Based in Whitehorse, Yukon, on the traditional territories of Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, CPAWS Yukon (CPAWS) is looking for you to help us advocate for the territory’s most valuable and priceless resource: our abundant nature. You can help us create and foster strong relationships with First Nations and all levels of government, local organizations, businesses and citizens to ensure the natural wealth we enjoy today is available for future generations.

CPAWS Yukon represents the views of many Yukoners who want the Yukon to be an example of how people can live in balance with the natural resources we depend upon. We aim to work “in a good way” that recognizes the agency that First Nations and Indigenous People have in being key decision makers and stewards of the land and water. You will have the amazing opportunity to live, work, and grow in one of the most beautiful places in all of Canada, while working with a committed and passionate team of environmental advocates.

Reporting to CPAWS Yukon’s Conservation Manager and working with everyone on the CPAWS team, and most closely with the conservation team, the Conservation Coordinator works on conservation policy analysis, recommendation development, and various aspects of campaign and project planning and implementation.

CPAWS Yukon is committed to operating in a way that upholds justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). In our hiring processes, we take active measures to overcome biases and to address systemic imbalances. We are also working to ensure our office is an inclusive and safe place for people from diverse backgrounds. To learn more about the action we’re taking, please visit the transparency page on the CPAWS Yukon website.

The Conservation Coordinator’s major responsibilities are:

Policy and project assessment processes (35%)

• Represent CPAWS and provide recommendations at engagement workshops and meetings.
• Work with the conservation team to analyze and provide feedback on draft land use plans, policy documents, regulations, and legislation.
• Work with the conservation team to develop submissions on projects undergoing review by the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB).
• Analyze public policy documents, research papers and scientific literature to inform the team’s approach to providing input.
• Keep up to date on planning and conservation policy issues in the Yukon.

Conservation campaigns and projects (35%)

• Work with the CPAWS team to plan and implement conservation campaigns and projects.
• Work with other conservation organizations, communities, and other groups, as well as First Nation governments and Indigenous communities on  collaborative campaigns and projects.
• Engage partners, communities and the public on conservation issues.
• Research and write CPAWS reports, briefing notes and engagement materials to support conservation campaigns and projects.
• Meet with and/or make presentations to the public, partners and government
• Occasionally assist with funding applications and reports.
• Depending on comfort and experience, there may be the opportunity to help organize and participate in on-the-land trips (typically multi-day canoe trips).

Communications, engagement, and event support (20%)

• With the assistance of the communications team, help develop communications plans and messaging
• Contribute ideas and content for our website, social media channels, newsletters and other communication outlets such as press releases and op-eds.
• Serve as a media spokesperson for campaigns and projects you are leading.
• Work with the team to organize events and meetings including logistics, volunteers, speakers,  agendas, and promotion

General (10%)

• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Collaborate on campaign planning and annual campaign/project prioritization
• Develop and foster relationships and partnerships with community members, and representatives in governments and other organizations.

Preferred candidate background:

• Strong understanding of conservation in the Yukon and the legislative, policy and treaty framework that shapes it is highly beneficial.
• Self-motivated and able to work autonomously, take initiative and make strategic decisions in consultation with other team members.
• Strong verbal, written and visual communications skills and the ability to convey complex conservation and policy topics clearly.
• Experience working with First Nations governments and/or communities is beneficial, as is an eagerness to learn and build connections.
• It would be helpful to have a diploma, degree or experience in a field such as environmental science/ecology, natural resource management, planning, geography, public policy, or Indigenous governance.
• Ability to create simple maps using GIS software is an asset but not required.
• Ability to create simple graphics using Canva or Adobe Illustrator/InDesign is an asset but not required.
• A driver’s license is strongly preferred.

Hours: This is a full-time position, with a standard 37.5-hour work week (with the possibility to work a 30-hour work week if preferred). Occasional evening and weekend work will be required. This position also involves occasional travel within and outside of the Yukon.

Pay: $27.00/hour.

Vacation and benefits: Three weeks vacation, paid time off between December 24th and January 1st, as well as fourteen Statutory Holidays (prorated if applicable). CPAWS Yukon has an Inclusive holiday policy which offers the flexibility to take days off that are important to individual employees if they differ from the standard holidays. We offer a health and dental benefits plan (including life insurance and long-term disability), as well as the option of joining a RRSP group plan after the probationary period.

Duration: This is a one year position (12 months) with a flexible start date. We are confident the position will extend beyond one year but, as with all positions within the nonprofit sector, they are dependent on securing funding.

Schedule: Regular office hours are 9 am-5 pm, Monday through Friday. CPAWS Yukon offers flexible work arrangements, including the possibility to work from home.

Location: While we welcome applications from anywhere, it’s important for the successful candidate to be willing to live in Whitehorse or a Yukon community.

About CPAWS Yukon’s office: The CPAWS Yukon team consists of nine passionate people with diverse backgrounds, and two office dogs. Our office is located in a bright, modern space in downtown Whitehorse next to a city park and close to the Yukon river. This welcoming place is accessible, and includes a couch room (a.k.a. meeting room), kitchen, and bike storage.

Hiring process and timeline:

We want to hear from you right away if you think this position is a great fit! Applications will close at midnight on Sunday, February 19 and we’ll do our utmost best to meet the following target dates:

• Applications are reviewed in the week of February 20 and interviews will be scheduled between this time and March 10.
• We aim to hire someone before the end of March.
• There will be one interview. Interviews will take approximately 60-90 minutes and can be in person at our office or online
• Top ranked interviewees may be invited to complete a written exercise. We will provide a small honorarium to compensate you for time associated with this exercise.

We will give extra consideration to people who identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Anyone who can legally work in Canada can apply for this job. If you are not currently authorized to work in Canada, we will not consider your job application.

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