Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations Lead

Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. (PNG), a subsidiary of TriSummit Utilities Inc., owns and operates natural gas processing, transmission and distribution systems in British Columbia’s lower Peace, west central, and north coast regions. PNG’s western transmission system extends from the Enbridge gas transmission system north of Prince George and along the Highway 16 corridor to Terrace and then onto the port communities of Kitimat and Prince Rupert, providing gas transportation and service to twelve communities and a number of industrial facilities. In the Province’s northeast, Pacific Northern Gas (N.E.) Ltd., a subsidiary of PNG, provides gas processing, transmission and distribution service in the Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Tumbler Ridge areas.

The Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations Lead, a member of the Business Development and Stakeholder Relations team, is responsible for cultivating and sustaining strong relationships with the 26 First Nations on whose ancestral lands PNG operates in Northwest and Northeast BC, as well as with municipal, provincial, and regulatory stakeholders.

This role plays a vital part in advancing Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation—core to delivering safe and reliable natural gas service. Building trust and social license through genuine, respectful engagement is a central focus.

The successful candidate will lead consultations and partnerships with Indigenous communities and key stakeholders, supporting Indigenous procurement, economic development, and permitting for major projects, operational activities, and community initiatives.

Internally, the Lead provides expert subject matter support to departments such as Lands and Environment, Engineering, Asset Management, Operations, and Project Delivery, and collaborates closely with PNG’s executive team to align corporate objectives with Indigenous and stakeholder priorities.

Serving as the primary contact for Indigenous communities and external stakeholders, the Lead represents PNG in sensitive, high-impact discussions and engagements.

This permanent, full-time position reports to the Director of Business Development & Stakeholder Relations and can be based in Vancouver, Terrace, or Smithers. Regular travel throughout Northern BC is required. The role offers competitive base pay and eligibility for incentives.

SALARY RANGE:

• $104,763 to $141,739 per annum

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Build, nurture and maintain positive and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities and key stakeholders in PNG’s operating areas
• Lead engagements with Indigenous communities and key stakeholders at multiple levels (including elected officials, community and hereditary leaders, lands/environment staff, and Economic Development entities)
• Provide expert advice to PNG personnel re: unique considerations for engaging and communicating with First Nations and key stakeholders
• Oversee the assessment of Indigenous and industry partnerships for project procurement
• Support the development of / administer strategies, activities and initiatives to sustain and improve PNG’s relationships with Indigenous communities and key stakeholders and to maintain PNG’s reputation as a trusted and responsible operator
• Support the planning, permitting, coordination, and execution of capital projects and operational activities by leading and providing advice pertaining to Indigenous Community and stakeholder engagement, land use, access rights, cultural sensitivities, etc.
• Build and sustain collaborative and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and key stakeholders in PNG’s operating areas.
• Serve as the central point of contact for First Nations and key stakeholders within PNG’s operating areas.
• Identify and facilitate opportunities for PNG Senior management to engage with Indigenous and community leaders and for the advancement of strategic initiatives.
• Represent the company in sensitive and high-impact discussions, engagements and consultations
• Work collaboratively with PNG internal teams to coordinate and fulfill PNG’s social license and permitting requirements associated with Indigenous community engagement and consultation
• Lead/oversee Indigenous community and key stakeholder engagement efforts and maintain accurate engagement records for internal use and for submission to provincial regulators in support of PNG’s regulatory permitting and compliance requirements
• Proactive identification of strategic community initiatives and partnership opportunities
• Timely communication with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project and operational deliverables are met in accordance with identified project and business objectives and in compliance with regulatory requirements and timelines
• Coordinate/manage the activities of other team members (internal and external to PNG) who support Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations
• Identify opportunities to engage with and support Indigenous communities through participation in celebrations, community initiatives, education and training programs, etc.
• Support the preparation of dashboard and reporting materials and presentations

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Broad stakeholder relations / government relations / complex account management experience
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous Peoples’ unique histories, cultures, protocols, values, beliefs and governments, preferably within British Columbia
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in business, communications, Indigenous or First Nations studies, anthropology, archeology, environmental science, resource management, land use planning, public or community relations, or an acceptable equivalent (i.e., an equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered).
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in Indigenous and/or stakeholder and/or government relations, project permitting, land or resource management, natural resources, environmental or archeological consultancy, or business development and community partnerships.
• Experience working directly with/for Indigenous communities on projects, events, agreements, permits, environmental assessments, etc. is considered an asset
• Experience working with government or industry sector regulators, such as the BC Energy Regulator, BC Utilities Commission, Ministry of Transportation, Archeology branch, etc. is considered an asset
• Experience working within the oil & gas, mining, forestry, electricity, or renewables industries is considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of provincial/federal regulatory and impact assessment processes, First Nations engagement guidelines, British Columbia utility regulatory environment is considered an asset.
• Ability to travel and engage in person with Indigenous communities and key stakeholders in PNG’s service territories in Northeast and Northwest BC is essential
• Valid BC driver’s license
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

COMPETENCIES:

• Rock-solid integrity
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Proven ability to build authentic, respectful relationships
• Strong initiative and work ethic
• Demonstrated ability to work in both a team setting and independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence others
• Well-developed and effective communication, writing, and presentation skills
• Proficient computer and organizational skills, including database management, document preparation, file management, etc.
• Fluent in the use of the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and business management and operations systems platforms (such as SharePoint).
• Familiarity with principles of mapping and survey, with experience in the use of mapping applications, is considered an asset
• Public speaking ability (e.g., small and medium size group presentations) is considered an asset.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• Position can be flexibly located in Vancouver, Terrace or Smithers
• Regular and frequent travel is required within PNG’s Northern BC service areas
• Position reports to the Director, Business Development & Stakeholder Relations (located in Vancouver, BC.)

WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE

PNG is committed to your professional development and your overall health and safety. When you join our team, here is what you can expect:

• Competitive compensation and annual incentive plans.
• Extended health and dental plan, and wellness allowance.
• DB or DC pension plans and savings plans.
• Generous vacation and flex days.
• A safety-centric culture.

INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE

At PNG, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace that celebrates the unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences of all our employees. We believe that our differences empower us to become a stronger team, leading to better decisions, innovation, and business results.

READY TO JOIN US?

If you are eager to be a part of our team and make a difference in the energy industry, please submit your resume in confidence through our . We look forward to receiving your application!