Position type: permanent, 37.5 hours per week.
Salary: $32.95-$35.64 per hour ($64,252.50-$69,495.50 annually). Including 3 weeks of vacation, 14 Statutory holidays, paid sick leave, and additional paid time off between December 24 and January 1.
Benefits: eligible for a comprehensive health benefit plan and matched RRSP contributions after the probationary period (3 months).
Location: Must live in Whitehorse or willing to relocate.
We will give extra consideration to people who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.
Closing Date for Resumes and Cover Letters: Monday May 18, 2026
About CPAWS Yukon
Based in Whitehorse on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, CPAWS Yukon aims to conserve the Yukon’s ecologically and culturally important lands and waters for all. We advocate for protection of wild spaces in a manner grounded in respect for both traditional knowledge and western science and believe that this can only be achieved through collaboration and reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples of this land. We represent the views of many Yukoners who want the Yukon to be an example of how people can live well with the natural world that we depend upon. CPAWS Yukon aims to work “in a good way” that recognizes the agency that First Nations and Indigenous People have in being key decision makers and stewards of the land and water.
Working with CPAWS Yukon means you have the amazing opportunity to live, work, and grow in one of the most beautiful places in Canada, while working with a committed and passionate team of environmental advocates. You’ll be respected for your unique contributions and supported in your unique needs. Our office is in a bright, modern space in downtown Whitehorse next to a city park and close to the Yukon River. This welcoming place is dog-friendly, accessible, and includes a kitchenette and bike storage. We offer the flexibility to work from home or adjust your work schedule when needed, which means work and personal life can find a balance.
CPAWS Yukon is committed to operating in a way that upholds justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
(JEDI). In our hiring processes, we take active measures to overcome biases and to address systemic
imbalances. We also make every effort to maintain and build an inclusive workspace where people from
diverse backgrounds see themselves reflected and feel supported. To learn more about the actions we’re taking, please visit the transparency page on the CPAWS Yukon website.
We encourage and welcome applications from all individuals who share our belief in ensuring the rich
wildlife and diverse landscapes of Yukon receive the protection they deserve.
Conservation Manager
Job Description
As a key part of the CPAWS Yukon team, the Conservation Manager oversees critical aspects of conservation campaigns and policy recommendations. They will lead in developing partnerships with government and industry representatives while communicating our stance on policy issues and campaigns.
Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Conservation Manager is part of CPAWS Yukon’s leadership team and will perform the following major duties:
Policy and Project Assessment Processes (35%)
Lead the development of CPAWS Yukon policy positions and comments, in collaboration with the CPAWS Yukon team, for processes such as regional land use plans, legislation and regulations that impact the environment, protected area management plans, and other projects as needed
Represent CPAWS Yukon at engagement meetings, open houses, and stakeholder workshops
Produce briefing notes and attend meetings with government ministers and senior bureaucrats
Comment on projects undergoing review by the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) or the Yukon Water Board as needed
Facilitate community participation in engagement processes by working with the Communications and Outreach Teams to share information with the public
Lead on other policy projects, as outlined in the CPAWS Yukon Strategic Plan
Conservation campaigns and projects (35%)
Develop and foster relationships and partnerships with community members, other organizations, First Nations, and representatives in the territorial and federal government.
Lead and assist with campaign planning to advance specific conservation initiatives and manage the implementation and evolution of campaigns
With the assistance of the Communications Team, develop campaign messaging
Work with CPAWS National staff on select conservation planning and strategies
Work with the CPAWS Yukon staff develop materials such as social media content, blog posts, op-eds, videos and infographics that help supporters, decision makers, and the public understand issues that CPAWS Yukon campaigns
As required, serve as a spokesperson addressing media, supporters and the public on issues
Make presentations to the public, stakeholders, partners, and government officials.
Event support (10%)
Work with the team to organize events and meetings including logistics, volunteers, speakers, agendas, and promotion.
As invited by First Nations, assist with planning and organizing of community-driven conservation events and on-the-land trips, and actively participate in these events and trips.
Leadership Responsibilities (20%)
As leader of the Conservation Team, supervise and direct Conservation Coordinators and support them as needed
Attend bi-weekly leadership team meetings with the Executive Director and other managers, to discuss and advance matters related to organizational health, such as internal policies and organizational priorities
Attend weekly staff meetings
Collaborate on strategic planning and quarterly campaign and project prioritization
Occasionally assist with funding applications and reports
Accountability and Authority
The Conservation Manager will work from Whitehorse, and report to the Executive Director. They will work most closely with the Conservation Team and often collaborate with the Communications and Outreach Teams. Occasional work with other CPAWS chapters and the CPAWS National office is required.
The Conservation Manager will lead the Conservation Team and supervise the Conservation Coordinators.
This position requires compliance with the policies and procedures of CPAWS Yukon.
All staff are accountable through the staff structure to CPAWS Yukon’s Executive Director for the planning and delivery of programs and services for which they are responsible. The Executive Director is responsible for staff management and development, and the effectiveness of programs and services within the priorities and budgets approved by the Board.
The Human Resources Policy guides the Executive Director in the day-to-day management of the organization. All CPAWS staff will ensure they have read, understand and adhere to the policy manual.
Preferred candidate background:
Strong understanding of conservation in the Yukon and the legislative, policy and treaty framework that shapes it is highly beneficial.
Self-motivated and able to work autonomously, take initiative and make strategic decisions in consultation with other team members.
Strong verbal, written and communications skills and the ability to convey complex conservation and policy topics clearly.
Experience working with First Nations governments and/or communities is beneficial, as is an eagerness to learn and build connections.
It would be helpful to have a diploma, degree or experience in a field such as environmental science/ecology, natural resource management, planning, geography, public policy, or Indigenous governance.
Experience as a supervisor and/or manager is beneficial.
Ability to create simple maps using GIS software is an asset but not required.
Ability to create simple graphics using Canva or Adobe Illustrator/InDesign is an asset but not required.
A driver’s license is required.
Upon hiring, a willingness to provide a criminal record check including vulnerable sector check within 1 month of the start of employment. Criminal records checks are valid for up to 2 years
