Our Approach to People
Our Approach to People
Local Hiring
At NOVAGOLD, we place a strong emphasis on hiring local talent, and prioritizing education and training to equip community members with the skills necessary to join and grow within our team. Job creation is a core value for us, significantly contributing to the economic growth and overall well-being of the regions where we operate.
This focus on local recruitment extends to senior roles, where we recognize the value of local knowledge and expertise in strengthening our operations. At Donlin Gold, positions such as General Manager, Human Resources Manager, Project Manager, Administration Manager, and Environmental and Permitting Manager are all filled by residents of Alaska.
Employment Benefits
In an industry grappling with a skilled labor shortage amid rising gold demand, NOVAGOLD recognizes the importance of strategic investments in talent acquisition. We strive to be an employer of choice by offering competitive pay and benefits, fostering a culture of inclusivity and fairness, and adhering to the highest principles of respect for the rights of our employees. Donlin Gold’s commitment to local communities is demonstrated through training programs designed to create opportunities for Y-K region residents to join our team, contributing to the long-term growth and sustainability of the regions in which we operate.
Both NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold conduct annual evaluations for all employees, assessing performance and career development across the organization. These evaluations follow a structured review process where managers assess employees’ performance against established targets, key performance indicators (KPIs), and the parameters set for the review period. This approach ensures that our employees receive continuous feedback and growth opportunities, helping them reach their full potential.
Oversight
The Director of Human Resources has overall responsibility for employment matters at NOVAGOLD corporate offices. The Compensation Committee of the Board oversees the Company’s performance regarding human resources. The Human Resources Manager at Donlin Gold is specifically tasked with hiring and employment-related duties. At the operational level of the Donlin Gold project site, daily workforce responsibilities are overseen by the General Manager.
At its peak staffing level in 2024, the Donlin Gold workforce exceeded 30 individuals. The Company remains firmly committed to fostering corporate and site environments free from discrimination and abusive practices, ensuring that all employees and contractors are treated with respect and dignity. NOVAGOLD actively seeks to maintain a workplace that aligns with its values by hiring individuals who share the commitment to these principles. This comprehensive approach includes the establishment of policies, ongoing training on anti-harassment and anti-discrimination, and the implementation of a robust complaint reporting process, including an anonymous whistleblower hotline, and targeted training programs addressing behaviors inconsistent with our values.
