Research Manager - Environmental Assessment

Position Title: Research Manager, Environmental Assessment

Reports to: Research Director, Environmental Assessment

Job Location: Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria or Home-based remote working

Desired Start Date: January 13, 2025

Job Overview

The Research Manager role is an opportunity to contribute to environmental governance in Canada by supporting Indigenous clients in Environmental Assessment processes. With expertise in environmental assessment, research, project management, engagement and implementation, the Research Manager supports and leads consulting files, informing the design, strategy and execution of projects. The Research Manager provides consistently superior client experience, enhancing the image and reputation of the company and ensuring Firelight’s values guide project strategies and processes. The Research Manager is also a leader on the Environmental Assessment team, mentoring staff, contributing to a strong workplace culture, and providing input on methods development.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

The Firelight Group is an Indigenous-owned, dynamic, socially responsible business providing community-based research and consulting services across Canada. Since 2010, we have been trusted by our clients to do high quality work that centers Indigenous knowledge and values to protect rights and advance self-determination. We have a growing team of over 100 professionals, and offices in Xwmélch’tstn, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Territory, Lkwungen, Tkarón:to and ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Amiskwacîwâskahikan).

Firelight’s Environmental Assessment (EA) Team supports Indigenous communities’ effective and meaningful participation in provincial and federal EA processes. Our approach centres community knowledge and experience, helping Indigenous Nations make free, prior, and informed decisions about proposed projects on their territories. We work on project assessments for mining, infrastructure, hydroelectricity, and oil and gas development, among other sectors.

RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES

Technical Advising

• Lead the design, strategy, and execution of consulting projects within the business area under the supervision of the Research Director
• Work with Research Director and other Research Managers to provide strong technical skills in research, strategy and evaluation to ensure innovative and high-quality deliverables
• Support and lead the application of best practices, Indigenous research methods, engagement, and implementation
• Lead the development of research materials and reports for clients and external stakeholders
• Lead discussions with clients to define client requirements and priorities on complex financial and/or organizational issues
• Support the implementation of innovative practices that are aligned to emerging trends and best practices in their business area
  
  

Project Management

• Oversee the development, execution and evaluation of complex, multi-methods projects aligned to Firelight values and client expectations
• Develop and monitor project scope, plans, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery; ensure timely execution of current, planned, and/or adjusted tasks in alignment with the project scope and schedule
• Identify and allocate fiscal and human resources, developing workplans and delegating tasks and work appropriately to achieve project success
• Oversee and coordinate the work of Intermediate and Junior Researchers, and provide feedback to identify areas for further development and growth
• Oversee and manage project budgets to ensure project profitability and healthy cash flow
• Coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure timely invoicing
• Manage information, data and documents following established procedures; assure quality control and security of research data
• Oversee logistical coordination of multi-day community engagement with research teams
  
  

Client Engagement

• Represent Firelight to clients, communities and in expert technical meetings with minimal supervision and review
• Work with and coordinate the activities of community partners and others, including Firelight team members and external consultants to develop, design, and implement projects
• Nurture and cultivate partner and client relationships through service excellence, knowledge transfer, and skills development
• Support and coach others in effective community engagements aligned to Firelight’s values and with shared objectives
  
  

People Leadership

• Foster a positive and respectful workplace, aligned to Firelight’s values and objectives
• Provide feedback on Junior and Intermediate staff performance to Program Managers to inform performance management and professional development
• Supervise Intermediate and Junior Researchers on project-specific work, including quality review and mentorship
• Ensure the workplace, including while traveling for in-community and on-territory work, meets all health and safety guidelines and regulations
• Support the development of Firelight’s organizational learning and knowledge
• Mentor intermediate and junior staff in support of their growth and development
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE

• 7 years of recent, relevant experience
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Extensive experience working with and for Indigenous communities
• Master’s degree or equivalent in experience
• Equivalent experience includes long-term, senior positions with a focus on community-based research with or for Indigenous communities, organizations, governments, or Nation
  

Please respond to our online ad with a resume, cover letter and a writing sample. Please upload the cover letter and writing sample in 1 document. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals will a full package (resume, cover letter and a writing sample) will be considered.

At Firelight, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive team and we welcome all cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. We recognize and celebrate the diversity of all peoples and actively promote development of inter-cultural competence within our team.

As an Indigenous-owned organization, we are particularly committed to supporting the employment of Indigenous individuals because we recognize the unique challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people and because we feel it is necessary to reflect Indigenous perspectives and values in the work that we do. We encourage all Indigenous applicants to self-identify in in their cover letter so that we consider their application accordingly as preference may be given to these applicants.

If any candidate requires an accommodation or support to participate in the application process, please contact our HR Department via email at [email protected].

Working at the Firelight Group means being passionate about what we do. Be part of our amazing team, with a very exciting future.