Career Opportunity

Senior Marine Biologist and Lead Environmental Consultant (Full-time, permanent)

Closing

August 12, 2026 Anticipated Start Date: As Soon As Possible Salary Range: $70,000 - $74,000 annually (Based on Qualifications and Years of Experience)

General Description

Reporting to the Director of Consultation, the Senior Marine Biologist and Lead Environmental Consultant serves as a strategic and technical leader within Sipekne’katik, responsible for advancing marine science initiatives and overseeing environmental consulting projects. This role integrates scientific expertise, regulatory knowledge, and stakeholder engagement to support sustainable marine resource management, environmental stewardship and ensure Sipekne’katik’s rights and interests are effectively represented in all consultation matters. This role requires strong expertise in all environmental issues, specifically in the marine and freshwater environment along with strong policy analysis, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

Consultation Technical Review 55% Support the implementation of the SGI consultation protocol on all environmental files submitted to the Consultation Department. Develop innovative consultation strategies to advance Sipekne’katik interests in complex regulatory and political environment. Coordinate consultation discussions with crown and project proponents in a manner that promotes our SGI protocol, rights, community vision, and needs. Lead marine biological assessments, ecological studies, and environmental impact analyses. Provide briefings and recommendations to Chief and Council on consultation matters and project impacts. Develop communication strategies to ensure that all information going through the SGI office are shared adequately with community members and stakeholders. Networking and relationship building with private proponents, governmental organizations, and academic institutions to enhance Sipekne’katik’s involvement in all Consultation related processes.

Project Management and Communication 20%

Develop relationships with the Crown and private proponents through the SGI protocol and ensure that the department benefits from new opportunities. Develop and foster Sipekne’katik’s involvement in data collection, analysis, and modelling for all environment projects going through the SGI with a specific focus on marine and freshwater projects. Prepare and coordinate submissions, correspondence, reports, records, memos, presentation, and work plans for various consultation files. Identifies opportunities to leverage consultation processes to support community priorities and economic development. Manage and oversee all scientific projects.

Leadership & Employee Management 10%

Provide day-to-day supervision, guidance, and support to one employee, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations. Assign workloads, monitor progress, and adjust priorities to meet operational needs. Promote a culture of professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and psychological safety where employees feel respected and valued.

Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, and

Financial Administration 10% Prepare funding proposals and grant applications as necessary. Assist the Financial Clerk with tracking of all project expenses. Adhere to Sipekne’katik financial polices.

Other Duties 5%

Oversee and support all other projects going through the SGI as required by the Director, Consultation. Perform other duties as directed by the Director, Consultation.

Qualifications and Experience/Skills

Master’s degree in marine biology or marine management. Minimum 3 - 5 years conducting marine or environmental analysis including experience working with First Nations in Atlantic Canada involving direct consultations with Federal, Provincial, and Industry on Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. Demonstrated knowledge of environmental and conservation issues affecting First Nations. Working knowledge of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. Working experience with federal, provincial, and municipal permitting and Duty to Consult. Experience with data collection, analysis, and large data modelling. Experience with Impact Assessment is considered an asset. Working experience in project management and scientific research. Experience with funding applications, management, and reporting. Demonstrated ability to work in a small team and manage diverse levels of expertise. Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously Knowledgeable and familiar with the Sipekne’katik Governance Initiative (SGI). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. French proficiency is not required but considered an asset. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and general office equipment. Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. A Criminal Record check is required.

Working Conditions

5 days per week, Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm daily, 35 hours weekly

Benefits

This position comes with a variety of benefits including Sick, Personal and Vacation Leave, Health, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance, an Employee & Family Assistance Program and employer matched Pension Plan.

Please apply with a resume, cover letter and criminal records check to

Human Resources Department Email employmentapplication@sipeknekatik.ca Mail/drop off: 522 Church Street, Indian Brook, NS B0N 2H0

We are an equal opportunity employer; however, qualified Aboriginal applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The Band will not assume any expenses related to any job application process, included but not limited to travel, relocation, and application development. Please note certain positions come with mandatory employee benefits. Only those applicants who qualify for an interview will be contacted.