North Slave Métis Alliance (NSMA) – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Senior Wildlife Biologist
Department: Environment
Reports To: Manager, Environment Department
Location: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Employment Type: Full-Time, Indeterminate
Wage Scale: $47.00/hr-$50.00/hr ($91,650 - $97,500.00 per annum)
Position Summary
The Senior Wildlife Biologist takes the lead on all wildlife co-management, wildlife monitoring, and guardianship files for the NSMA. This individual works with other Environment staff to ensure NSMA members’ Indigenous rights are protected.
The Senior Wildlife Biologist works with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), The Federal Government, Indigenous Governments/Organizations, and renewable resource boards to develop wildlife management plans and policies for culturally important species such as boreal caribou, barren-ground caribou, bison, and other species at risk.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee the delivery of the Guardian program.
- Apply and secure funding for wildlife and conservation related projects.
- Develop field methods and environmental monitoring plans for Guardian activities
- Hire/ train Indigenous Guardians, staff, and consultants.
- Ensure Guardian activities are conducted safely, professionally, and in accordance with approved practices.
- Oversight of internal Guardianship database.
- Complete analysis, technical reports, plan language summaries and presentations for Guardian programs.
- Support major projects by providing monitoring, observation, and field presence as required.
- Organize and facilitate community engagement workshops and discussions to guide program planning and development.
- Work with the Lands and Culture Department to ensure monitoring results are integrated into land-use planning.
- Create and maintain links with academics and government personnel to support analysis and synthesis of Guardian program data.
- Supervise and manage junior wildlife biologist, seasonal technicians, and summer students.
- Participate and represent NSMA at Wildlife Act Sec 15 meetings, various wildlife co-management boards and Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act processes including environmental assessments, land use permits, water licences, and wildlife management plans.
- Establish relations with representatives of other Indigenous Governments/Organizations, Government of the Northwest Territories, Federal Government departments, land and water boards, mining proponents, renewable resource boards, co-management partners, and community knowledge holders to promote the conservation of species and to inform land-use planning decisions.
- Participate in the preparation of regional plans for the conservation of species and their habitat including, but not limited to, boreal caribou, bison, barren-ground caribou, moose, wolves, fish/wildlife interactions, and species at risk.
- Provide written/verbal comments and input on draft recovery strategies for species at risk, wildlife research permits across the NWT, habitat range planning documents, wildlife research for mines and development projects, and other relevant documents.
- Stay up to date on all correspondence, briefing notes, reports, field surveys and other documentation concerning important wildlife across NSMA Traditional Territory
- Engage with community members during events such as visiting mines/contaminated sites, community on-the-land trips, and environmental monitoring programs.
- Manage budgets, project funding, and all project management duties for a variety of files.
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
- 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
· 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 “Senior Wildlife Biologist – NSMA” before August 4th, 2026.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $91,650.00-$97,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
