News
Expression of Interest | Mi'kmaq Onsite Monitor
- Published: June 19 2025 13:07
Expression of Interest
MI'KMAQ ONSITE MONITOR
| Position Title: | Mi'kmaq Onsite Monitor |
| Department: | Wasoqopa'q First Nation - Special Projects |
| Salary: | $21.00 per hour |
| Term: | Term/Shift Work |
| Location: | Lower Great Brook |
| Estimated Start Date | August 2025 |
Wasoqopa’q First Nation (formerly Acadia First Nation) is governed as a custom band under the provisions of the Indian Act with established bylaws, policies and procedures. The First Nation's electoral system constitutes an election once every five (5) years with positions for one Chief and eight (8) councillors. Chief and Council elect, are the governing body responsible for making decisions for the overall health and well-being of communities, Elders, youth and families.
Wasoqopa’q First Nation is unique in its geographical composition, spread throughout the Southwestern regions of Nova Scotia spanning five counties from Yarmouth to Halifax, encompassing six (6) reserves - Yarmouth, Ponhook, Medway, Wildcat, Gold River, and Hammonds Plains, in both rural and urban settings. To support administration and business operations, Wasoqopa’q First Nation, with supporting staff, provides programs and services within two (2) Health Centres, a Youth Centre, two (2) Community Centres, six (6) administration offices, and six (6) business establishments, including economic development, education, employment, fishing, forestry, health, housing & maintenance, human resources, and social.
Wasoqopa’q First Nation (WFN), in collaboration with Nova Scotia Power, seeks to protect and preserve Mi’kmaw archaeological resources and the potential to impact traditional Mi’kmaw lands, waters and resources. This requires, at times, when NS Power is conducting repairs and maintenance to dams and spillways, monitoring, to protect our Mi’kmaw cultural heritage.
POSITION OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVE
WFN, understanding the Mi’kmaq cultural significance, history and archeological resources on the Mersey and underneath the Lower Great Brook Headpond is seeking WFN members that may be interested in being Mi’kmaq Onsite Monitors for the Nova Scotia Power (NSP) Lower Great Brook Head Pond Maintenance and Repair Project (Project). The scope of work requires the drawdown of Lower Great Brook Head pond exposing the original shorelines and will require monitoring of a large area. Therefore, WFN is building a team of Mi'kmaw onsite monitors to support the project. There are a number of positions that will be available.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
- Collaboration onsite with NSP’s contractor, sub-contractors and the archeological consultant, Boreas Heritage Consulting
- Active participation in all onsite NSP and archaeological consultant safety and tool box meetings
- Adherence to the Mi’kmaq Archaeological Protocols
- Knowledge and compliance to all safety protocols onsite (construction, risk and hazard assessments)
- Patrol and observe the exposed shorelines of Lower Great Brook Headpond for potential looters of Mi’kmaq artifacts
- Establish and provide regular reporting of monitoring activities to the Mi’kmaw Onsite Supervisor
- Knowledge and safe operation of a drone and associated technology to support monitoring exposed shorelines, as required
QUALIFICATIONS
- Wasoqopa’q First Nation member
- Strong knowledge of our Mi’kmaw territory and values
- Familiarity with Indigenous/Mi’kmaw protocols
- Strong commitment to the protection and preservation of Mi’kmaw culture heritage and archeological resources
- Keen interest in archaeology
- Basic and or advanced drone training an asset (training will be provided)
- First Aid & CPR, WHMIS and OH&S Certification is considered an asset
- Valid Driver’s License is required to operate WFN work vehicles
REQUIRED ABILITIES, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Dependable, motivated and demonstrates a strong work ethic
- Shows initiative and is a team player
- Strong communication skills, to interact with visitors, and resource users in a positive manner
- Physically fit and ability to work in secluded areas
- Confident, comfortable and assertive in addressing violations
- Agile to handle uneven surfaces and rough terrain
- Ability to negotiate and or mediate conflict, understands how to use de-escalation and non-violent communication
- A commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Hours of work are going to be based upon a shift schedule, 7 days per week
- Working environment may be hazardous at times, due to uneven surfaces and terrain, and can be physical demanding
- A great deal of time is spent working outdoors in varying weather conditions
- There are instances of moving objects and lifting equipment up to 20 lb
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST REQUIREMENTS
Submit Expression of Interest to Lisa Francis Beaver, Director of Human Resources, or 902-307-5200.
WFN appreciates the interest of all members; if there is an overwhelming response, WFN will conduct interviews to choose folks for monitoring positions. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. WFN does not assume candidate expenses related to this recruitment process.
Deadline to Express Interest: July 3, 2025
Wasoqopa’q First Nation is committed to fostering a safe workplace that provides an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment, where employees are treated professionally and with dignity and respect. We value the contributions that each person brings, and are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and participation as part of the WFN team.
We are a community. We make a difference.