Junior Pathfinder
Interested in supporting Manitoba First Nation communities to reduce waste, enhance recycling, and strengthen sustainability? If you are passionate about waste reduction and want to make an impact, this is an excellent opportunity for you.
We invite all passionate and qualified individuals to apply; however, due to the nature of this position, preference will be given to candidates who identify as First Nations or Métis. Please self-identify in your cover letter.
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Position Summary: Working with the First Nations Waste Minimization Project team, the Junior Pathfinders will work under the guidance of the Community Pathfinders to support Manitoba First Nation communities looking to reduce and sustainably manage waste. To learn more about the project, please visit: https://greenactioncentre.ca/waste-reduction/fnwm-first-nations-waste-minimization-program
About Green Action Centre:
We are an environmental, non-profit organization focused on providing education and practical solutions for sustainable living. For over 35 years, Manitobans have looked to us for information on sustainable transportation, composting and waste reduction, and resource conservation. We are governed by an elected board of directors, with a core group of passionate, dedicated staff that promote greener living and down-to-earth solutions related to climate change, sustainable transportation, overconsumption, and waste reduction for households, workplaces, schools, and communities. We also run a social enterprise, Compost Winnipeg, which provides organic waste collection services for residences, businesses, and multi-family dwellings in the Winnipeg area. Our office is located on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. Find more information at: greenactioncentre.ca
The Role & Responsibilities
Applicants should have a fundamental understanding of solid waste management, waste minimization, and recycling in Manitoba. Training, both formal and informal, on waste reduction will be provided.
The position reports to the Lead Pathfinders and, in turn to the First Nations Waste Minimization Program Manager. The Manitoba Pathfinder Advisory Committee provides project oversight, with Green Action Centre administering the project overall. Membership of the Advisory Committee includes representatives from Indigenous Services Canada, Producer Responsibility Organizations, and Manitoba Environment, Climate and Parks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Be willing to travel to First Nation communities as well as overnight travel.
- Engage and build relationships with landfill or transfer station staff, and community members in identified First Nations in Manitoba.
- Support Pathfinders to identify the most practical materials to be diverted from landfills and prepare the materials to be picked up for diversion following best practices.
- Work with the landfill or transfer station operator, public works personnel, Chief and Council, and other community members to implement best practices for collection, storage, handling, and transportation of various materials.
- Provide support to the Landfill Attendant and Public Works Manager through manual labour to support diversion efforts.
- Assist, as needed, with the backhaul project to coordinate removal of divertible materials from winter road communities.
- Assist Pathfinders to engage communities to create awareness and build support for households, schools, leadership, and community members on the various PRO material programs.
- Assist Pathfinders to work with the identified communities and others to identify challenges to the implementation of solid waste reduction and recycling efforts, and find solutions.
- Assist Pathfinders with purchasing and delivering PPE and tools to Waste Management Teams.
- Participate in informal training to learn about the FNWM Program and Waste Management
- Assist with the development of resources to support landfill staff, Chief and Council, and community champions in their waste minimization efforts.
- Look for opportunities to build partnerships with other communities and organizations, and address challenges in removing materials.
- Work from Green Action Centre’s office.
Knowledge, Experience and Characteristics:
- Experience working/volunteering with Manitoba First Nation communities.
- Knowledge of sustainable solid waste management practices in Manitoba.
- Familiarity with First Nation governments, their function and structure.
- Ability to listen actively to and respect, consider and incorporate the views of others.
- Ability to work alone effectively and as part of a team.
- Ability to think creatively to find solutions and see opportunities.
- Strong facilitation and collaboration skills.
- Solid organizational and time-management skills.
Language:
- The ability to communicate in written and verbal format in English is required.
- The ability to communicate in Cree, Dakota, Dene, Inuktitut, Oji-Cree, and/or Ojibway is considered a strong asset.
Other Requirements:
- Valid Class 5 Manitoba Driver’s Licence
- Personal cell phone
- Willingness to work irregular hours (evenings, weekends) as needed
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively and overnight within Manitoba
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors in various weather conditions (heat, rain, cold, bugs)
Office space will be provided, and travel costs will be covered.
Diversity and Inclusion
Green Action Centre is committed to developing a diverse team and is working to better reflect and represent the diversity of the communities we serve. Members from the following communities are encouraged to apply and self-declare in your application. Due to the nature of this position, preference will be given to candidates who identify as First Nations or Métis.
- Indigenous, Black, People of Colour
- Immigrant or refugee
- People with disabilities
- LGBT2SQ+
Application Procedure
Application Deadline: Please submit your application by Sunday, May 10th.
To Apply: Send your resume and cover letter by email to fnwm@greenactioncentre.ca with “ Junior Pathfinder” in the subject heading.
No phone calls, please. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.