Land, nature, wildlife and biodiversity conservation

Position: Conservation Coordinator
Organization: CPAWS Yukon
Location: must live in Whitehorse or another Yukon community, or willing to relocate.

• Position type: permanent, 30-37.5 hours per week.
• Salary: $58,403-$63,168 annually ($29.95-$32.39/hour).
• Vacation & time off: 3 weeks of vacation, 14 Statutory Holidays, paid sick leave, and additional paid time off between December 24 and January 1.
• Benefits: eligible for a comprehensive health benefit plan and matched RRSP contributions after the probationary period (3 months).
• Start date: ideally early June 2025.

About CPAWS Yukon

Based in Whitehorse on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, CPAWS Yukon aims to conserve the Yukon’s ecologically and culturally important lands and waters for all. We advocate for protection of wild spaces in a manner grounded in respect for both traditional knowledge and western science and believe that this can only be achieved through collaboration and reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples of this land. We represent the views of many Yukoners who want the Yukon to be an example of how people can live well with the natural world that we depend upon. CPAWS Yukon aims to work “in a good way” that recognizes the agency that First Nations and Indigenous People have in being key decision makers and stewards of the land and water.

Working with CPAWS Yukon means you have the amazing opportunity to live, work, and grow in one of the most beautiful places in Canada, while working with a committed and passionate team of environmental advocates. You’ll be respected for your unique contributions and supported in your unique needs. Our office is in a bright, modern space in downtown Whitehorse next to a city park and close to the Yukon River. This welcoming place is dog-friendly, accessible, and includes a kitchenette and bike storage. We offer the flexibility to work from home or adjust your work schedule when needed, which means work and personal life can find a balance.

CPAWS Yukon is committed to operating in a way that upholds justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). In our hiring processes, we take active measures to overcome biases and to address systemic imbalances. We also make every effort to maintain and build an inclusive workspace where people from diverse backgrounds see themselves reflected and feel supported. To learn more about the actions we’re taking, please visit the transparency page on the CPAWS Yukon website.

We encourage and welcome applications from all individuals who share our belief in ensuring the rich wildlife and diverse landscapes of Yukon receive the protection they deserve.

About the role

Reporting to CPAWS Yukon’s Conservation Manager and working with everyone on the CPAWS team, and most closely with the conservation team, the Conservation Coordinator works on conservation policy analysis and development, planning and implementing campaigns and projects, and works to foster partnerships and community relationships.

The Conservation Coordinator’s major responsibilities are:

Policy and project assessment processes (30-35%)

• Represent CPAWS at workshops and meetings.
• Work with the conservation team to research, analyze, and provide comments on draft land use plans, policy documents, regulations, and legislation.
• Keep up to date on planning and conservation policy issues in the Yukon.

Conservation campaigns and projects (40-45%)

• Work with the CPAWS team to plan and implement conservation campaigns and projects.
• Work with other conservation organizations, communities, and other groups, as well as First Nation governments and Indigenous communities on collaborative campaigns and projects.
• Contribute to building a resilient and diverse collaborative network of allies, partners and community in Yukon and beyond. This include developing and fostering relationships and partnerships with community members, and representatives in governments and other organizations.
• Engage partners, communities and the public on conservation issues, e.g. educational projects and calls to actions.
• Research and write CPAWS reports, briefing notes and engagement materials to support conservation campaigns and projects.
• Meet with and/or make presentations to the public, partners and government officials.
• Support Indigenous protected and conservation area development and any other Yukon First Nation and Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
• Occasionally assist with funding applications and reports.

Communications, engagement, and event support (15-20%)

• With the assistance of the communications team, help develop communications plans and messaging.
• Work with the team to organize events and meetings including logistics, volunteers, speakers, agendas, and promotion.
• As invited by First Nations, assist with planning and organizing of community-driven conservation events and on the land trips, and actively participate in these events and trips.
• Work with the conservation and communication teams to develop materials such as social media content, blog posts, op-eds, videos and infographics that help supporters, decision makers, and the public understand issues that CPAWS Yukon campaigns on.
• As required, serve as a spokesperson addressing media, supporters and the public on issues.

Other (10%)

• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Develop annual work plans.
• Collaborate on campaign planning, annual campaign/project prioritization, and strategic planning.

Preferred candidate background

• Strong understanding of conservation in the Yukon and the legislative, policy, and treaty framework that shapes it is highly beneficial.
• Self-motivated and able to work autonomously, take initiative and make strategic decisions in consultation with other team members.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills and the ability to convey complex conservation and policy topics clearly.
• Experience working with First Nations governments and/or communities is beneficial, as is an eagerness to learn and build connections.
• It would be helpful to have a diploma, degree or experience in a field such as environmental science/ecology, natural resource management, planning, geography, public policy, Indigenous governance, or grassroots community organizing.
• Ability to create maps using GIS software is desirable but not required.
• Ability to create graphics using Canva or Adobe Illustrator/InDesign is desirable but not required.
• A driver’s license is strongly preferred.
• Upon hiring, a willingness to provide a criminal record check including vulnerable sector check.
• Occasional evening and weekend work will be required. This position also involves occasional travel within and outside of the Yukon.

Hiring process and timeline

Applications must be submitted through this link and will close at midnight on Wednesday April 16, 2025.

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Interviews will be scheduled between April 28 and May 9, take approximately 60 minutes, and can be in person at our office or online.