Preference will be given to applicants that currently live in the Nechako watershed. Applicants from outside the Nechako Watershed will be considered but must have previously lived in the watershed and demonstrate a strong understanding of Nechako watershed-based values and needs.

The public member will receive remuneration for Board meeting attendance. 
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the NEEF Background and Guiding Principles  www.neef.ca

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume by November 24, 2023. 

Britta Boudreau
Administrator, NEEF

250-964-6334

Purpose of the NEEF

As part of the BC/Alcan 1997 Agreement, Rio Tinto agreed to contribute up to $50 million to the Nechako Environmental Enhancement Fund (NEEF). The purpose of this fund is to enhance the environment of the Nechako Watershed. The decision on the best use of the fund was given to a Management Committee (NEEF MC) whose structure and mandate is outlined in the 1997 Agreement. The NEEF MC decisions are detailed in their 2012 report. 
In 2015 the MC formed the NEEF Society to administer the projects and funds as directed by the NEEF MC. This registered society serves as a legal entity to manage contracts with recipients of NEEF grants. 
The intent of the NEEF is environmental enhancement related to water. Funding proposals submitted to NEEF must identify how they support one or more of these objectives:

Options that are related to changes in flow in the Cheslatta River and Nechako River. This includes changes related to Skins Lake Spillway discharges and changes in flow achieved through other enhancement initiatives;

1. Options that seek to rehabilitate fish habitat and fish populations in the Cheslatta River and Nechako River;
2. Options that promote education and stewardship of water in the Nechako and Cheslatta watersheds; and
3. Options related to improving how water flow regulation decisions are made in consideration of all environmental aspects.

Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members

The specific roles and responsibilities of the public Board member is: 

1. Support the strategic direction and priorities of the NEEF fund as identified in the NEEF MC Decisions. 
2. Provide expertise and strategic advice on NEEF activities and priorities.
3. Provides strategic advice to guide NEEF support for environmental enhancement in the Nechako Watershed. 
4. Evaluation funding proposals against NEEF criteria and objectives.
5. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of projects approved for NEEF funding. 
6. Approve Annual Operating Plans (and associated annual budget). 
7. Develop and participate in the implementation of an annual communication plan.
8. Provide annual feedback and recommendations on the NEEF Program and the Administrators performance of duties. 

Expectations of Public Board Members

Once selected, Public Members are expected to abide by the Policies and Procedures.

Preparation for and participation in board meetings is an essential component of board member responsibilities. The Board will meet four to six times a year and meetings will be primarily virtual.

Review and final decisions on all grant applications for proposed projects will take place between November and March annually. Meetings will be 1-4 hours in length. From time to time, the board may need to make decisions outside of regularly scheduled meetings, which may require the board to make decisions via email depending on the nature of the decision and at the discretion of the board chair. 

The Annual General Meeting occurs in late February/ early March.

Selection Criteria for Public Board Members: 

The NEEFS uses the following selection criteria in assessing candidates: 

1. Length of residency in the Nechako Watershed region.
2. Involvement in conservation activities and/or organizations; 
3. Fisheries technical knowledge; 
4. Oral and written communications skills; 
5. Communications skills with public stakeholders and First Nations; 
6. Ability to represent a public perspective; 
7. Experience and network within stakeholder groups; 
8. Experience in committee/board work using consensus decision-making; 
9. Ability to meet time commitment required of Board members. 

The potential for conflict of interest will also be assessed. There must be no perceived or real conflict of interest that will result in direct financial or preferential benefits to the public member. 

Public Board Member Remuneration:

The Public Board members shall be reimbursed for per diems based on level 2 Treasury Board Directives.

Appointees incurring transportation, accommodation, meal and out of pocket expenses in the course of their duties as members of the board will be reimbursed in accordance with level 2 rates, policies and procedures established by the Treasury Board excluding the travel incidentals amount. 

The current level 2 Treasury Board Honorarium Rates are:

• $300 per a full day meeting 
• $150 for a meeting less than 4 hours in duration.