First Nations Liaison Assistant

Classification: Grid 18, BCGEU Membership

Office Location: All BCER Locations

Salary: $64,367.58 - $72,917.30 – Permanent Full-Time, based on a 35-hour work week.
An additional 10% Job Family Market Multiplier will be added to the posted salary. 
An additional 2.93% Service Improvement Allocation will be added to the posted salary.
An additional 3% Location Allowance will be added to posted salary for employees based in Fort St John, Dawson Creek, Prince George, and Terrace.
An additional 13% Location Allowance will be added to posted salary for employees based in Fort Nelson.

About the Job:               
The First Nations Liaison Assistant (FNLA) provides technical support to the Responsible Development & Indigenous Relations Department by assisting in activities to ensure the BCER’s relationships with First Nations are maintained, and assisting with the implementation of BCER processes required to accommodate the Crown’s legal duty to consult with First Nations on energy resource activity applications.

Organization Chart: 
Commissioner, Chief Executive Officer
          Executive Vice President, Resource Management & Stewardship
                    Vice President, Responsible Development & Indigenous Relations
                              Executive Director, Indigenous Relations
                                        Director, First Nations Consultation
                                                  Manager, First Nations Liaison
                                                            First Nations Liaison Assistant

Responsibilities

Support consultation discussions related to routine and complex energy resource activity applications. 

Review incoming First Nation referral packages to ensure completeness and accuracy of information, as well as classification of referrals according to consultation agreements or consultation guidance documents.

Request any additional data/information from clients and agents (applicants) that may be required for the review of application documents.

Assist with preparation of BCER initial impact assessment.

Prepare First Nation consultation packages.

Manage application tracking systems and project specific spreadsheets to ensure consultation related information is accurately recorded and uploaded in a timely manner.

Assist with the development of consultative and administrative processes and tools where required.

Track consultation timelines and provide the First Nations and the First Nation Liaison (FNL) with timely referral consultation status updates.

Respond to requests from clients, BCER staff and First Nation community members for information on status of applications.

Translate recommendations from FNL into appropriate recommended conditions for approval of energy resource activity permits.

Provide assistance to other BCER staff on consultation processes.

Monitor weekly work ledgers within application tracking system databases.

Coordinate training for community staff as required including BCER orientation for new community staff members.

Support the FNL in the development and maintenance of working relationships with the First Nations and industry representatives.

Keep Indigenous Relations team members informed of identified complex issues, upcoming deadlines, and the status of First Nation interests and concerns.

Provide statistics of First Nation consultations, as requested.  Statistics may be gathered through the review of spreadsheets, review of all applications, and engagement summaries.

Represent the BCER at site visits along with First Nations staff and/or proponents as required.

Participate on various internal or external committees as required.

Research and organize information to promote First Nations participation in energy resource activity processes.

Qualifications

Education:
Two-year Technical Diploma or Certificate in a relevant field plus a minimum of one year directly related experience; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered to reflect a diversity of learning and experiences.

Experience:
Demonstrated experience working in a cross-cultural setting including issue resolution, consultation and relationship development.

Demonstrated technical experience related to First Nation consultation, resource management, and energy resource activities.

Demonstrated working knowledge and application of the constitutional and statutory responsibilities associated with First Nation consultation.

Demonstrated experience working with maps, plans and/or legal descriptions.

Demonstrated experience interpreting applicable legislation and it applies to associated policy and regulations.

Demonstrated experience with data storage and GIS based applications such as iMap.

Demonstrated experience using excellent written and verbal communications skills to review and interpret technical reports and application forms, and assist in consultation discussions.

Preferred work location is Fort St. John or Dawson Creek.

Key Competencies:
Communicating Effectively
The ability to convey information clearly, accurately, and appropriately to the intended audience. It involves utilizing multiple forms of communication channels and techniques, such as verbal and written communication, active listening, and nonverbal cues, to ensure a message is understood and received as intended. It involves being mindful of the audience’s needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds, adapting the message and delivery style accordingly to facilitate mutual understanding and engagement. 

Cultural Awareness and Competence
The ability to increase awareness, understanding, and respect towards diverse groups, behaviours and cultural perspectives and practices. It involves building cultural knowledge through the support of BCER learning and development opportunities, policies, processes, and programs aimed at removing barriers. 

Indigenous Collaboration
The ability to utilize collaboration and problem solving when aligning organization objectives with those of Indigenous communities, seeking commonalities, and questioning assumptions. Facilitates collaborative decision making by understanding diverse perspectives, respecting traditional practices, and communicating transparently.

Problem Solving and Judgement
The ability to systematically analyze problems, identify root causes, evaluate potential solutions, and make sound decisions to address challenges and achieve desired outcomes.

If you are interested in applying for this role and meet the minimum selection criteria, please select “Apply Now” and submit your application prior to the closing date. Applicants should review the education and experience listed in the job requisition and clearly articulate how their work experience and skills are aligned with the requirements. Please note, applicants will only be contacted if they are selected to proceed further in the process. An eligibility list with a duration of 6 months may be established.

About Us

About the BC Energy Regulator: 

The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is the Province of B.C.’s life-cycle energy resources regulator. The BCER is a Crown agency with a mandate to ensure energy resource activities are undertaken in a manner that: protects public safety and the environment, supports reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and the transition to low-carbon energy, conserves energy resources and fosters a sound economy and social well-being. 

As a cost recoverable, values driven organization, we prioritize safety, stewardship and Indigenous interests throughout the full project lifecycle – from exploration to reclamation – and support the transition to clean energy. The BCER is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, honouring the Provincial commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action. Through fostering respectful and collaborative relationships with Indigenous partners and stakeholders, the BCER delivers on Government’s priorities. 

The BCER has an innovative forward-thinking workplace that demonstrates our core values. Through continuous improvement and development, the BCER is agile and responsive to the rapidly changing environment in which we operate. We are diverse and inclusive, with transparency, innovation, and integrity as foundation of our respectful culture.

About the TeamThe Responsible Development & Indigenous Relations Department leads the organization’s efforts for responsible energy development and the need to meet its commitments to the successful implementation of B.C.’s mandate under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) as well as organization’s strategic goals respecting reconciliation. The Department leads the end-to-end application review process while considering the environmental impacts of energy development in the province and those impacts for energy resources on Indigenous People. The team is also accountable for leading the implementation of the organization’s transformational approach to application reviews with Indigenous nations.