;
• Ensuring that on the land travel is conducted in a safe and efficient manner;
• Participating in on the land learning and teaching opportunities with youth and elders from the community
• Providing logistical and in person support to the community land programs as they may require;
• Provide support to projects that require monitoring environmental conditions;
• Collecting environmental samples and data from remote locations;
• Collaborate with Government departments who may have similar field related responsibilities;
• Act as ambassadors to visiting public representing the Gwich’in in professional and informative ways;
• Provide local knowledge and information relevant to the area to those in need;
• Document and report on the land activities that contradict Gwich’in values and the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement or western laws and regulations;
• Maintain relationships with other community emergency responders such as the Rangers, RCMP or Government Departments
• Maintain and use logbooks for equipment;
• Perform other duties as required
• Complete reporting and documenting of observations from field work accurately and promptly;
• Ensuring data management of all sources of data is maintained in an orderly state;
• Adhere to operational policies and procedures;
• Ensuring adherence with GGP worker health and safety regime and NWT Safety regulations;
• Participate in a training regime that meets the requirements of the GGP and individual professional development;
• Foster stewardship of land, water and wildlife in the settlement area;
• Ensure purchasing procedures are followed, including submitting receipts of purchased goods to the Community Coordinator;
• Ensure participation in community food security activities for elders or families in need;
• Participate in community emergency preparedness activities and responses as required;
• Participate in co-management board projects focusing on environmental monitoring and other scientific and research activities;
• Participate as necessary in regular Community Renewable Resource Council meetings and activities as invited;
• Establish and foster relationships with other Guardians in the Settlement Region;
• Establish opportunities for cross community or joint Guardian patrols or activities;
• Ensure opportunities are available for Government monitoring and compliance agencies to participate in joint patrols with Guardians when patrolling the settlement region;
• Collaborate and actively participate from time to time in joint field work with other (neighbouring) guardian programs from outside the settlement region;
• Maintain relationships with Federal and Territorial government departments;
• Maintenance and use logbooks for equipment;
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade ten or equivalent combination of education or courses related to resource management;
• Competent travelling on the land and water in all seasons using a variety of modes of transportation and navigation aids such as maps and GPS’s (or willingness to learn);
• Ability to use remote communication devices such as Inreach/Zoleo, Starlink, satellite phones;
• Knowledge of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement;
• Knowledge of, and understanding of Gwich’in values and traditional ways;
• Knowledge of the Gwich’in Settlement Region, communities and land, water and wildlife resources;
• Strong environmental and cultural stewardship ethics;
• Firearms Possession Acquisition Licence - PAL (or willingness to acquire one)
• Pleasure Craft Operators Certificate – PCOC (or willingness to acquire one)
• Ability to use Microsoft Office programs;

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and our obligations under the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA), preference will be given to qualified GCLCA Participants and Indigenous applicants. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they wish to be considered under this preference.