Referrals Analyst (EA)

Referrals Analyst (Environmental Assessment)

Job Description

Department:                    Economic Development

Position Title:                 Referrals Analyst (Environmental Assessment)

Reports To:                    Title and Rights Manager

Summary of Organizational Responsibilities:

The Referrals Analyst (Environmental Assessment) is a detail-oriented critical thinker who thrives in a growing, fast-paced work environment, understands environmental assessment and other regulatory proceedings, and possesses knowledge of resource management and environmental issues as they may relate to LNIB’s Title and Rights.

The Referrals Analyst (Environmental Assessment) reports to the Title and Rights Manager and will coordinate LNIB’s participation in environmental assessment and regulatory processes through research, analysis, response, coordinating with Crown governments, agencies, and proponents, and managing competing deadlines.

The Referrals Analyst (Environmental Assessment) will have, or will gain, an understanding of Nlaka’pamux traditional teachings along with a strong passion for protecting and preserving natural resources within the Traditional Territory and upholding the rights of Nlaka’pamux peoples’ access to these resources.

The Referrals Analyst (Environmental Assessment) will use LNIB’s Cultural Heritage Policy, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), Nlaka’pamux teachings, customs, protocols, laws, and worldview to push the boundaries of the constitutional consultation framework.

The position is in person and is primarily office-based with some travel and occasional field visits throughout LNIB’s Traditional Territory. Office work will include extended periods of sitting, and field visits may occur in a variety of weather conditions.

Duties and Tasks:

Work in a team environment to receive and respond to referral requests. Work will often involve time sensitive communications with industry. An important aspect of the job will include researching LNIB’s interests and use within the Traditional Territory and area of interest. Work will also involve developing, assessing, and making recommendations regarding natural resource management strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure adequate and meaningful consultation and accommodation of LNIB’s Rights and Title. Working as part of a team you will:

·         Review and analyze referrals related to environmental assessment, and mining, and other regulatory proceedings or as assigned by the Title and Rights Manager in accordance with LNIB’s Cultural Heritage Policy;

·         Assess potential impacts of proposed development projects and policy changes on LNIB’s Title and Rights;

·         Facilitate the review of referrals in a team setting;

·         Provide support to LNIB staff in the monitoring of project applications, including project administration, budgeting, and organizational tasks;

·         Represent LNIB on project files and build relationships with external agencies and proponents;

·         Draft Briefing Notes for Chief and Council consideration; and

·         Support the Title and Rights Manager in other tasks as assigned.

Environmental Assessment and regulatory review:

·         Coordinate LNIB’s participation in Environmental Assessment processes, including participating in regularly scheduled meetings with the BC Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO), BC Energy Regulator (BCER), and Canadian Energy Regulator;

·         Review any project filings and ensure process deadlines are met;

·         Identify capacity gaps and coordinate with external consultants to support project review where necessary; and

·         Work to formalize LNIB’s relationship with the BCEAO and BCER through process agreements and other relevant mechanisms.

Mining Consultation:

·         Review, assess and respond to referrals related to mineral exploration and permitted mine development;

·         Assess proposals for potential impacts to LNIB’s Title and Rights and the environment;

·         Maintain consistent communication with the Province on mineral files of note to ensure LNIB’s concerns are addressed including through a regularly scheduled mining working group;

·         Advance LNIB’s stewardship goals through strategic engagement with Ministry staff, proponents, and other Nlaka’pamux communities; and

·         Strengthen LNIB’s mining oversight through formal agreements with the Ministry of Critical Minerals and other relevant bodies.

General Referrals:

Working under the direction and supervision of the Title and Rights Manager, and collaboratively with other staff in the Economic Development department, the Referrals Analyst (Environmental Assessment) will:

·         Manage various referrals in accordance with LNIB’s referral response processes;

·         Determine the potential impacts including cumulative effects of projects proposed throughout upon LNIB’s Title and Rights;

·         Review, assess and respond to referrals submitted by Crown governments, agencies, and proponents related to Environmental Assessment, other regulatory proceedings, and mining within LNIB’s Traditional Territory;

• Draft reports and letters of response to Crown governments, agencies and proponents that assess proposals for alignment with LNIB’s Cultural Heritage Policy and Strategic Vision and recommend mitigations and accommodation measures;
• Support the Title and Rights Manager in meeting and liaising with Crown governments, regulatory authorities, proponents, and other First Nations regarding referral projects;
• Directly communicate with Crown governments, agencies, proponents, and other First Nations on a technical level, signing off on technical level communications;
• Prepare, facilitate, and lead internal and external meetings;
• Work to establish positive working relationships with Crown governments, proponents, agencies, and other First Nations;
• Conduct project management tasks including drafting referral invoices and budgetary reporting, activity tracking and scheduling, deadline and progress management, communications management, and all other necessary tasks;
• Coordinate with the Referrals Administrator for consistent records management;
• Support the Title and Rights Manager and other members of the Economic Development department to prepare and present updates and analysis results for leadership, colleagues, community members and proponents;
• Provide input into Departmental communications and outreach, which may include the development of presentations, media releases and council information packages;
• Take initiative and leadership in establishing new components to the referral assessment process, development of consultation agreements, and relationship-building as guided by the Title and Rights Manager;
• Keep up to date on relevant environmental and resource management legislation, policies, and industry best practices;
• Assist with the implementation and delivery of other Department initiatives as directed;
• Provide input into the development of funding proposals, reports, and other deliverables;
• Identify and advocate for potential benefits to LNIB, including educational or economic opportunities for members or LNIB enterprises; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·         Familiarity with constitutional consultation framework;

·         Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences;

·         Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively;

·         Experience with Microsoft 365 and general computer skills;

·         Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, including the ability to read and interpret maps and synthesize complex information;

·         High attention to detail and accuracy;

·         Knowledge of LNIB’s history, culture, and membership;

·         Experience working within Indigenous communities and a deep understanding of their unique cultural, social, and economic contexts;

·         Ability to collaborate effectively with community members, government officials, and external partners; and

·         Ability to speak or willingness to learn the Nlaka’pamux language.

Qualifications:

·         Minimum Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Resource Management, or a related field;

·         1-3 years’ experience working with First Nations in resource management capacity, or related field; and

·         Knowledge of the Crown consultation process, Indigenous rights, UNDRIP principles, and relevant legislation.