Career Track 2: Community Projects
A day in the life video
The Community Projects Career Track will examine opportunities for youth within their own, or other, Indigenous communities. This includes project development, community sustainability and energy planning, food security work, and clean energy championship.
Job profiles:
- Community Relations Expert
- Climate Change Coordinator
- Community and Urban Planner
- Economic Development Officer
- Hydrologist
There are presently 197 medium-to-large renewable energy projects with Indigenous involvement in operation (171 projects), or in the final stages of planning or construction (26 projects). Most of these projects feature partnerships between Indigenous communities and energy sector companies, utilities, or developers.
Source: Accelerating Transition report
Job Profiles

Job Profile 1
Community Relations Expert
Job Description: Community Relations Experts help organizations achieve their goals while respecting communities’ cultures and ways of knowing. They facilitate communication between organizations and the community and create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. They also draft media releases to increase the community's awareness of the company's goals, culture, and vision.
Median Income: $35.00/Hour
Alternative Job Titles:
- Social Policy Researcher
- Community Social Development Officer
- Public Relations Representative
*Please note that we were not able to find the data for the job prospects of this position.

by
- A bachelor's degree or college diploma in a related discipline such as social science, public relations, communications or business administration is normally required.
- A degree in any field, plus a diploma or additional degree in public relations, communications, or journalism is also acceptable by some employers.
- A master's degree in a related discipline is considered an asset.
- Several years of professional experience and on-the-job training are generally required, or a combination of education and work experience may be accepted.
- Ability to determine the needs of the parties involved, assess and develop business opportunities and advertising.
- Organizational: Coordinate the project stakeholders' activities and align these activities with the organization's goals.
- Planning: Establish timelines for completing objectives on time and within budget.
- Analytical: Review data to determine appropriate actions or recommendations.
- Communication: Update concerned parties on the project status.
- Problem-solving: Effectively resolve any disputes that may arise.
- Critical thinking: Assess the status of the project in a comprehensive and thorough manner.
- Plan, develop and implement programs or proposals at the community level.
- Determine the need for demographic, social, and economic analyses and conduct/lead these analyses.
- Establish relationships with stakeholders to assist in environmental governance decisions and address clean energy issues and concerns.
- Plan and develop environmental frameworks to tackle policy matters in a variety of jurisdictions.
- Establish partnerships involving renewable energy projects at the community level.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/3925/ca
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9151.00
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/

Job Profile 2
Climate Change Coordinator
Job description - Climate Change Coordinators contribute to the development and implementation of municipal operational and institutional changes that will lead to operational savings and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They also focus on the implementation of municipal climate change mitigation strategies identified in the community wide GHG emission reduction plans.
Median Income: $39.90/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Climate Action Coordinator
- Energy Consultant
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Clean Energy Coordinator

by 2029
- University degree or college diploma in a related field such as Environmental Management, Sustainability, Natural Resources Management, etc. is usually required.
- A master’s degree in a related discipline is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated experience in project coordination and management and facilitating meetings and public/stakeholder engagement activities.
- Experience administering and coordinating programs in natural and applied science.
- Work experience in a similar energy industry environment (relevant work experience may vary depending on the job posting).
- Strong knowledge of environmental management practices and related legislation and regulations.
- Analytical: Analyze reports and data in order to identify appropriate responses or recommend actions.
- Organizational: Coordinate tasks and activities, and determine the next steps of the company's project.
- Communication: Excellent written, interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Ability to conduct studies to propose climate change mitigation practices and provide reasoning or support for projects.
- Ability to coordinate multiple complex projects on time and within budget.
- Develop plans and projects related to sustainability initiatives within the organization.
- Research policies and practices for the environmental or climate management of the company and propose necessary changes.
- Develop and present business cases to engage decision makers in making sustainable choices.
- Coordinate the implementation of projects while ensuring that they are carried out in an efficient manner, following project protocols, and in compliance with legislation and policies.
- Develop sustainability reports to measure the performance of every operation of the company and propose solutions in case of underperformance.
- Define the company's sustainability goals and set targets to achieve these goals
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/3850/ca
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-2041.01
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/

Job Profile 3
Community and Urban Planner
Job description - Community Planners are responsible for developing plans and recommending policies to manage land use in their jurisdictions. They study the social, economic, cultural, environmental, political, and physical conditions of urban, rural, and remote communities to help them decide how to make the best use of their land and resources for sustainable growth and revitalization. Urban planners working in the clean energy sector are well positioned to provide the necessary support to implement comprehensive energy solutions within local jurisdictions.
Median Income: $39.95/Hour
Alternative Job Titles
- Community Leader
- Environmental Planner
- Land Use Planner

