Operations Manager, Gitxsan Environmental Services (GES)

Operations Manager

Gitxsan Environmental Services (GES)

Location: South Hazelton, BC (Flexible location options available for the right candidate)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Travel Required: Yes – regular travel to project sites and remote locations

About Us

At Gitxsan Development Corporation (GDC), we are part of a shared vision for the Gitxsan Nation’s economic independence and long-term prosperity. Rooted in Gitxsan Ayookw (law) and guided by traditional governance, we blend cultural values with modern business to create meaningful opportunities for our communities.

Through our growing network of subsidiaries, including Gitxsan Environmental Services (GES) and Gitxsan Safety Services (GSS), we deliver community-driven work that supports local economic growth, quality jobs.

We are a fast-growing organization and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our values of respect, hard work, and community.

Impact starts with us.

Position Summary

GES is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and experienced Operations Manager to lead operational delivery and support the continued growth of the organization. This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing environmental projects and teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, driving operational excellence, and contributing to long-term business development.

The successful candidate will bring strong leadership capabilities, environmental operations experience, and a commitment to building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, clients, regulators, and project partners. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys building systems and teams, and is excited to help shape the future growth of an Indigenous-led environmental services company.

Reporting to senior leadership, the Operations Manager will oversee multidisciplinary teams, operational planning, budgeting, project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership, mentorship, coaching, and direction to environmental consultants, technicians, field crews, and administrative staff


• Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development initiatives


• Foster a collaborative, respectful, safety-focused, and high-performance workplace culture


• Promote accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvement across teams

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations, scheduling, resource allocation, staffing, and project coordination


• Develop and improve operational systems, workflows, and reporting processes


• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, and within budget


• Coordinate field operations and support remote project logistics as required

Project Delivery & Environmental Compliance

• Lead and oversee environmental consulting and natural resource management projects


• Ensure compliance with federal, provincial, and local environmental regulations, permits, and reporting requirements


• Oversee environmental monitoring, assessments, stewardship programs, and compliance activities


• Maintain strong working relationships with regulatory agencies and project stakeholders

Financial & Resource Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets and project financials


• Monitor expenditures, profitability, resource utilization, and project performance


• Manage contracts, consultants, subcontractors, and vendor relationships


• Support strategic planning and operational growth initiatives

Business Development & Stakeholder Relations

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities and strategic partnerships


• Support proposal development, client engagement, and contract negotiations


• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, Indigenous communities, industry partners, and regulators


• Represent GES at meetings, industry events, and community engagement opportunities

Health, Safety & Environmental Stewardship

• Champion a strong safety culture across all operations and field activities


• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety policies and safe work practices


• Conduct and support risk assessments, incident response, and corrective action planning


• Promote environmental stewardship and the integration of Gitxsan traditional knowledge into operations and project delivery

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Safety & Compliance (Primary KPI Focus)

• Maintain strong safety performance with zero preventable lost-time incidents


• Ensure 100% compliance with safety procedures, PPE requirements, and field protocols


• Timely reporting and investigation of incidents, hazards, and near misses


• Successful completion of safety meetings, audits, and corrective actions

Operational Performance

• Projects delivered on time and within approved budgets


• Efficient resource allocation and utilization across operations


• Continuous improvement of operational systems and workflows


• Achievement of project deliverables and client expectations

Team Leadership & Culture

• Positive team engagement, retention, and performance outcomes


• Ongoing employee development and coaching initiatives


• Strong communication, accountability, and collaboration across teams

Business Development & Growth

• Contribution to new business opportunities, proposals, and client retention


• Development and maintenance of strong stakeholder relationships


• Support achievement of organizational growth and revenue targets

Environmental Stewardship & Quality

• Consistent compliance with environmental regulations and standards


• High-quality project reporting and documentation


• Successful integration of environmental best practices and Indigenous knowledge

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Biology, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field


• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in environmental consulting, operations, or project management


• Minimum 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience


• Strong knowledge of Canadian environmental regulations, permitting, compliance, and reporting requirements


• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex projects in fast-paced environments


• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills


• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and project management systems


• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to remote project locations


• Commitment to Indigenous reconciliation, cultural respect, and environmental stewardship

Preferred

• Master’s degree or advanced qualifications in a related discipline


• Professional designations such as RPBio, PMP, or Certified Environmental Professional


• Experience working within Indigenous-led organizations or alongside First Nations communities


• Experience in forestry, fisheries, mining, or environmental management sectors


• Familiarity with GIS, GPS, drone technology, or biodiversity offsetting


• Experience scaling operations and supporting strategic business growth

Why Join Us?

At Gitxsan Environmental Services, you will join a growing Indigenous-led organization where your leadership and expertise will directly contribute to meanin

At Gitxsan Environmental Services, you will join a growing Indigenous-led organization where your leadership and expertise will directly contribute to meaningful environmental work and long-term community impact.

We offer:

• Opportunities for leadership growth and career development


• Meaningful and diverse environmental projects


• Collaborative and purpose-driven work culture


• Flexible location options for the right candidate


• The opportunity to help shape the future growth of a rapidly expanding organization

Work at Gitxsan Development Corporation At GDC, you’ll join a supportive, inclusive, and purpose-driven team where your growth matters. We invest in our people through strong benefits, professional development, flexible work options, and opportunities for all experience levels.

Whether you’re starting your career or bringing years of experience, GDC is a place to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful work. 

Diversity, Inclusion & Respect Gitxsan Development Corporation is committed to a respectful and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our organization and the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and equitable employment practices and a safe, supportive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from Gitxsan Community members and welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our values of respect, hard work, and community.