Research and GIS Specialist - Ecology

The Firelight Group is seeking a Research and GIS Specialist - Ecology, who will work remotely or from their Vancouver office. This role involves supporting the Ecology Unit with technical advising in ecology and spatial analysis, managing projects, and ensuring strong client relationships. The position requires expertise in research and project management, focusing on Indigenous Knowledge and values while contributing to various ecological projects.
Position Title: Research and GIS Specialist

Team: Ecology

Reports to: Research Manager and Program Manager

Job Location: Vancouver or Home-based remote working

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

One of the largest Indigenous-owned research firms and values-based organizations, the Firelight Group has provided socially responsible, community-driven research services across Canada since 2010. Indigenous clients have trusted Firelight to provide high-quality research and technical services that decolonize research practices and centre on Indigenous Knowledge and values to protect rights and advance self-determination. Firelight has an expanding, diverse team of over 100 talented professionals working on multi-disciplinary projects in nine business units: Indigenous Knowledge Research, Socio-Economic Research, Environmental Assessment, Indigenous Negotiations, Mapping & GIS, Planning & Implementation, Ecology, and Indigenous Health.

Firelight has offices in Xwmelch'tstn, xmkym Territory, Lkwungen, Tkaron:to, and (Amiskwaciwaskahikan). Firelight acknowledges that most of our work is with clients on territories where we are invited guests, and we are deeply grateful for this trust. We bring respect, humility, and a willingness to learn while recognizing that our work supports realizing our clients' needs and objectives. Firelight proudly provides client-identified services that amplify and strengthen community voice and participation.

JOB OVERVIEW

Reporting to a Research Manager and their Program Manager, the Research and GIS Specialist is an ecologist that supports the Ecology Unit's Technical Leads and Researchers Managers and leads smaller client projects and engagements. With growing expertise in spatial analysis, research, project management and engagement, the Research and GIS Specialist supports consulting files, informing the design, strategy and execution of projects and manages a small number of projects, with supervision. The Research Specialist contributes to strong, accountable client relationships.

RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES
Technical Advising
• Apply your technical skills and expertise in ecology and spatial analysis to the design, development and execution of ecology projects under the supervision of the Ecology unit's Technical Leads and Research Managers
• Work with Technical Leads and Research Managers to provide strong technical skills in spatial analysis, research and engagement
• Lead and support on-the-land ecological research ensuring consistent data collection and management protocols are in place
• Contribute to data analysis and reporting on multiple projects
• Manage GIS data and data analysis for the ecology team
• Support discussions with clients to define their requirements and priorities on moderately complex financial and/or organizational issues
• Support the application of best practices in Indigenous research methods, engagement, and implementation, staying current in new and emerging trends in the field
• Lead or support the development of deliverables for clients and external stakeholders

Project Management
• Support and guide client engagements, effectively onboarding new clients, communicating the project plan, and identifying when there is a change in purpose, scope, or timeline
• Oversee the development and execution of smaller, multi-methods projects aligned to client expectations with mentoring and oversight from Research Managers, Program Manager and Technical Leads
• Work with Technical Leads and Research Managers to develop and monitor project scope, plans, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery
• Ensure timely execution of current, planned, and/or adjusted tasks in alignment with the project scope and schedule
• Manage information, data, and documents following established procedures
• Mentor and support Researchers within project work

Client Engagement
• Represent Firelight to clients, communities and in technical meetings, with supervision from the Technical Lead, Program Manager and Business Lead
• Work with and coordinate the activities of community partners and others, including Firelight team members and external consultants, to develop, design, and implement projects
• Nurture and cultivate partner and client relationships through service excellence, knowledge transfer, and skills development

QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE
• 3-7 years of recent experience in ecology with clear developing areas of expertise in spatial analysis and GIS
• Experience with remote sensing
• 3-5 years of experience working with and for Indigenous Nations and communities
• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or other relevant field
• Fluency in spoken and written English

WHY JOIN US?

Firelight offers compensation that is commensurate with skills and experiences. We provide a progressive and flexible work environment, along with the following benefits:
• Four-day work week (32 hours/week) with options for remote or hybrid work - Offices located in Vancouver, Victoria and Edmonton.
• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Long Term Disability (LTD) andAccidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Health Spending Account (HSA) and Wellness Spending Account (WSA)
• Parental Leave Top-up payments
• Child & Elder Care Benefit
• Paid time off and holidays
• Indigenous Cultural Leave - Time off for cultural practices
• Anniversary vacation and Winter Break

Please respond to our online ad with the following: (1) resume and (2) cover letter. All files should be in PDF format using your last name as the file name.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals with a full package (resume and cover letter) and who meet the requirements of the role will be considered.

At Firelight, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive team and we welcome all cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. We recognize and celebrate the diversity of all peoples and actively promote development of inter-cultural competence within our team.

As an Indigenous-owned organization, we are particularly committed to supporting the employment of Indigenous individuals because we recognize the unique challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people and because we feel it is necessary to reflect Indigenous perspectives and values in the work that we do. We encourage all Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their cover letter so that we consider their application accordingly, as Firelight may give preference to these applicants.

If any candidate requires accommodation or support to participate in the application process, please contact our HR Department via email athr@firelight.ca.

Working at the Firelight Group means being passionate about what we do. Be part of our amazing team, with a very exciting future.