Registered Professional Forester (RPF)

Indigenous Community Forestry and Land Stewardship

Position Summary

The Registered Professional Forestry (RPF) supports the sustainable stewardship, management, and protection of the Nation's forest resources and traditional territories. Under Proposed new Black Diamond Forestry -LP (BDF) working closely with Chief and Council, Elders, community members, land guardians, and external partners, the RPF develops and implements forestry initiatives that align with community values, Indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, and economic development objectives.The successful candidate will integrate professional forestry practices with Indigenous perspectives to support sustainable forest management, cultural resource protection, community capacity building, and responsible land-use planning.

Key Responsibilities

Forestry and Land Management

• Develop and implement AAN territory- land based forest management plans.
• Conduct forest inventories, timber assessments, and resource evaluations.
• Provide technical expertise on forestry, land use, and natural resource management.
• Support sustainable harvesting, silviculture, reforestation, and forest health initiatives.
• Monitor forest conditions, including wildfire risks, pests, and disease.
• Manage the forestry assets of BDF including consumption and harvest rights on the Abitibi Forest and the Timiskaming Forest including contract negotiations.
• Attend forestry meetings of Abitibi Resources Forest Management Inc. (ARFMI) and Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc. (TFAI) as required.
• Prepare monthly reports to the BDF board of Directors

Indigenous Stewardship and Traditional Knowledge

• Incorporate Indigenous Knowledge and community priorities into forestry planning and decision-making.
• Support the protection of culturally significant sites, traditional land-use areas, and ecological values.
• Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members in land stewardship activities.
• Promote conservation practices that reflect the Nation's environmental and cultural objectives.

Consultation and Community Engagement

• Facilitate community engagement on forestry and land management projects.
• Support the Nation's participation in government, industry, and regulatory consultation processes and representing AAN or forestry related matters.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with Indigenous organizations, government agencies, industry representatives, and neighbouring communities.
• Present technical information in a clear and accessible manner to community members and leadership.

Regulatory and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure forestry activities comply with AAN Vision, legislation, regulations, permits, and professional standards.
• Review development proposals and assess potential impacts on community lands and resources.
• Assist in environmental assessments and resource management reviews.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and documentation for leadership and regulatory agencies.

Economic Development and Capacity Building

• Identify forestry-related economic opportunities that support community goals.
• Assist in the development and management of forestry contracts and partnerships.
• Support training and employment opportunities for community members.
• Mentor local forestry technicians, guardians, and environmental staff.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Professional Designation

• Registered Professional Forester (RPF/RPF(NS)/RPF(AB) or equivalent provincial designation).
• Eligible for registration and in good standing with the applicable forestry regulatory body.

Experience

• Experience in forest management planning and sustainable resource management.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, governments, or organizations is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Indigenous rights, title, consultation processes and Laws, and co-management initiatives is considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of sustainable forest management and forest ecology.
• Respect for Indigenous cultures, traditions, and governance systems.
• Ability to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge alongside scientific and technical information.
• Experience with GIS, GPS technology, and forestry software.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in community settings.
• Project management and report-writing experience.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office, community, and field-based work.
• Frequent travel within traditional territories and remote locations.
• Outdoor work in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license required.
• This is a full-time position, and the working hours are from Monday to Friday, 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. Additional hours may be necessary for the proper performance of the Employee’s duties.

Submit your cover letter, resume and three references, including details of your qualifications, clearly marked PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL prior to the closing date: Till Filled

Human Resources

Apitipi Anicinapek

310 Penatuche Road

Matheson, ON P0K1N0

Email: [email protected]

Tel: (705) 273 2055