Job Description

VISION:

Caldwell First Nation is a strong sovereign Nation that honours the past, present, and future for the next seven generations.

MISSION:

Our mission is to protect our inherent Treaty rights, renew and preserve our culture, language, and traditions, and strengthen the socio-economic future of our citizens.

CONTEXT STATEMENT:

A strong sovereign First Nation fighting assimilation and respecting other nations. Working to build a foundation with other nations that embraces trust, harmony, and honour. A community living in harmony with all of Creation, maintaining a healthy balance between individual and community needs and working productively with other Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments and communities.

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Environment Project Coordinator: Land Guardian and working within the Environment & Consultation Department's (ECD) Land Guardians team, the Field Researcher is a learning-oriented full-time (contract) position supporting Department field research capacity development, specifically in environmental restoration and carbon monitoring. The position is based in London, Ontario, and Leamington, Ontario, and is designed to train a dedicated field researcher to conduct the First Nation's own environmental research. This includes attending extensive training with the University and partner institutions, organizing and directing other field staff, conducting environmental field work, working alongside partners, attending events and representing the Department effectively, and generally assisting in growing the Department's field research capacity. While a one-year contract position, the role is multi-year in its outlook, and renewal of the contract will depend on the Department's capacity-building and funding. The Field Researcher must understand Caldwell First Nation's specific priorities and work to promote the Nation's vision and values.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Capacity for in-field and in-lab learning, all outdoor conditions. Leadership and organization skills: people skills, managerial skills, relationship building, and communication skills. Professional & Ethical: discretion, confidentiality, fairness, and sound judgment. Technical: organizational skills, computer literacy, and time management. Must follow Health and Safety Practices on work sites. Must follow all policies and procedures of Caldwell First Nation. Must be able to work well with minimal supervision.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Cultural learning & Capacity Building.

Pursue continuous learning and development, including Anishinaabe cultural learning and insights that enhance environmental research and fieldwork Work with partner institutions to build capacity for field research and conservation fieldwork within the Department. Expand relationships and networks within the Traditional Territory that will contribute to enhanced environmental capacity Assist in delivering the Department's environmental programming and training
Project Management & Coordination.

Assist Project Managers in developing project plans, schedules, and budgets Coordinate project activities, resources, equipment, and information Liaise with partner institutions, regulators, and internal teams to ensure project alignment Monitor project progress and help tackle obstacles Prepare and maintain comprehensive project documentation, reports, and presentations
Community Engagement & Field Work

Conduct and assist in conducting community engagements on various environmental initiatives Conduct and assist in conducting site visits, sample collection, and monitoring as needed Commit to in-person project work, community engagement, and tasks both in-office and in-field Perform remote or virtual work as directed by the ECC Land Guardian or Department Manager
Compliance & Team Management

Assist in ensuring all project activities comply with applicable environmental regulations Help prepare and submit permit applications and regulatory reports Assist in managing field staff during the summer months Advise in cross-departmental and organizational Environment projects as directed Follow all organizational policies and procedures and departmental guidelines
Data management & Reporting

Collect, analyze, and manage project data related to field samples and progress metrics Track permit conditions and ensure they are met throughout project lifecycle Utilize project management software and GIS tools to track and report data

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Post-secondary degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Earth Science, or related discipline. Minimum 3-5 years of experience in environmental research, field project coordination, or restoration work. Demonstrated experience with Indigenous communities and Indigenous-led environmental projects. Experience in both field sampling and data analysis, ideally including soil and vegetation monitoring.
Technical Skills:

Knowledge of carbon sequestration, wetland ecology, and species-at-risk habitat management. Familiarity with GIS mapping, environmental monitoring software, and data visualization tools an asset. Strong analytical and technical writing skills for scientific and community audiences.
Soft Skills:

Exceptional communication and facilitation abilities. Ability to build and sustain relationships across cultural and institutional boundaries. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Self-motivated, adaptable, and respectful of CFN cultural protocols.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Clean Criminal Records Check. Valid Class G driver's license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required. Ability to travel occasionally, including overnight stays.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Working in an office and lab environment; working outdoors. Office hours are 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; a flexible schedule may be required, including nights and weekends, depending on Department needs. Schedule may vary depending on partner institution scheduling and Department needs. Lift up to 20 pounds.

POSITION:

Full-time, in-person schedule (set by Manager), 8-hour days, 37.5 hours/week, travel and overtime as needed and approved by Manager; one-year contract with renewal dependent on consecutive funding. Offices located in Leamington, Ontario, with partners in London, Ontario.

Caldwell First Nation is committed to equity in employment and strongly encourages applications from Indigenous peoples. We strive to ensure a culturally safe and respectful workplace that reflects our values, traditions, and community priorities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

Wellness program
Work Location: In person