by 2029
- A bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning or a related discipline is usually required.
- A master's degree in one of these disciplines is considered an asset.
- Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is usually a requirement.
- Membership in a provincial planning institute may be required.
- Solid understanding of planning processes, legislative requirements, governance models, and preparation of policy documents and statutes.
- Experience developing reports, preparing presentations and conducting extensive research is usually required.
- Strong interest in working directly with local governments, Indigenous communities, and community organizations to address critical community planning concerns.
- Familiarity with computer software, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), AutoCAD and Microsoft Office may be required.
- Strong analytical skills to conduct research related to planning, data, monitoring, and policy analysis.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, along with proven report writing skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to synthesize information, develop innovative proposals, present plans and suggestions, and work collaboratively with other team members.
- Ability to engage with the public and effectively communicate planning issues to a broad range of audiences.
- Ability to act as a mediator or facilitator when community interests come into conflict.
- Problem-solving skills to Identify complex problems and review related information to propose appropriate solutions.
- Compare and assess information on demographic, economic, legal, political, cultural, sociological, physical, and similar issues that influence land use.
- Design plans and develop policies, and guidelines for subdivisions or developments that serve public, private, individual, and community interests.
- Collect, manage, and interpret a wide range of data sources, including the regular use of GIS and/or other related software.
- Facilitate and lead public meetings to present plans, proposals or planning studies to the general public and stakeholders.
- Summarize public consultation processes and survey results for the public and stakeholders to inform next steps in the planning program.
- Develop and implement plans, initiatives, projects or programs to increase the use of renewable energy or reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet the needs of production or construction operations.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in
Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/22485/ca

Job Profile 4
Economic Development Officer
Job description – Economic Development Officers are responsible for analyzing the financial aspects of the company and propose measures and suggestions for development and market growth. They work directly with the financial managers, providing the necessary support to maintain the financial health of the company. Economic officers also develop short-, medium- and long-term plans and strategies to keep the company competitive in the job market.
Median Income: $30/Hour
Alternative Job Titles
- Business Development Officer
*Please note that we were not able to find the data for the job prospects of this position.

by
- A bachelor's degree in a finance-related and/or an industry-related program is usually required.
- Work-related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is usually required.
- A master's degree in business administration (MBA) is considered an asset.
- Strong knowledge of economic principles and practices and financial markets.
- Experience in developing marketing strategies and conducting online marketing, E-commerce and web site promotions.
- Analytical skills to conduct a thorough analysis of the company's current situation and recommend future investments.
- Detail-oriented to prepare and revise key financial reports.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills required to manage diverse relationships related to the funding of projects within the organization.
- Strategic planning skills to achieve the company's goals.
- Critical thinking skills to identify potential financial risks and propose appropriate solutions.
- Good time management skills as well as high ethical standards in dealing with the company's finances.
- Develop social and economic profiles of urban and rural areas to encourage industrial and commercial investments.
- Conduct surveys and analyze data on the buying habits and preferences of wholesale and retail consumers.
- Review and evaluate commercial or industrial development proposals.
- Conduct analytical marketing studies.
- Design market research questionnaires.
- Evaluate customer service and store environments.
- Design, conduct and analyze quantitative and qualitative research projects.
- Develop feasibility studies and marketing strategies.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
An Introduction to Community Economic Development – 2 Day Workshop
Financing a Major Economic Development Project or Infrastructure Project – 1 Day Workshop
Developing Business Plans and Funding Proposals – 1 Day Workshop
Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager Program
Indigenous Financial Management - Assiniboine Community College

Job Profile 5
Hydrologist
Job description - Hydrologists research the dynamic nature of water and evaluate issues such as the rain and runoff relationship. They are also involved in projects that study the effects of precipitation on soils and different landscapes, its movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere. They are also responsible for promoting the responsible use of water sources for the conservation of supplies. Hydrologists are vital to protecting Canada's water resources.
Median Income: $45/Hour
Alternative Job Titles:
- Environmental Consultant
- Groundwater Consultant
- Geologist

by 2029
- A bachelor’s degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics or a related discipline is usually needed.
- A master's or doctoral degree in geophysics, physics, mathematics or engineering could be required.
- Registration with a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers, geologists, geophysicists or geoscientists is normally required.
- Several years of directly relevant professional experience (relevant work experience may vary depending on the job posting).
- Critical thinking skills are needed when designing strategies that address potential threats to the water supply.
- Strong Communication skills to be able to clearly convey your findings to the parties involved in the project.
- Strong data analysis skills in order to analyze collected field data and propose appropriate solutions.
- Good planning and organization skills in order to accomplish the objectives of the project, to work independently and as part of a team, and to meet deadlines.
- Ability to use specialized instrumentation and equipment.
- Lead scientific hydrogeological research to make sure that precise and accurate data is readily accessible to be used in water resource management decision-making.
- Assist in planning the development of water resources by monitoring water use and precipitation levels.
- Carry out studies and communicate important information to further promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
- Implement the results of research in order to reduce the environmental impacts of pollution, erosion, and sedimentation.
- Address water flow situations, e.g. droughts and floods, and assess alternative approaches to problem solving.
- Collect groundwater or surface water in order to monitor data to support project development.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Hydrologists who provide design inputs for water management infrastructure projects (e.g., dams, canals, rainwater management, pipeline or bridge crossings) are required to have an engineering degree and Professional Engineer status. In addition, hydrologists providing geological information are required to have a degree in geology and Professional Geoscientist status.
Certificate in Water Resource Management – University of Alberta
Master of Water Security – University of Saskatchewan
Hydrology courses – Center for Hydrology, University of Saskatchewan
Water Resource Science – Undergraduate Program – Lakehead University
Water Resources Engineering – University of Guelph
Water and Environmental Engineering Graduate Program – University of New Brunswick
Centre for Water Resources Studies – Dalhousie University
Advance Diploma – Water Quality – Memorial University of Newfoundland