Manager, Indigenous Relations (2-year Term) Contract NEW

AECL operates on land and territories that have, since time immemorial, been the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Together with our contractor, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), AECL is committed to advancing reconciliation with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities through a renewed relationship based on recognition of rights, mutual understanding and respect, and meaningful engagement, collaboration, and partnership.

Small Team. Big Impact.
At AECL, your experience and expertise make a visible difference. As a small and agile organization, individual contributions matter, and your work is closely connected to real world outcomes that deliver lasting value.

Energizing Canada’s Nuclear Future.

Is AECL right for you?

As a federal Crown corporation, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) has a mandate to enable nuclear science and technology and manage the Government of Canada’s radioactive waste liabilities. Since 2015, AECL has been delivering its mandate through a Government-owned, Contractor-operated (GoCo) business model, whereby a private-sector organization, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), is responsible for managing and operating AECL’s sites on its behalf. AECL’s objectives under the GoCo model include accelerating Environmental Remediation Management, managing the Federal Nuclear Science and Technology Work Plan, and building a world-class nuclear laboratory that fulfils government priorities and grows commercial revenues.

Who this role is great for:

This role is a good fit if you:
• want your experience and expertise to be visible and valued;
• are motivated by work connected to real world outcomes and adding value by building strong, lasting relationships; and
• thrive in a small, collaborative environment where flexibility and accountability go hand in hand.
What you will do:
In this role, you will contribute directly to advancing AECL’s priorities and reconciliation commitments through meaningful engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities.
We’re looking for a Manager, Indigenous Relations (2-year term) who’s passionate about building trusted relationships and advancing mutually beneficial partnerships.
Reporting to the Director, Indigenous Relations, you will lead the development and implementation of engagement strategies, agreements, and partnership opportunities with Indigenous Nations and communities. You will work closely with AECL colleagues, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), and external partners to plan and conduct negotiations, develop strategies and briefing materials, and support the advancement of shared objectives and outcomes.
This role requires strong judgement and cultural awareness to navigate complex and evolving relationships. You will support the negotiation and implementation of agreements, ensuring commitments are clearly documented, tracked, and aligned with AECL’s mandate, Indigenous Relations Strategy, and federal frameworks, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
You will also contribute to AECL’s oversight responsibilities by supporting the evaluation of contractor performance and ensuring alignment with contractual agreements and organizational priorities.
At AECL, we value collaboration, respect, and continuous learning. If you are motivated by relationship-based engagement and building long term partnerships, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

What you bring:
We recognize that no candidate will meet every requirement. If your experience aligns with the core responsibilities of this role, we encourage you to apply.
• Degree in Public Affairs, Indigenous Studies, Communications, Public Policy, Political Science, Science, or a related field.
• Experience engaging with Indigenous Nations and communities, including negotiating agreements and fostering long term relationships.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous engagement practices, consultation approaches, and the Canadian Indigenous context.
• Knowledge of federal frameworks and obligations related to Indigenous engagement, including UNDRIP.
• Demonstrated experience working with a broad range of Indigenous Nations, communities and organizations.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in complex and sensitive environments.
Assets:
• Experience in nuclear or other highly regulated industries.
• Lived experience working or living in an Indigenous community.
What we bring:
• Salary:
o The hiring range for this role is between $113,200 and $141,500 based on qualifications and experience.
o The full salary range for this role is broader than the hiring range. Employees progress through the salary scale over time in accordance with AECL’s compensation philosophy and procedures.
• Benefits:
o Comprehensive medical and dental benefits through the Government of Canada, providing stability and peace of mind so you can focus on your work and well-being.
o Participation in the Public Service Pension Plan, an indexed, defined-benefit pension plan that supports long-term financial security and helps you plan confidently for retirement.
o Vacation, personal and floating days, recognizing the importance of rest and balance in support of your physical and mental wellbeing.
o A confidential Employee & Family Assistance Program, providing support for you and your family during life’s challenges, so help is available when it’s needed most.
o A hybrid work model, supporting focus and flexibility while maintaining strong in-person collaboration through four days in the office or on-site.
o Paid time off during the year-end holiday period, from December 24 through January 1, giving you dedicated time to rest, recharge, and spend time in ways that matter most to you.
o Performance-based incentives, reflecting the value of meaningful contributions and delivered outcomes.

What you can expect:
• Location: This role can be based out of AECL’s Chalk River, Ontario or Ottawa office locations.
• Chalk River Commute: If you will be working at our Chalk River office, you will need your own personal transportation. There is no public transit to the site.
• Hybrid Work Model: AECL follows a hybrid work approach. On-site presence is required four days per week (Monday to Thursday) to support operational needs and role responsibilities.
• Security Clearance: The selected candidate must successfully meet Government of Canada security clearance requirements.
• Application Process: While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
• Language Preference: Preference may be given to individuals who are bilingual.

Recruitment Timelines:
Please plan to be available on the following dates if you are selected for an interview. If these dates are not accessible to you, please let us know and we will work with you to find other suitable options.
• Posting closes on July 30
• Phone screens will be conducted the week of August 4
• Interviews will be scheduled for the week of August 10
• Second interviews will be in person and scheduled for the week of August 31

At AECL, we are committed to building an authentic workplace. Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility matters to us. We welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. Preference may be given to members of a designated group to address identified under-representation. We encourage candidates to self-identify.
AECL provides support and reasonable accommodations in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities. This includes accommodations that consider an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during our recruitment process, let us know how we can assist you by emailing [email protected].
About AECL:
www.aecl.ca

@AECL
@atomicenergycanada