Impact Assessment Officer/Senior Impact Assessment Officer

Are you looking to explore Canada’s Artic with a unique personal and professional opportunity to protect and promote the environment? The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB), located in Cambridge Bay (Ikaluktutiak), is searching for Impact Assessment Officers (IAOs) and Senior Impact Assessment Officers (SIAOs) to join their team! With a passion for environmental sustainability and a drive to experience adventure, the successful candidates will provide general to senior-level support in assessing proposed development projects and monitoring programs for approved projects referred to the NIRB.About the NIRBThe Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) is Nunavut’s environmental assessment agency. Its mission is to protect and promote the well-being of the Environment and Nunavummiut through the impact assessment process, including responsibilities for assessing the potential impacts of proposed projects before required permits, licences and approvals can be granted. Using both traditional knowledge and recognized scientific methods, the NIRB assesses the potential biophysical and socio-economic impact of proposals, making recommendations and decisions about which projects may proceed.As an Impact Assessment Officer, you will be a part of upholding the important mandate of the NIRB, which is to:Provide for certainty and clarity of rights to ownership and use of lands and resources, and the rights for Inuit to participate in decision-making concerning the use, management and conservation of land, water and resources, including the offshore;Provide Inuit with wildlife harvesting rights and rights to participate in decision-making concerning wildlife harvesting;Provide Inuit with financial compensation and means of participating in economic opportunities; andEncourage self-resilience and the cultural and social well-being of Inuit.Key responsibilities Reporting to the Manager of Impact Assessment, Impact Assessment Officers and Senior Impact Assessment Officers are responsible for leading the assessments of proposed development projects and monitoring programs for approved projects referred to the NIRB under Article 12 of the Nunavut Agreement and Part 3 of the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act (NuPPAA). With a focus on managing multiple screening level assessments and assisting in, or leading the assessments for major development projects, the Impact Assessment Officers advise senior management and the Board, ensuring that assessments are undertaken in a fair, inclusive and timely manner. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:-Supports and/or leads impact assessments of major development projects of minimal to significant complexity or concern:Drafts public correspondence, operational/technical reports and recommendations on behalf of the NIRBReviews technical documentation and comment submissions, delivering accessable and objective summaries, findings and recommendationProvides consideration for traditional knowledge and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in impact assessment processesAssists with and/or conducts community-level consultation with potentially affected individuals, groups or organizationsProvides assistance to project proponents to ensure that studies and consultation programs are conducted in a sound manner, consistent with accepted methods and techniques-Supports the content planning and facilitation of community engagements, technical workshops and public hearings in a way that ensures the objectives of engagement processes are achieved:Collaborates with the Communications Department to establish public awareness programs associated with the assessments for major development projectsLiaises with potentially affected communities and interested parties regarding projects under assessment by the NIRBCollaborates with the Communications Department on resources and logistics to make community engagements successful-Provides support to and/or leads the NIRB monitoring programs:Establishes and/or monitors tracking systems to evaluate status/compliance with regulatory instrumentsMonitors compliance with terms and conditions of NIRB screening decisionsConducts and/or assists in conducting site visits and reviewing report sand documentation to assess regulatory compliance and environmental protectionCoordinates with government agencies and departments responsible for project monitoringProvides reports and briefings to the Board on the adequacy of and compliance with terms and conditions of project certificates and on ecosystemic and socio-economic impacts of projectsQualifications, Skills and Experience Various combinations of qualifications, skills, and levels of experience will be considered for potential fit and level of seniority placement. Specific considerations will include:Graduate degree in Environmental Sciences and/or Natural Sciences, or related area(s) combined with 1-3+ years experience in a similar position with related responsibilities, or;Undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and/or Natural Sciences combined with a minimum of 3-5+ years’ experience in a progressively senior position having the same or similar responsibilitiesPersonal and professional experience in the Arctic or in a cross-cultural setting, considered a strong assetFamiliarity with the provisions of the Nunavut Agreement and Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment ActKnowledge of environmental assessment procedures and processes, as well as matters related to environmental legislation and regulationsUnderstanding of subject matter and lines of inquiry regarding assessment, biophysical, social and economic environmentsKnowledge of consultation strategies and project management techniques for coordinating and carrying out environmental screenings and/or assessments of project proposalsUnderstanding or awareness of the roles, mandates and authorities of Institutes of Public Government, government agencies, regulatory authorities and Designated Inuit Organizations within natural resources, lands, and environmental management regime of the Nunavut Settlement Area, considered a strong assetWritten and/or verbal conversational fluency in Inuktut, considered a strong assetThe successful candidates will have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and influence parties to achieve common objectives, facilitate development, manage conflicts and changes in priorities. The IAO/SIAOs will have a passion for maintaining Northern Canada’s natural environment through an alignment with the NIRB’s mission, values and mandate.The Experience of a Lifetime Discover the charm and uniqueness of Cambridge Bay, Nunavut – a place where tradition harmonizes with vibrant cultural offerings. Located on the south coast of Victoria Island and just an hour and 40-minute flight from Yellowknife, this Arctic community is more than a destination; it’s an invitation to experience the essence of Inuit culture and the warmth of a close-knit community. At its core, Cambridge Bay not only honors the traditions of the past, but actively shapes a progressive future. The area proudly leads the way in Arctic science and technology research, standing as a symbol of progress while staying deeply connected to its cultural roots.For the passionate adventurer, Cambridge Bay offers a playground of year-round outdoor activities. Embrace the summer months with kayaking or canoeing through crystal-clear waters, hiking, hunting, and fishing. When winter blankets the landscape, enjoy the thrill of snowmobile rides, or explore the interconnected trail system on an ATV journey.Next Steps If you’re interested in an opportunity to utilize your skills in an environment that is overflowing with natural landscape unique wildlife, in a remote location, we want to hear from you! Qualified applicants are asked to submit a resume and cover letter to Grant Thornton LLP via email at [email protected], citing “Impact Assessment Officer – NIRB” in the subject line, no later than July 12, 2024.We appreciate all expressed interest, however, only those who have been selected for interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.Compensation and BenefitsCompensation will be commensurate of the successful candidate’s level of education, knowledge and experience pertaining to the role – however, the base salary range for Impact Assessment Officers and Senior Impact Assessment Officers is $93,303 - $139,392.The NIRB offers a comprehensive combination of benefits and incentives, including but not limited to:Supplemental Northern Living Allowance up to $28,457 for employees without dependents and up to $47,428 for employees with dependents. Access to staff housing can be made available upon requestNorthern Employee Benefits Service Group Pension Plan and Life Insurance Plan, with approximately 8% employer-matched pension contributionsHealth and dental benefitsPaid sick leaveShort- and long-term disability insuranceVacation travel assistanceMaternity/parental/adoption leave top-up allowances and extended leave optionsEligibility to work towards performance and continuous service incentivesWe encourage and consider applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or those of other minority groups. Members of designated groups are encouraged to self-identify. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Nunavut Inuit, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority.