Indigenous Relations Advisor

Our Indigenous Relations team is currently looking to add an Indigenous Relations Advisor to support our team in Northwestern Ontario.

Reporting to the Vice President, Indigenous Partnerships and Commercial Strategy, this position will support Valard in facilitating its Indigenous engagement and participation plan for the Waasigan Transmission Line and other initiatives in Northwest Ontario. We are seeking a trusted advisor who has proven experience with relationship building, environmental stewardship, cultural competency and awareness, training and employment and Indigenous procurement. We focus on building and maintaining respectful, collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities, leadership, and key partners throughout the project area.

Please Note: This is a home based position that will involve frequent travel to Indigenous communities and project sites, including remote locations. Preference is for it to be based around Thunder Bay or another area of Northwestern Ontario.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work closely with Valard’s Indigenous Relations team, Project Management Team (PMT), Employee Services and Procurement to support Indigenous engagement objectives, workforce participation, community communications, and business opportunities
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, leadership, and stakeholders, ensuring meaningful engagement through feedback and ongoing communication
• Identify, escalate, and support the resolution of issues, risks, or community concerns, collaborating with project leadership and internal teams as required
• Maintain awareness of local and regional social, political, and economic considerations affecting the project and engagement approach
• Prepare and distribute community communications and notifications, project milestone updates / lookahead schedules (as appropriate), and construction progress notices
• Develop project information packages and community-facing materials for leadership, members, businesses, and other stakeholders
• Produce regular reporting including tracking and summarizing hiring, workforce hours, spend, and procurement
• Ensure all communications, engagement activities, commitments, and issues are recorded and tracked per project requirements
• Coordinate and participate in community events, open houses, career fairs, and other engagement activities to strengthen relationships and support workforce and business objectives
• Support workforce communications and respond to employee or community concerns related to project employment and engagement
• Assist in developing engagement plans and supporting achievable Indigenous participation targets
• Represent Valard professionally in community settings and on project-related matters

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in business administration, communications, Indigenous studies, public relations, or a related field is preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 5 years of related experience in Indigenous relations, community engagement, stakeholder relations, or similar roles
• Proven ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with a broader project team
• Strong understanding of Indigenous community and cultural considerations, including the importance of protocols and trust-building
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Power BI, with strong general computer skills
• Valid Driver's Licence and ability to provide a clean Driver's Abstract

Preferred Skills / Qualifications

• Experience supporting construction, energy, utilities, infrastructure, or linear projects

Benefits

This position offers a base salary range of $100 000 – $130 000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

We offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that incorporates a complete range of employee benefits, including an RRSP matching program, to ensure you have the tools necessary to manage, maintain, and improve your health and wellbeing.

About our Business

Valard Construction is Canada’s premier utility contractor providing comprehensive EPC+ (engineering, procurement, construction) and maintenance services to utilities, independent power producers, mining, oil and gas industries and rural electric associations. We have the capabilities, knowledge, and resources to take on any project, any size, any complexity, anywhere. We are also part of Quanta Services, the largest electrical power contractor in North America.