North Slave Métis Alliance (NSMA) – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Junior Wildlife Biologist
Department: Environment
Reports To: Manager, Environment Department
Location: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Employment Type: Full-Time, TERM
Wage Scale: $40.15/hr-$46.15/hr ($78,292.50 - $ 89,992.50 per annum)
Position Summary
The Junior Wildlife Biologist supports NSMA’s wildlife co-management, monitoring, Guardian, regulatory, and environmental stewardship files. Working under the direction of the Senior Wildlife Biologist and Environment Department leadership, this position assists with wildlife field programs, data collection, reporting, community engagement, and regulatory review to support the protection of North Slave Métis rights, lands, waters, wildlife, and harvesting interests.
Key Responsibilities
- Support wildlife monitoring, habitat assessments, field surveys, environmental monitoring, and research projects.
- Assist with files related to Bathurst caribou, boreal caribou, bison, barren-ground caribou, moose, wolves, fish/wildlife interactions, species at risk, and cumulative effects.
- Collect, enter, organize, and quality-check field data from a variety of sources (GPS, game cameras, ARUs, YSI sonde etc.).
- Assist with technical reviews of wildlife research permits, recovery strategies, habitat/range planning documents, land use permits, water licences, environmental assessments, mining-related documents, and wildlife management plans.
- Prepare draft field notes, maps, briefing notes, correspondence, meeting summaries, plain-language materials, and technical report sections.
- Assist with Indigenous Knowledge and western science integration under the direction of senior staff, Elders, harvesters, Guardians, and knowledge holders.
- Participate in community events, on-the-land programs, mine/contaminated site visits, and environmental monitoring programs.
- Maintain organized project files, field records, photos, datasets, safety forms, and reporting materials.
- Support funding applications, project reporting, budgets, procurement, travel planning, and field logistics as required.
- Follow all field safety protocols, including remote work safety, lone-worker procedures, wildlife deterrence procedures, incident reporting, and field risk assessments.
- Contribute to the planning and operation of NSMA’s Guardianship program.
- Maintain internal Guardianship database.
Qualifications and Experience Education
· Diploma or bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, Indigenous environmental stewardship, or a related field.
· Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Experience
Typically, 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience in one or more of the following:
- wildlife biology
- field biology
- environmental monitoring
- Indigenous stewardship
- Guardian programs
- regulatory review
- northern fieldwork
Knowledge and Skills
Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of:
- Northern ecosystems and wildlife species
- Wildlife survey techniques
- Species at risk
- Habitat management
- GIS and GPS technologies (proficiency in ArcGIS is an asset)
- Data analysis and technical report writing (proficiency in performing statistical analysis in R is an asset)
- Northern environmental legislation and regulatory processes
- Cumulative effects assessment
Indigenous Government Experience
- Working respectfully with Indigenous governments and communities
- Integrating Indigenous Knowledge with western science
- Supporting Indigenous-led environmental stewardship
- Engaging Elders, harvesters, and knowledge holders
- Understanding the importance of Section 35 Aboriginal and Treaty rights in environmental decision-making
- Relationship-building with community members
Professional Skills
- Project management
- Funding and proposal writing
- Technical writing
- Public speaking
- Stakeholder engagement
- Conflict resolution
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Working Conditions
· Based in Yellowknife, with regular travel throughout the Northwest Territories.
· Frequent fieldwork in remote and outdoor environments.
· Exposure to extreme weather conditions and physically demanding environments.
· Travel via small aircraft, watercraft, and off-road vehicles may be required.
Benefits
· Travel benefit of $3699.80/year added to above annual salary.
· 2 weeks paid vacation in year 1 followed by 3 weeks paid vacation in Year 2
· Pension, health, and dental plan (Northern Employee Benefits Service) following
successful completion of a 3-month probation period.
· $50.00/month phone allowance reimbursement.
· $100.00/month health/fitness allowance reimbursement.
· Access to paid training and professional development. Will supply candidates with PPE and field gear including boots and full set of winter clothing to use for duration of employment.
Additional Requirements
· Valid Class 5 Driver’s License.
· Ability to travel and work flexible hours.
· Physical capacity for fieldwork and on-the-land activities.
· Relevant safety certifications considered an asset (e.g. First Aid, wilderness safety, etc.)
Assets
· Experience in Indigenous or northern governance.
· Experience in resource development or environmental management in the North.
· Graduate degree or professional designation.
· Experience supervising staff and managing multidisciplinary teams.
· Technical field skills and equipment operation experience.
· Valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).
Closing Statement
The North Slave Métis Alliance is committed to protecting the rights, lands, and way of life of the North Slave Métis people. Preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants.
Application Instructions:
· Please apply by emailing a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject “Junior Wildlife Biologist – NSMA” before August 4th, 2026.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $78,292.50-$89,992.50 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
