Program Manager-CPPFE

Job summary

The Program Manager will lead the strategic direction and implementation of the Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange. Key duties include managing budgets, leading a collaborative team, and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities and government agencies.

Job details

Role: Program Manager-CPPFE Full-Time | 4-Year Term Start Date: November 2026 Are you passionate about conservation, partnership-building, and advancing landscape-scale environmental initiatives? The Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange (CPPFE) is seeking an experienced and strategic Program Manager to lead the next phase of one of Canada's most innovative prescribed fire capacity-building initiatives. Hosted by Meewasin, CPPFE works across Western Canada to advance the safe, professional, and ecologically appropriate use of prescribed fire through training, knowledge sharing, partner collaboration, and practitioner support. As Program Manager, you will provide overall leadership, coordination, and strategic direction for CPPFE, working closely with practitioners, Indigenous communities, government agencies, conservation organizations, academic institutions, funders, and partner networks across the Prairies. You will lead program planning, partnership development, financial oversight, team leadership, governance support, and long-term sustainability planning. WHAT YOU'L DO Lead the implementation and continued development of CPPFE's strategic priorities and annual work plans. Build and strengthen regional partnerships and collaborative networks. Manage program budgets, funding agreements, reporting, and accountability requirements. Lead and support a high-performing, collaborative team. Guide governance processes and serve as the primary staff liaison to the CPPFE Steering Committee. Monitor program performance and drive continuous improvement. Help shape the future growth and sustainability of prescribed fire capacity-building across the Canadian Prairies. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We're seeking a dynamic leader with: • A degree or diploma in natural resource management, environmental science, program management, or a related discipline. • A minimum of seven years of experience in program management, project leadership, partnership development, and people leadership. • Strong strategic planning, communication, facilitation, and organizational skills. • Experience managing complex, multi-partner initiatives and collaborative networks. • Experience with budgets, grants, reporting, and program accountability. • An understanding of conservation, land management, agriculture, wildfire or prescribed fire, and prairie ecosystems. • A commitment to relationship-building, collaboration, and advancing meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations. WHY JOIN US? This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of prescribed fire capacity-building in Canada while contributing to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, wildfire risk reduction, and cultural land stewardship. You'll work alongside an engaged network of practitioners and partners dedicated to creating healthier, more resilient prairie landscapes. APPLY Send your resume (Word or PDF) and cover letter to jobs@meewasin.com with competition code PM2609 in the subject line. Application Deadline: September 21, 2026 Visit Help Shape the Future of Prescribed Fire on the Canadian Prairies — Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange for more details.

What you’ll do

The Program Manager will lead the strategic direction and implementation of the Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange. Key duties include managing budgets, leading a collaborative team, and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities and government agencies.

Requirements

Candidates must have a degree or diploma in natural resource management or a related field and at least seven years of experience in program management and leadership. Knowledge of prairie ecosystems, prescribed fire, and a commitment to Indigenous partnerships are essential.

Listed skills

• People leadership · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Facilitation · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Program Management
• Project Leadership
• Partnership Development
• Strategic Planning
• Financial Oversight
• Budget Management
• People Leadership
• Facilitation
• Communication
• Governance Support
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Conservation Management
• Land Management
• Wildfire Management
• Prescribed Fire
• Indigenous Relations

Job areas

• Environmental & Sustainability
• Management & Leadership
• Science & Research
• Government & Public Sector
• Agriculture