Conservation Coordinator - Whitehorse or another Yukon community

Position type: permanent, 30-37.5 hours per week.
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).
Location: must live in Whitehorse or another Yukon community, or willing to relocate.
Start date: Immediately.
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 job Advertisement and will close within two months of initial posting.
Interviews will be scheduled between March and April 2026, take approximately 60 minutes, and can be in person at our office or online.

Job Id: 
498156820
Category: 
Environmental & Natural Resources