Organizational Profile

The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) is a collaborative effort between a U.S. non-profit organization and a Canadian public charity that together connect and protect habitat from Yellowstone to Yukon so people and nature can thrive. Yellowstone to Yukon takes a scientific and collaborative approach to conservation, highlighting and focusing on local issues that affect the region. Y2Y has partnered with over 790 scientists, conservation groups, landowners, government agencies, Indigenous governments and communities and businesses to stitch together this landscape. 

Without a unified vision for this deeply interconnected landscape, local conservation efforts may be isolated and less effective. Y2Y seeks to ensure conservation efforts are aligned in support of large-scale objectives and therefore become continentally significant. Today, Y2Y is recognized as one of the planet’s leading mountain conservation initiatives.  For more information, please visit www.y2y.net

Position Description

Y2Y is seeking a British Columbia Conservation Specialist. This position is responsible for building the relationships and implementing the strategies required for Y2Y to effectively support all governments (Indigenous, B.C., Canada) achieving the recently announced goal of protecting or conserving more protected areas in the province to reach a total of 30 percent landscape protection by 2030.

Specifically, this position will be responsible for contributing to the following bodies of work in a way that is consistent with Y2Y’s theory of change, principles for engaging with Indigenous people, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion:

• Identify opportunities for Y2Y to support Indigenous-led conservation in the BC in a way that helps achieve the 30 by 30 commitment;
• Support Y2Y’s work to serve as an effective and supportive partner in B.C.
• Help tell inspiring stories about Indigenous-led conservation in B.C. in a way that furthers these efforts in B.C. and beyond.

The location for this position is flexible but must be within British Columbia, and preferably within the Y2Y region of British Columbia. This individual will report to the Director of Landscape Protection and will support Y2Y’s work to ensure wide-ranging wildlife has sufficient core habitat.

Responsibilities

The Conservation Specialist will:

• Represent Y2Y in British Columbia, with a focus on collaborative land use planning and large landscape conservation, particularly in regions like northern B.C.
• Identify opportunities to advance the Y2Y 2030 program plan, specifically supporting Indigenous-led land protection efforts and working with the Director of Landscape Protection to implement a strategic plan for Y2Y’s engagement in B.C.
• Communicate and coordinate regularly with Y2Y’s current and potential partners in B.C., including Indigenous Nations, government agencies, and conservation organizations involved in land use planning processes;
• Build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, conservation partners, and stakeholders engaged in regional land use planning and protected area initiatives (e.g., Northwest Strategy, Northeast Roundtable, Forest Landscape Planning, or other collaborative planning efforts);
• Monitor and communicate the status of landscape protection efforts, land use planning processes, and conservation opportunities in B.C., particularly in regions with active planning discussions (e.g., Northern B.C., southern interior);
• Support Y2Y’s engagement with B.C. partners and governments in ways that align with Indigenous-led conservation and sustainable land use planning;
• Identify opportunities for Y2Y to provide capacity support for Indigenous-led land protection and stewardship initiatives in B.C.
• Serve as a member of Y2Y’s Landscape Protection Team, collaborating with colleagues across Canada and the US.
• Work with Y2Y communications staff and partners to share stories that inspire engagement in landscape protection and land use planning in B.C.
• Collaborate with Y2Y teams (and partners) with activities to ensure staff, donors, partners, and supporters receive timely information about Y2Y and its initiatives including exploring opportunities to further promote Y2Y fundraising programs and progress to core audiences.
• Manage relevant portions of the Landscape Protection Team budget, ensuring alignment with priorities and clear communication with the Landscape Protection Director;
• Travel within B.C. (particularly northern B.C. and other key regions) and to Y2Y’s headquarters in Canmore, Alberta, as needed.

Candidate Profile

• A strong commitment to Y2Y’s vision and mission;
• Support for B.C.’s conservation goals, Canada’s 30x30 target, and Indigenous-led conservation;
• Minimum 5 years of experience engaging with governmental decision-making processes, including land use planning, environmental assessments, or protected area designations;
• Undergraduate degree or advanced degree considered an asset
• Strong communication and collaboration skills;
• A commitment to supporting Indigenous rights, governance, and leadership in conservation, particularly in B.C.
• Experience working with Indigenous Nations, government agencies, and elected officials at multiple levels;
• Demonstrated dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Experience working effectively in diverse teams, coalitions, and partnerships;
• Budget management experience for relevant projects;
• Willingness to travel regularly within B.C., including to remote and Indigenous communities.

Terms of Employment

• Full-time position (37.5 hours/week) with an outstanding benefits package. 
• Salary is commensurate with experience, ranging from $ 63,000 – 73,000 per year
• Intended start date:
• Location: Must be within British Columbia, and preferably within the Y2Y region of British Columbia