• Make a lasting difference to the Nuu-chah-nulth Fisheries
• Be rewarded with an attractive annual salary of $95,000 – $127,000 based on skills, education, and experience, plus excellent benefits

About Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC)

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) is a not-for-profit society that provides a wide variety of services and supports to fourteen Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations with approximately 10,000 members.

The 14 Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations are divided into three regions:

• Southern Region: Ditidaht, Huu-ay-aht, Hupacasath, Tse-shaht, and Uchucklesaht
• Central Region: Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, and Yuu-cluth-aht
• Northern Region: Ehattesaht, Kyuquot/Cheklesaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, and Nuchatlaht

Our employees work and travel in some of the most beautiful areas of the West Coast, including Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Alberni, Zeballos, Gold River, and Hot Springs Cove; as well as historical First Nations communities that only a select few are lucky enough to have a chance to visit in a lifetime. With its towering rain forests, breathtaking mountains, and inspiring ocean vistas, Vancouver Island offers a relaxed lifestyle and unlimited recreational opportunities for individuals and families.

The Nuu-chah-nulth Fisheries Department (Uu-a-thluk) is located in Port Alberni, BC, with regional offices in Gold River and Tofino.

For more information, please visit nuuchahnulth.org

About Uu-a-thluk

Uu-a-thluk is the aquatic resource management department of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. The word Uu-a-thluk means "taking care of" in our Nuu-chah-nulth language. Uu-a-thluk works closely with First Nations, governments, communities, businesses, and environmental organizations to promote and support the sustainable management of ocean and freshwater marine resources on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

For more information, please visit: uuathluk.ca

About the Opportunity

Currently, we are looking for a full-time Director of Fisheries to join our team in Port Alberni, BC.

Reporting to the NTC Executive Director, you will be responsible for working to support the vision that all Nuu-chah-nulth fisheries, and aquatic ecosystems support are self-determined, sustainable, and economically successful. The Director of Fisheries maintains regular direct contact with Nuu-chah-nulth Nation’s Ha’wiih, Chiefs and Councils, negotiators, staff, and fishers; and the NTC President and/or Vice-President.

Your duties will also include, but are not limited to:

• Advancing the fisheries interests of Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, guided by the Uu-a-thluk Strategic Plan, in fisheries access, management, employment, and organizational governance
• Leading and influencing the development and implementation of regional resource management strategies
• Working with Nuu-chah-nulth-aht to ensure self-determined, sustainable, and economically successful aquatic ecosystems and fisheries
• Providing policy, strategic, and tactical advice on fisheries-related matters to the NTC and/or member Nations
• Creating forums for Nuu-chah-nulth-aht to voice concerns and develop ocean planning initiatives for conservation and promoting the role of the ocean in providing food, jobs, and security
• Drafting fisheries-related correspondence on behalf of the NTC and/or member Nations
• Collaborating with Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih, Uu-a-thluk staff, and DFO to draft and implement productive Council of Ha’wiih Forum on Fisheries meetings and Uu-a-thluk Joint Technical Working Group meetings
• Assisting Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, including the five Nations with court-recognized fishing rights, in the development and implementation of their fishing rights
• Representing the NTC and/or Nuu-chah-nulth Nations in appointed fisheries-related processes
• Supervising Uu-a-thluk staff, including Manager of Biologists, Communications & Development Coordinator, Uu-a-thluk Program Coordinator, and various research, planning, and coordination positions
• Overseeing the development and delivery of Fisheries Management Program activities for long-term fish population sustainability in the Nuu-chah-nulth Territory
• Developing core programming to assist B.C. fish, shellfish, and marine producers with local and international marketing efforts
• Administering approved contracts and agreements to further Uu-a-thluk and/or member Nations' objectives
• Participating in the NTC Management Team and contributing to efficient operations and service delivery
• Recruiting candidates and participating in NTC hiring processes as necessary
• Maintaining confidentiality on the internal business of the NTC and member Nations
• Overseeing project and program budgets, meeting deliverables and reporting requirements, and seeking new funding for member Nations' fisheries interests
• Developing and maintaining positive working relationships, leading the Uu-a-thluk team, representing the NTC, responding to consultation requests, encouraging effective working relationships, interpreting scientific data, maintaining a network of professional contacts, and preparing and delivering public presentations

About You

In order to qualify for this role, you will need a Ph.D. or Master’s degree in fishery/marine sciences or a closely related field. You will also need 10-15 years of progressive experience in the Fish/Aquatic natural resources sector in western Canada, including program management, employee supervision, and program administration. A valid BC Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle are also required for this role.

The following skills and experience are also required:

• Relevant experience in fisheries economic analysis, policy and administrative management, research and development, and education/training
• Experience in liaising with regulators and providing strategic regulatory advice throughout project life cycles
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of First Nations fisheries issues
• Established effective relationships with governments and officials at federal, provincial, territorial, northern, urban, and international levels
• In-depth knowledge of the Federal Fisheries Act and other relevant environmental legislation in Western Canada
• Superior leadership skills, sound judgement, and collaborative teamwork
• Diplomacy, tact, problem-solving, and decision-making ability
• Strong planning, organizing, monitoring, and evaluating skills
• Experience working with First Nations communities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel
• Ability to provide an acceptable criminal record check and references
• Cultural agility in working respectfully and effectively with Indigenous people
• Upholding ethics, organizational values, and inspiring trust
• Conflict management skills and ability to develop working relationships to prevent or resolve conflicts

About the Benefits

You will receive an attractive annual salary of $95,000 – $127,000 based on skills, education, and experience, plus the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Robust Sunlife Extended Health and Dental Benefits
• Pharmacare card
• 3 weeks of paid vacation to start
• Extra 2 weeks paid time off at Christmas time
• 10 days of paid sick leave per year
• Paid statutory holiday on June 21st (Nuu-chah-nulth Day)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pro-family Structure
• Overtime Banking

Upon joining Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC), you will be welcomed into a friendly and supportive team, and have the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the community. 

Don't miss this unique opportunity. APPLY TODAY!