Coastal Waters Monitoring Program (CWMP) Manager

Program:  Environment Office of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation 

Reports to: Senior Manager Environment Office

Accountable to: Senior Manager, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office

Terms of Employment: Full Time Permanent

Salary: $75,000-$105,000

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week (some evenings and weekend may be periodically required)

Job Location: Wiarton, Ontario (Not remote work)

Anticipated Start Date : Immediately 

Closing Date: October 17, 2025 

* Priority will be given to qualified Saugeen Ojibway Nation members

The Environment Office Saugeen Ojibway Nation prides itself on being an organization that works daily through our Core Values. These values are tied into all that we do. With WISDOM we can teach. With LOVE we can endure, with RESPECT we can work together even when we don’t agree, with BRAVERY we can achieve, with HONESTY we can act with integrity even when no one is watching, with TRUTH we can trust each other and with HUMILITY we can lift each other up. The Environment Office strives daily to work with our competencies along side these values and they are woven into the fabric of how we work.  

The Coastal Waters Monitoring Program (CWMP) is a nearshore (or coastal) monitoring program focused on increasing Saugeen Ojibway Nations’ collective knowledge and understanding of the coastal areas of the SON Territory. CWMP manager is required to oversee 8 staff members who will complete daily assessment activities at locations across the Territory, including fish community assessments, water quality and other habitat assessment activities. 

CWMP is based out of the Environment Office located in Wiarton, Ontario, and will involve daily travel within the SON Territory (in CWMP vehicles) and occasional overnight stays. The CWMP Manager must also communicate with a variety of organizations and the public about information collected. Successful candidates will be enrolled in Marine First Aid, Boat Operation and Safety Training (MED-A3 and SVOP) and completion of these courses will be required prior to beginning field work.

Required Experience: 

• Degree in Natural Resource management, Environmental Management, Business Administration, or related field 
• Minimum 4 years’ experience working with or within a First Nations government or organization

Recommended  Experience: 

• Knowledge of SON rights, Territory, and culture
• In depth understanding of the duty to consult and accommodate. Knowledge of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), and related Canadian law considered an asset
• Experience working with or within Municipal/Provincial/Federal governments considered an asset

Core Competencies:

All leadership roles at Environment Saugeen Ojibway Nation require our Leaders to work through our Core Values to deliver the following Core Competencies:

Talent Management:

Effectively attracting, hiring and retaining great talent. Assessing talent through a behavioural interview process and using equitable hiring practices and tools to maintain a high level of consistency in talent measurement. Aligning a team on a strategy that serves the greater good of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office is one of the most critical skills in this role. Responsible for building a strong team through formal and informal performance management processes as well as creating an environment that promotes a growth mindset. Leading with a  passion for personal development and the development of the team.

Effective Communication:

Clearly and concisely communicating strategy to the team while ensuring alignment on steps and outcomes. Provide and receive information using the most effective/efficient/appropriate medium and technology based on what needs to be communicated and to whom. Develop communication strategies, standards, and/or policies that make effective use of different approaches and technologies for different audiences. Communicate effectively and professionally to proponents, work teams, managers, staff and Joint Council. 

Humility and Curiosity:

Being humble by having a respectful, team-focused attitude that values others input and embraces feedback as an opportunity to grow. Having the willingness to learn, admit mistakes and prioritize team success over individual achievements. 

Being curious and having an eagerness to explore, ask questions and seek deeper understanding of yourself and others. Possess an eagerness for continuous learning with a proactive approach to problem solving and innovation. 

Results:

The ability to create results oriented culture by setting clear goals and staying focused while maintaining a high level of accountability to results. A drive towards outcomes and achieving timelines by prioritizing tasks effectively, taking ownership of challenges and maintaining momentum even when faced with challenges. 

Achieving objectives efficiently and to a high standard while often looking for ways to exceed expectations. Possess a willingness to adapt and find solutions for continuous improvement and measurable success. 

Operations:

Possessing operational competency by overseeing daily workflows to ensure efficiency, quality and cost effectiveness. This includes coordinating resources, managing budgets and implementing best practices to improve productivity and achieve organizational goals. Focus on process improvement, monitor performance metrics and ensure compliance with current processes and procedures. Adept at strategic planning and leading teams to execute plans smoothly while adapting to change well.  

Conflict Resolution:

Possess the ability to handle and resolve conflicts constructively to maintain a positive and collaborative work environment. Requires active listening skills while hearing all perspectives, staying calm under pressure and using diplomacy to address differences. Requires the ability to facilitate open communication, diffuse tensions and find practical solutions that align with the team and the Environment Office goals. Having the ability to effectively manage disagreements, promote mutual understanding and build trust that matters will be handled in a professional and courteous way. 

Team Building:

Creating and fosters a cohesive, motivated and high performing team through collaboration, trust, and open communication among team members. The ability to recognize strengths and opportunities within the team and create an environment where everyone feels valued. Effectively team building by setting clear expectations, encouraging growth and development and promoting a shared sense of purpose. The ability to inspire collective effort towards a common goal. Able to address challenges proactively to maintain high morale and drive team success. 

Job Description:

• Demonstrate expertise, passion or interest in working in the environmental field and encourage the CWMP Lead and Environmental Technicians. 
• Provide leadership to support fixed term staff and students in field sampling methodologies and protocols, fish sampling techniques, data management and health and safety equipment and procedure. 
• Review applicable government policies and provide briefing notes to the Joint Council for consideration, identifying impacts, risks and infringement to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation rights.
• Identify departmental gaps and provide recommendations to the Senior Manager for consideration.
• Oversee the entirety of health and safety amongst the department including but not limited to; reporting for vehicles, reporting for vessels, communication during travel to and from site and maintenance of hazardous materials or tools. 
• Participate in organizational wide health and safety programs.
• Procure and maintain all necessary equipment and materials for work scope, ensuring they are in good working order or ordering replacements as needed.
• Continuously seek out and apply for external funding to support the program. 
• Completing funding reporting, related to the CWMP Program
• Liaising with internal staff and external clients, stakeholders and regulators is required. 
• The CWMP Manager may be required to fulfill full days both indoor and outdoors (9 - 9.5 hours per day) in a variety of conditions and physically active work. 
• Final reports are prepared either through seasonal data analysis or in collaboration with educational institutions.
• Prepare budgets, monitor, audit and report on crew/contractor performance and to prepare field manuals.