Director of Fisheries

Search conducted by Placemaking 4G at p4g.ca on behalf of Millbrook First Nation

Statement of Intention

We deeply value the diverse perspectives and experiences that strengthen our team and community. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants, particularly those who identify as Mi’kmaq and/or are members of Millbrook First Nation.

We also warmly welcome applications from all equity-deserving individuals, including those who identify as African Nova Scotian, Black, racialized, a person with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or newcomers to Canada. If you’re comfortable, please share this information and your pronouns in your application.

To ensure a thoughtful and inclusive process, we’ve partnered with the P4G search team, who are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment. They’re here to listen and help accommodate your needs, ensuring your experience throughout this process is intentional, inclusive, and respectful.

About Millbrook First Nation
Millbrook First Nation is a Mi’kmaq community located within Millbrook, Nova Scotia, near Truro, with additional reserve lands in Beaver Dam, Sheet Harbour, Dartmouth, and Cole Harbour. Known for its strong leadership and forward-thinking economic development, Millbrook is home to thriving ventures such as the Millbrook Power Centre, a gaming centre in Cole Harbour, and a wharf in Sheet Harbour.

At its core, Millbrook is a place of deep connection, where Mi’kmaw values guide everyday life and where the well-being of all generations is a shared priority. The community is deeply committed to supporting the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness of its members through collaboration, transparency, and the continuous strengthening of its governance systems and community services.

This Moment, This Position
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Fisheries Director is responsible for the effective oversight of the Fisheries Department’s day-to-day operations and Commercial Fishing Enterprise (CFE), including the human, financial and material resources required to develop and maintain a productive and profitable fishing industry.

In addition, the Director of Fisheries will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and advancement of Millbrook’s moderate livelihood plan.

How You’ll Contribute

Leadership and Operations

• Oversee all aspects of the Fisheries department, providing direction and authorization to all fisheries staff and operations, ensuring safe, cost-effective strategies are maintained.
• Define and plan the administrative structure for required activities and establish timeframes to achieve said activities.
• Research, analyze and identify opportunities to improve and enhance all aspects of the fisheries program.
• Monitor fishing activity and report to the Executive Director.
• Identify, develop and implement Band Policy regarding the CFE.
• Ensure the collection and organization of information needed to run a successful CFE, including all reporting requirements, are met within set timelines.
• Adhere to Millbrook’s policies and procedures as they relate to this position.
• Perform other duties as required.

Human Resources and Personnel

• Liaise with Captains, crewmembers and fisheries experts who participate in the CFE in all aspects of their scope of duties, including hiring, dismissals and penalties.
• Responsible for the hiring of extra staff if determined to be needed to successfully run the CFE in accordance with MFN policies.
• Support career development and identify training needs and requirements for members of the Band interested in the fishing industry.
• Carry out all aspects of the Millbrook Fisheries Alcohol & Drug Policy, including changes, execution, liaising with officials from the chosen testing company and dealing with results.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Negotiate use of Band vessels and/or equipment with appropriately trained partners and/or Band members.
• Liaise with fish buyers in all aspects, including sales, prices, contracts, etc., to ensure the best outcome for the Band.
• Work closely with the Mi’kmaw Conservation Group regarding the Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) Plan.
• Advise Band members of their rights regarding Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) aspects and keep abreast of any issues that may arise in regard to Millbrook’s FSC and resolve any issues that might emerge.
• Attend all necessary meetings by the Mi’kmaw Conservation Group Advisory Committee, Dept of Fisheries and Oceans, and all relevant industry meetings to support the Band’s knowledge of snow crab, lobster or anything that may affect Millbrook’s commercial enterprise.

Government Relations and Compliance

• Work in conjunction with Department of Fisheries officials to ensure all aspects of the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) are met to their approval, including direction of funds to maximize the needs of the CFE and the Band as a whole.
• Work directly with government agencies and officials regarding all aspects of funding agreements, contracts and any issues that may arise with the Department of Fisheries and/or Conservation & Protection (C&P).

What You’ll Bring
Education and Experience

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in business administration or equivalent.
• 5-7 years’ experience in the commercial fisheries industry.
• 5-7 years of business administration, management or equivalent.
• Proven ability in positive human resource management.
• Strong knowledge of NS and Federal fisheries policies and management regimes.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, formal writing (e.g., briefing notes, strategy documents, reports, proposals) and communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., Government, buyers, etc.).
• Strong computer and technical writing ability.
• Criminal records check
• Valid driver’s license

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of relevant skills, equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective and safe operations of Millbrook’s Fisheries.
• Understanding of DFO programs and funding
• Knowledge of NS and federal fisheries policies and management regimes.
• In-depth knowledge of commercial access to AFS and FSC.
• Understanding of industry rules and regulations.
• Must be able to read and analyze financial information.
• Good understanding and working knowledge of the management of human resources.

Other Requirements

• Must clear a Criminal Record Check.
• Commitment to confidentiality and adherence to Millbrook’s personnel policies.
• Willingness to act as a positive community role model and uphold the values and integrity of Millbrook First Nation.

 

The Package
Salary: $110,000 – $125,000. Compensation is based on education, skills and experience.

Benefits & Perks: Health and Dental coverage, Pension Plan, paid Vacation and Medical days, 2-week paid Holiday Shutdown, observance of Federal and Provincial Holidays, 4 additional Indigenous Holidays, and Summer Fridays.

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 32-hour compressed work week, with some evening or weekend commitments as needed.

Location: On-site at Millbrook First Nation Fisheries Offices, Millbrook, NS. 30 Treaty Trail, Millbrook, NS B6L 1W2

What to Expect
At Placemaking 4G, we believe recruitment should be relational and affirming. Our goal is to ensure candidates feel respected, informed, and supported throughout the process.

• All applications are carefully reviewed, and every cover letter is read.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to connect with a Lead Placemaker from P4G for an initial conversation.
• Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with P4G and representatives from Millbrook First Nation.
• Finalists may be invited to participate in a second-round interview or skills activity.
• P4G will support reference checks and assist in the final offer presentation.

 

Application Details
Applications will be accepted until 12:00 pm AT (noon) on January 5, 2026.

Please be sure to include a cover letter that speaks to your experience, but we also want to get a glimpse of your personality.

Wela’lioq!