Location of Work: To Be Determined
Status: Permanent Full-time
Closing Date: February 24, 2026
Core Functions
The Director of Environment and Wildlife department (Department) is responsible for developing departmental goals, programs, services, initiatives and projects in his/her area of responsibility, aligned with the Cree Nation Government’s mission and vision. The Director manages the overall operational, budgetary, and financial responsibilities and activities of the department. He/she may also participate in the negotiation, implementation and monitoring of various agreements with local, provincial and federal governments in his/her areas of responsibility. Moreover, he/she is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, implementing and monitoring programs and policies promoting section 22 of the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) and the interests of the Cree Nation. The incumbent also serves as Regional Environment Administrator.
Functional Responsibilities:
Develop and communicate departmental goals and objectives, in line with the organization’s and the Department’s mission and vision.
Plan and allocate resources to effectively staff and accomplish the work to meet departmental goals.
Develop annual and three to five-year operational plans for the Department and present to the Management Committee.
Lead the development, communication, implementation and evaluation of policies, processes and procedures for departmental operations, services and programs on all aspect of environmental management.
Lead the development and implementation of new programs, services, initiatives and projects in line with community needs and departmental goals.
Establish and maintain relevant controls and feedback systems to monitor the operations of the Department.
Review performance data that includes financial and activity reports to monitor and measure departmental productivity, goal achievement, and overall effectiveness.
Participate in the negotiation of agreements with the Federal and/or Quebec governments relevant to his/her area of responsibility. Follow-up and monitor the implementation of all agreements signed.
Oversee and follow major development projects being proposed in Cree traditional territory.
Oversee the implementation of the Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and any similar Act or regulations concerning the environment, and which may apply in Cree traditional territory.
Develop and implement Cree Nation Government by-laws related to forestry, protection of the environment while respecting health, hygiene and the prevention of pollution.
Supervise and recommend the implementation of sections 4 and 5 of the JBNQA relating to Territorial Descriptions and the Land Regime.
Review and recommend the implementation by Quebec and Canada of their undertakings under subsection 28.13 of the JBNQA concerning research affecting the Cree.
Discuss with the authorities of the environmental conditions, problems and possible solutions in the communities.
Act as an adviser in the drawing up of by-laws and directives in matters of public health, zoning, land use planning, water supply and drinking water, wildlife management and other related matters.
Interaction/Communication Responsibilities:
Promote positive relations and concerted action with all external actors/partners (e.g., Cree communities, federal, provincial and municipal governments, other Cree entities, etc.).
Participate in the elaboration of communication and representation strategies.
Provide advice and guidance to staff as they analyze and provide recommendations and advices on environmental assessment and environmental management.
Act as liaison with the Cree local governments.
Represent the department and the Cree Nation Government on outside environmental organizations and agencies.
Liaise with the communications office of the Cree Nation Government for backgrounders to media.
Provide communities with advice, reports and expertise regarding environmental health matters or anything that may affect the health and wellbeing of the communities.
Reporting Responsibilities:
Receive and analyze all proposed development projects for Category 1 lands and submit them to the appropriate committee or review panel.
Lead the preparation and maintenance of reports necessary to carry out the functions of the Department.
Prepare quarterly and annual reports regarding status and progress of department services, programs, projects and initiatives to track goal accomplishment, as well as budget spending.
Oversee preparation and approve reports to funding authorities. Ensure timeline of reporting obligations are met.
Oversee preparation and approve reports for the Annual General Assembly and the Cree Nation Government’s Annual Report on the activities of the Department.
Provide regular progress reports of the Department’s work to the Cree Nation Government’s Board Council, Executive Committee and Management Committee.
Financial Responsibilities:
Manage the budget for the Department. Participate in the annual budget process and conduct follow-up internally and with the Finance department.
Seek additional funding/budget to implement programs related to the Department and monitor accurate use of these funds.
Managerial Responsibilities:
Directly supervise and lead direct reports and ensure effective supervision of others within the team.
Assist direct reports with the development of objectives and ensure that performance is aligned with team and individual objectives. Ensure that managers and/or supervisors within team are establishing objectives that are in alignment with departmental objectives.
Identify training needs and support training and development.
Conduct periodic performance evaluations for direct reports and assist managers and/or supervisors with performance evaluations.
Promote ongoing, effective and open communication with employees. Keep staff members informed of decisions that impact them and/or their department.
Other Responsibilities:
Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in area(s) of responsibility.
Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Environment, Business or Public Administration or another related field.
Master’s degree in Environment a related field is an asset.
Experience:
Five to eight years of relevant work experience.
Experience in leading and managing a multidisciplinary team.
Experience in project management.
Experience in environmental assessment and environmental management.
Experience in budgeting, planning and staff management.
Language:
Fluency in Cree.
Fluency in English.
Fluency in French is an asset.
Knowledge and Abilities:
Strong knowledge of environmental strategies and practices.
Customer-focused and service-oriented.
Proven success in maintaining strong communication, including the ability to facilitate effectively.
Strong interpersonal and leaderships skills.
Proven ability to influence decisions and find solutions to complex problems.
Proven ability to demonstrate strong judgment in complex situations.
Proven ability to problem-solve, to think strategically, and to take initiative.
Demonstrated ability to work under significant pressure and to adapt to a changing environment.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Proficiency and Microsoft Office products.
Additional Requirements:
Typical office setting where there are no unusual physical demands.
Willingness to travel extensively.
The Cree Nation Government may, at its discretion, waive any or all of the aforementioned requirements if a suitable candidate who is a JBNQA beneficiary accepts to follow a training plan determined by the Cree Nation Government as a condition of employment.
