Director, Sustainability - 069-2026

About the Role

The Director of Sustainability provides strategic leadership for Fort McKay First Nation’s environmental, regulatory, consultation, monitoring, Moose Lake & Park Ranger, Land & Leasing and sustainability priorities. The Director leads the Sustainability Department and supports the Nation in protecting and advancing its Treaty and Aboriginal Rights and interests on reserve and the Traditional Territory, environmental interests and long-term community sustainability agreements in the context of resource development. Reporting to the Executive Director, Oil Sands, Sustainability & Stakeholder Relations, the Director advises Executive Leadership and Chief and Council and oversees the Nation’s technical participation in environmental assessments, regulatory processes, Crown consultation, industry engagement, monitoring, cumulative effects initiatives and related negotiations. The Director implements approved strategy and brings significant positions and proposed commitments forward through the Nation’s decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental assessment and regulatory affairs

• Directs the technical review of environmental impact assessments, regulatory applications, amendments, renewals, reclamation plans and other proposed decisions affecting Fort McKay Traditional Territory.
• Oversees technical submissions, information requests, consultation records and regulatory interventions, working with legal counsel and external specialists as appropriate.
• Provides strategic leadership on cumulative effects, including air, water, wildlife, wetlands, land disturbance, reclamation, traditional land use and community health considerations. Rights consultation and Indigenous Knowledge
• Coordinates the Nation’s technical participation in Crown consultation and accommodation processes concerning developments, approvals, policies and decisions that may affect its Rights and interests.
• Works with Elders, land users, Indigenous Knowledge holders, community representatives, staff, consultants and legal counsel to reflect Fort McKay priorities in assessments and consultation.
• Integrates Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Land Use information into assessment, monitoring and planning in accordance with Fort McKay protocols for consent, confidentiality, ownership and use. Relationships negotiations and agreements
• Builds working relationships with governments, regulators, oil sands operators, neighbouring Indigenous Nations and other partners, consistent with the Nation’s direction.
• Directs the stewardship of Long Terms Benefit Agreements with Industry.
• Represents the Department in environmental, regulatory and multistakeholder forums and communicates positions authorized by the Nation.
• Monitors implementation of environmental and other assigned agreement commitments and recommends corrective actions or improvements.
• Supports negotiations on mitigation, accommodation, environmental monitoring and community outcomes; develops recommendations and, where delegated, leads discussions. Major commitments and agreements remain subject to the Nation’s approvals. Department leadership and people management
• Directs the work of the Environment and Regulatory, Lands & Leasing and Mosse Lake & Park Rager teams
• Directs, coaches and evaluates departmental staff and contractors and coordinates work with other Fort McKay departments and entities.
• Builds a respectful, collaborative and accountable department with clear priorities and regular coordination.
• Maintains oversight of departmental work and coordinates with related organizational initiatives.
• Sets performance objectives, reviews staff performance and evaluates consultant deliverables against approved scope, schedule, budget and strategic objectives.
• Supports staff development, mentoring and succession planning.
• Directs managers, project teams and consultants, sets clear goals and quality standards, and holds them accountable for timely work aligned with approved priorities.
• Coaches and mentors staff to understand Fort McKay First Nation, its community and leadership direction, and how their roles contribute to departmental plans and sustainability priorities. Financial and contract management
• Manages the Department’s resources and monitors expenditures, forecasts and financial pressures in coordination with Finance.
• Develops, submits and manages the annual operating and project budgets in line with approved priorities and financial controls.
• Prepares business cases and funding recommendations that explain environmental, social, community and financial implications.
• Selects, directs and evaluates external specialists under applicable procurement and approval procedures and ensures that contracts and deliverables remain within approved scope and budget.
• Performs other related duties within the position’s mandate as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in environmental science, environmental management, civil or environmental engineering, natural resource management, Indigenous studies, public policy, law or a related field. An advanced degree is an asset.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental management, regulatory affairs, Indigenous consultation, natural resource development or a related field, including at least five years in a leadership or management role. Demonstrated ability to manage interdisciplinary teams, mentor staff and advise senior decision makers.
• Demonstrated experience with Indigenous Rights and consultation, environmental assessment, the Alberta energy regulatory framework, oil sands impacts and mitigation, cumulative effects, and negotiation or implementation of agreements. Experience working with First Nations in Alberta is strongly preferred.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence and an acceptable driver’s abstract, as required for the role. Core competencies
• Sound strategic judgment; clear written and verbal advice to executives and elected leadership; effective negotiation and conflict resolution; understanding of Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Land Use protocols; financial and contract management; respectful engagement with Elders, members and partners; and the ability to protect confidential and privileged information.

Additional Information

This position has been designated as safety sensitive and requires strict compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, and standards. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test prior to commencing employment. WHY APPLY? At Fort McKay, we value the dedication of our employees, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to Competitive Pay, we also offer the following;

• A healthy work-life balance with an on-site fitness centre
• An employer matched Pension Plan and Comprehensive Health benefits package with Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
• Transportation to and from work
• The opportunity to work with a community that is committed to protecting its traditional lands
• Shift: Monday
• Thursday 8:30 a.m.
• 4:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m.
• 2:00 p.m.

About Fort Mckay

The Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) is composed of over 800 band members, including those of Cree and Dene heritage, with approximately 400 members residing in the hamlet of Fort McKay — a community located approximately 65 km north of Fort McMurray. Fort McKay offers the best of both worlds: remote northern life for the nature lover and proximity to a large city of about 70,000 people with all the amenities you need.

How to

APPLY: ONLINE: Job Board

• Fort McKay First Nation You can also check us out on social media -> Facebook & LinkedIn Closing Date: Open until October 2, 2026 Please ensure you indicate the Competition #069-2026 *Preference will be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous