Technical Lead - Livelihoods
Top Benefits
About the role
Position Title: Technical Lead
Team: Livelihoods (LIV)
Reports to: Research Director
Job Location: Flexible – Firelight office or home-based remote office
Travel: Up to 7 days of travel per quarter
Start Date: January 5, 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS
Firelight is an Indigenous-owned consultancy that provides research and technical support to Indigenous Nations and organizations across Turtle Island. We specialize in six core areas: Livelihoods (Indigenous Knowledge Research, Socio-Economics), Indigenous-led Assessment, Indigenous Negotiations, Mapping & GIS, Stewardship (Ecology, Planning, Implementation), and Health.
Majority-owned by First Nations individuals from Ebb & Flow First Nation (MB), Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (YK), and Garden River First Nation (ON), our work is grounded in community values and guided by the principles of relationships, accountability, quality, and responsibility.
Since 2010, Firelight has supported over 250 clients and delivered more than 1,000 projects focused on Indigenous rights, knowledge, and self-determination. Our growing team of 100+ professionals works remotely across Canada, with offices in West Vancouver, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg and Edmonton.
Job Overview Reporting to the Research Director, the Technical Lead supports business development, client relationships, and project delivery. With demonstrated expertise in research, project management, client and community engagement, project implementation, and significant experience serving Indigenous Nations, the Technical Lead leads complex and innovative projects and engagements, championing the design, strategy and execution of projects. The Technical Lead provides consistently superior quality research advice, client experience, enhancing the image and reputation of Firelight. As a recognized leader in their field, Technical Leads also support the development of technical staff capacity through mentorship and standards development, monitoring and evaluation.
Livelihoods services include knowledge and use studies, socio-economic baseline studies, culture and rights studies, cumulative effects studies, gender based analysis, ethnohistorical research, data integration for Indigenous-led assessments, and more. We tailor our methods to meet client needs, approaching the work from a wholistic perspective, using strengths based approaches to identify wisdom, lessons, and solutions from within the Nation itself. We provide results that are timely and effective, and strengthen local voices both within and beyond the community. This work is designed to be objective and stand up to the highest levels of scrutiny, and can be integrated into regulatory, legal, planning, and negotiation settings.
RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES
Technical Advising
- Provide expert knowledge and leadership to the development and execution of projects and client relations
- Lead robust and innovative, short and long-term projects, acting as Principal Investigator or Project Manager
- Create and implement advanced Indigenous research methodologies and approaches tailored to project needs, including innovative emerging trends and best practices.
- Ensure the adherence of ethical and legal standards and centering of Indigenous methods for quality control and security.
- Act as a technical advisor or subject matter expert on projects
- Work with the Research Director to support the development of organizational learning and application of best practices in research methodologies and community engagement that centre Indigenous Knowledge and sovereignty
- Ensure quality of all research products through completing or delegating peer review responsibilities
- Support the adherence of ethical and legal standards and centering of Indigenous methods
- Research and implement innovative practices that are aligned to emerging trends and best practices in their business area
- Utilize in-depth knowledge and technical skills to strategize and offer informed recommendations and guidance to support effective decision-making and project outcomes for clients.
Project Management Leadership
- Oversee the development and execution of multiple, concurrent, complex, multi-methods projects aligned to client expectations and goals
- Develop and monitor project scope, plans, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery
- Work with Project Managers ensure timely execution of current, planned, and/or adjusted tasks in alignment with the project scope and schedule
- Identify and allocate fiscal and human resources, developing workplans and delegating tasks and work appropriately to achieve project success
- Oversee and coordinate the work and activities of multiple research teams, identifying areas for further development and growth
- Work with and coordinate the activities of client partners and others, including Firelight team members and external consultants to develop, design, and implement projects
- Oversee and manage Firelight’s fiscal resources and project budgets ensuring business profitability
- Oversee logistical coordination of multi-day community engagements with research team
- Oversee improvements in research and project management practices across the research team identified through project evaluation
Client Engagement
- Manage client relations according to Firelight’s values, tools and approaches, ensuring project deliverables meet client expectations
- Represent Firelight to clients, communities and in expert technical meetings with minimal supervision and review
- Nurture and cultivate partner and client relationships through service excellence, knowledge transfer, and skills development
- Support and coach others in effective community engagement aligned to Firelight’s values and in support of shared objectives
People Leadership
- Provide intellectual leadership, technical expertise, strategic advice, mentorship and training to in-house staff and associates
- Evaluate and provide feedback on staff performance to Program Managers to support performance management and professional development
- Foster a positive and respectful workplace, aligned to Firelight’s values and objectives
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations for the workplace, including during travel for in-community and on-territory work
- Approves overtime for staff working on their projects with oversight from Program Managers
- Assists Program Managers in the onboarding process for new staff
- Lead Firelight’s organizational learning and knowledge for team development to enhance team skills and capabilities
Business Management + Development
- Support the Research Director in proactively identifying new business opportunities and services
- Works with the Research director on the development of proposal submissions and scopes of work, ensuring they align with client needs and Firelight’s capabilities
- Act as a representative for Firelight at forums, conferences, and professional meetings, and network with potential clients, partners, and thought leaders to build relationships and enhance Firelight’s profile within the community and industry
QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE
- 10+ years of recent, relevant experience in research and/or programs, policy analysis, and governance – particularly within Indigenous contexts – related to Indigenous knowledge, use, and socio-economics.
- Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as anthropology, indigenous studies, geography, community, economic and social development, sociology, linguistics, Indigenous governance, ethnology, cultural history, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, and governments across various settings, with a strong understanding of the political, legal, and jurisdictional complexities of Indigenous knowledge, use, and socio-economics.
- Fluency in spoken and written English
WHY JOIN US?
Benefits 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, Edmonton and Winnipeg.
- Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Long Term Disability (LTD) and Accidental 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, cover letter) 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 at careers@firelight.ca.
Working at Firelight means being passionate about what we do. Be part of our amazing team, with a very exciting future.
About The Firelight Group
The Firelight Group Research Cooperative is a research consultancy providing community-based research and technical support services in Canada and beyond. We work with communities to undertake high-quality, evidence-based research that is respectful and respected by others, to help our clients move forward with their objectives. We have a growing team of approximately 30 people across our offices in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Haida Gwaii.
Firelight is an employer of choice, offering highly competitive compensation for the best employees. We are pleased to continue our strategic capacity expansion in key areas, and look forward to providing our clients with additional services.
Technical Lead - Livelihoods
Top Benefits
About the role
Position Title: Technical Lead
Team: Livelihoods (LIV)
Reports to: Research Director
Job Location: Flexible – Firelight office or home-based remote office
Travel: Up to 7 days of travel per quarter
Start Date: January 5, 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS
Firelight is an Indigenous-owned consultancy that provides research and technical support to Indigenous Nations and organizations across Turtle Island. We specialize in six core areas: Livelihoods (Indigenous Knowledge Research, Socio-Economics), Indigenous-led Assessment, Indigenous Negotiations, Mapping & GIS, Stewardship (Ecology, Planning, Implementation), and Health.
Majority-owned by First Nations individuals from Ebb & Flow First Nation (MB), Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (YK), and Garden River First Nation (ON), our work is grounded in community values and guided by the principles of relationships, accountability, quality, and responsibility.
Since 2010, Firelight has supported over 250 clients and delivered more than 1,000 projects focused on Indigenous rights, knowledge, and self-determination. Our growing team of 100+ professionals works remotely across Canada, with offices in West Vancouver, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg and Edmonton.
Job Overview Reporting to the Research Director, the Technical Lead supports business development, client relationships, and project delivery. With demonstrated expertise in research, project management, client and community engagement, project implementation, and significant experience serving Indigenous Nations, the Technical Lead leads complex and innovative projects and engagements, championing the design, strategy and execution of projects. The Technical Lead provides consistently superior quality research advice, client experience, enhancing the image and reputation of Firelight. As a recognized leader in their field, Technical Leads also support the development of technical staff capacity through mentorship and standards development, monitoring and evaluation.
Livelihoods services include knowledge and use studies, socio-economic baseline studies, culture and rights studies, cumulative effects studies, gender based analysis, ethnohistorical research, data integration for Indigenous-led assessments, and more. We tailor our methods to meet client needs, approaching the work from a wholistic perspective, using strengths based approaches to identify wisdom, lessons, and solutions from within the Nation itself. We provide results that are timely and effective, and strengthen local voices both within and beyond the community. This work is designed to be objective and stand up to the highest levels of scrutiny, and can be integrated into regulatory, legal, planning, and negotiation settings.
RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES
Technical Advising
- Provide expert knowledge and leadership to the development and execution of projects and client relations
- Lead robust and innovative, short and long-term projects, acting as Principal Investigator or Project Manager
- Create and implement advanced Indigenous research methodologies and approaches tailored to project needs, including innovative emerging trends and best practices.
- Ensure the adherence of ethical and legal standards and centering of Indigenous methods for quality control and security.
- Act as a technical advisor or subject matter expert on projects
- Work with the Research Director to support the development of organizational learning and application of best practices in research methodologies and community engagement that centre Indigenous Knowledge and sovereignty
- Ensure quality of all research products through completing or delegating peer review responsibilities
- Support the adherence of ethical and legal standards and centering of Indigenous methods
- Research and implement innovative practices that are aligned to emerging trends and best practices in their business area
- Utilize in-depth knowledge and technical skills to strategize and offer informed recommendations and guidance to support effective decision-making and project outcomes for clients.
Project Management Leadership
- Oversee the development and execution of multiple, concurrent, complex, multi-methods projects aligned to client expectations and goals
- Develop and monitor project scope, plans, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery
- Work with Project Managers ensure timely execution of current, planned, and/or adjusted tasks in alignment with the project scope and schedule
- Identify and allocate fiscal and human resources, developing workplans and delegating tasks and work appropriately to achieve project success
- Oversee and coordinate the work and activities of multiple research teams, identifying areas for further development and growth
- Work with and coordinate the activities of client partners and others, including Firelight team members and external consultants to develop, design, and implement projects
- Oversee and manage Firelight’s fiscal resources and project budgets ensuring business profitability
- Oversee logistical coordination of multi-day community engagements with research team
- Oversee improvements in research and project management practices across the research team identified through project evaluation
Client Engagement
- Manage client relations according to Firelight’s values, tools and approaches, ensuring project deliverables meet client expectations
- Represent Firelight to clients, communities and in expert technical meetings with minimal supervision and review
- Nurture and cultivate partner and client relationships through service excellence, knowledge transfer, and skills development
- Support and coach others in effective community engagement aligned to Firelight’s values and in support of shared objectives
People Leadership
- Provide intellectual leadership, technical expertise, strategic advice, mentorship and training to in-house staff and associates
- Evaluate and provide feedback on staff performance to Program Managers to support performance management and professional development
- Foster a positive and respectful workplace, aligned to Firelight’s values and objectives
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations for the workplace, including during travel for in-community and on-territory work
- Approves overtime for staff working on their projects with oversight from Program Managers
- Assists Program Managers in the onboarding process for new staff
- Lead Firelight’s organizational learning and knowledge for team development to enhance team skills and capabilities
Business Management + Development
- Support the Research Director in proactively identifying new business opportunities and services
- Works with the Research director on the development of proposal submissions and scopes of work, ensuring they align with client needs and Firelight’s capabilities
- Act as a representative for Firelight at forums, conferences, and professional meetings, and network with potential clients, partners, and thought leaders to build relationships and enhance Firelight’s profile within the community and industry
QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE
- 10+ years of recent, relevant experience in research and/or programs, policy analysis, and governance – particularly within Indigenous contexts – related to Indigenous knowledge, use, and socio-economics.
- Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as anthropology, indigenous studies, geography, community, economic and social development, sociology, linguistics, Indigenous governance, ethnology, cultural history, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, and governments across various settings, with a strong understanding of the political, legal, and jurisdictional complexities of Indigenous knowledge, use, and socio-economics.
- Fluency in spoken and written English
WHY JOIN US?
Benefits 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, Edmonton and Winnipeg.
- Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Long Term Disability (LTD) and Accidental 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, cover letter) 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 at careers@firelight.ca.
Working at Firelight means being passionate about what we do. Be part of our amazing team, with a very exciting future.
About The Firelight Group
The Firelight Group Research Cooperative is a research consultancy providing community-based research and technical support services in Canada and beyond. We work with communities to undertake high-quality, evidence-based research that is respectful and respected by others, to help our clients move forward with their objectives. We have a growing team of approximately 30 people across our offices in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Haida Gwaii.
Firelight is an employer of choice, offering highly competitive compensation for the best employees. We are pleased to continue our strategic capacity expansion in key areas, and look forward to providing our clients with additional services.