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Position Type: Full-Time ContractLocation: Hybrid (Office is located in Halifax, NS) , with travel to Cape Breton, Millbrook, Bay of Fundy, Annapolis Basin, and St. Marys BaySalary: $70,000 annuallyContract Duration: As soon as possible March 2026, with the possibility of renewalAbout the ProjectBear River First Nation (BRFN) is hiring a Community Engagement Specialist to support the collection and integration of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) into species-at-risk (SAR) conservation through a community-driven approach. As a central member of the Bear Ocean Health: The Eighth Paddle initiative, this role ensures respectful, meaningful, and reciprocal engagement with Mikmaw Elders and communities, focused on collecting and implementing Indigenous knowledge of the Blue Whale, North Atlantic Right Whale, and Fin Whale into a large language model (LLM) to facilitate consultation requests.Position OverviewThis position will facilitate storytelling sessions, manage IK gathering logistics, and serve as a liaison between BRFN, partner organizations, and local communities.Key ResponsibilitiesCommunity Engagement & FacilitationOrganize, schedule, and facilitate 1530 Elder storytelling and interview sessions across Bear River, Cape Breton, and Millbrook.Foster strong, trust-based relationships with community members, ensuring culturally safe environments for IK sharing.Assist in gathering Mikmaw and English language texts, oral narratives, and associated audio-visual materials.Support for Knowledge CollectionWork collaboratively with Elders, linguists, and the Project Manager to document IK related to SAR habitats, behaviors, seasonal patterns, and interspecies relationships.Capture cultural and ecological insights through both contemporary and historical lenses, linking community use and survival practices to species recovery.Logistics & CoordinationManage event logistics including space rental, travel coordination, and preparation of materials for storytelling and knowledge exchange sessions.Coordinate honorarium disbursement and follow cultural protocols for Elder engagement.Digital Platform CollaborationAssist in community training on a new cloud-based IK repository.Contribute community input to platform design, ensuring it reflects local knowledge-sharing values and is accessible for future use.Reporting & DocumentationHelp compile field notes, transcripts, and metadata associated with recorded sessions.Contribute to progress updates, feedback reports, and engagement summaries submitted to funders and project partners.Other duties related to the project may arise. This is the first phase of the project, so there may bea possible extension.QualificationsStrong ties to or deep understanding of Mikmaw communities, values, and cultural protocols.Experience in community engagement, facilitation, or outreach, particularly in Indigenous contexts.Excellent communication, organization, and coordination skills.Understanding of Indigenous Knowledge systems, oral traditions, and data sovereignty principles.Mikmaw language proficiency or ability to work with translation and interpretation services.Valid drivers license and access to a vehicle for work-related travel.Preferred AttributesExperience with participatory research, storytelling, or cultural documentation.Background in environmental education, cultural heritage, social work, or Indigenous studies.Fundamentals of OCAP training (Will be provided to the successful candidate if not already obtained)Applications will be considered starting on August 20. Position will remain open until filled.APPLICATION: Email 1) a one page cover letter, and 2) your resume in one single PDF to info@deepsense.ca.