Lands Guardian

Internal/External Posting July 4, 2025

Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) is a vibrant Anishinaabe community located on the white sands (Northeast shores) of Lake Superior near Wawa Ontario. The registered population is approximately 1,300 with 70 citizens living on reserve. With a strong sense of community and cultural identity, Michipicoten First Nation strives to maintain harmony and balance with Mother Earth, neighbouring First Nations, and surrounding communities.

Michipicoten First Nation is seeking a permanent Lands Guardian to act as the “eyes and ears” of the territory. The Michipicoten Lands Guardian program is implemented under the Lands & Environmental Stewardship Department (LESD). The Michipicoten Lands Guardian is vital in asserting our rights and title and monitoring mining, forestry, energy, and other activities affecting cultural and spiritual resources within the Michipicoten traditional territory.

The Lands Guardian will maintain a presence throughout the territory while out on patrol; monitor the impacts of resource use; report and/or enforce violations of our indigenous policies, as well as provincial and federal regulations; accurately collect monitoring data; and report their activities to the Michipicoten Lands & Stewardship Dept. Their work supports all the Michipicoten Lands & Environmental Stewardship programs, including energy, forestry, mining, and bio-diversity activities planned and executed in the traditional and shared territories. This position is based out of Wawa and requires regular travel.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Work & Monitoring

• Maintain a presence throughout the territory on behalf of the Michipicoten First Nation. Conduct monitoring patrols throughout the territory (including multi-day trips).

Research & Reporting

• Collect and record data related to the health of Michipicoten ecological and cultural values and the impacts of resource use on these values including:
  • Monitor human use, tourism, and wildlife sightings throughout territory.
  • Monitor and report resource violations/infractions of our indigenous laws as well as federal/provincial regulations.

Community Outreach & Education

• Build relationships and educate MFN citizens, and other resource users about key stewardship and management issues.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Secondary School Diploma or GED

Training (preferred)

• Environmental training (forestry, mining, and biodiversity)
• Environmental Monitor training
• Standard first aid
• ATV/UTV training
• Spot communications
• Mapping/GIS

Experience

• 2 years’ experience in a similar role
• Previous experience working for or with a First Nation
• Experience reading and understanding traditional and digital maps.
• Experience with field data collection, logging and organizing large amounts of data, and reporting data using templates and standard data collection forms.
• Experience in the operation of ATV/UTV
• Experience with communication devices, i.e. spot Units and Handheld Radios.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Michipicoten First Nation territory and values
• Ability to understand and interpret aerial imagery.
• Knowledge of GPS/GIS capabilities
• Knowledge of local freshwater and terrestrial flora and fauna
• Familiarity with our indigenous laws as well as federal and provincial rules and regulations
• Knowledge of standard Best Management Practices for construction work
• Proficient computer skills, including Word, Excel, email and using handheld devices like tablets.
• Ability to work independently. Applicants must be able to develop daily work schedules suitable to prioritize environmental management across a large geographical area.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Applicants must be able to complete reporting relating to monitoring and construction activities and liaise with contractors.
• Confident and assertive in addressing violation issues with resource users.
• Comfortable in a construction site setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills and confidence to lead and implement solutions on-site.
• Dependable, motivated and demonstrates a strong work ethic.
• Shows initiative and is a team player.
• Demonstrates a solid commitment to protecting the health of Michipicoten territory and culture.

Other

• Valid G Driver’s License (essential)
• Ability to work irregular work hours, including overtime and overnight trips (essential)
• Ability and willingness to travel daily (essential)
• Satisfactory Driver’s abstract (if hired)
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check (if hired)
• Must be physically healthy to carry out the job effectively without injury.

WAGE RANGE $26.33 -$29.33/hr

TERM Full-time, permanent

LOCATION  Wawa, ON

TO APPLY Please submit your cover letter and resume as one document to hr@michipicoten.com with the position title in the subject line, no later than July 18, 2025.  A full job description is available upon request to Human Resources.

Michipicoten First Nation is dedicated to promoting equity and diversity and serving the interests of their members. The successful candidate will be primarily engaged in serving the interests of Michipicoten members and we will give preference to members and Indigenous candidates who possess the necessary qualifications.