Senior Indigenous Engagement Specialist

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a passionate Senior Indigenous Engagement Specialist to support meaningful relationships and impactful outcomes in the work we do with Indigenous communities and clients. This is a permanent full-time position reporting to the Team Lead, Impact Assessment and Permitting, and will be based out of B.C.

As part of the Environment Business Line and the Community Engagement and Communication Team, you will play a key role in strengthening our approach to Indigenous engagement by collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams of environmental and engineering professionals, technical specialists, and community partners. This position is responsible for developing and implementing Indigenous engagement strategies, ensuring that projects respect Indigenous knowledge, rights, and interests while aligning with regulatory requirements, environmental assessment (EA) and permitting processes, and reconciliation best practices.

This is a hybrid role, offering flexibility to work remotely and from an AECOM office. AECOM also provides a Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy, allowing eligible employees to take paid time off as needed to balance their work and personal life.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing Indigenous engagement strategies that foster meaningful dialogue and relationship-building with Indigenous Nations, communities, governments, and organizations.
• Supporting Indigenous engagement activities related to environmental assessments, permitting, and construction processes, ensuring compliance with federal and provincial regulations, as well as Indigenous governance structures and protocols.
• Collaborating with project teams to integrate Indigenous Knowledge and perspectives into project planning and decision-making.
• Organizing and facilitating engagement sessions, including community meetings, workshops, advisory groups, and cultural awareness sessions—both virtual and in-person.
• Preparing communication materials such as Indigenous engagement plans, key messages, meeting summaries, plain language reports, discussion guides, and culturally appropriate outreach materials.
• Managing and responding to concerns raised by Indigenous communities and organizations in a way that fosters trust and transparency.
• Building strong relationships with Indigenous governments, leadership, businesses, and rights-holders to support partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and employment and contracting opportunities.
• Tracking engagement activities and preparing reports to document outcomes, key concerns, and commitments made to Indigenous communities.
• Mentoring and supporting junior and intermediate staff in Indigenous engagement best practices.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• A degree or professional designation is preferred (such as Communications, Environmental Planning, Indigenous Studies, or a related field); practical experience is highly valued.
• 10+ years of experience in Indigenous engagement, consultation, or communications, in either the public or private sector.
• Experience with the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit is considered a strong asset.
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous governance structures, rights, and legal frameworks (e.g., Duty to Consult, UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, FPIC).
• Demonstrated experience in facilitation, conflict resolution, and building strong relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with proven experience in plain language writing, AODA compliance, and creating culturally sensitive and inclusive engagement materials.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and travel to Indigenous communities as needed.
• A valid driver’s license and access to transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 12+ years of relevant experience in a similar role.
• Lived experience as an Indigenous person (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) is considered a strong asset.
• Bilingualism in English and French or an Indigenous language would be an asset.
• Experience with Indigenous procurement, partnerships, or capacity-building initiatives.
• Familiarity with Impact Assessment and permitting processes at federal and provincial levels.
• Membership in IAP2, CPRS, IABC, IAF, or other relevant professional associations.

Additional Information

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional territories and homelands on which our AECOM offices and projects sites are located. We honour and respect the diverse history, languages, ceremonies, and culture of the Indigenous Peoples who call these areas home.

We acknowledge and respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, their connection to the land and water and the role reconciliation plays in building strong relationships. We believe in the importance of learning from Indigenous Peoples while creating equitable opportunities for everyone.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.