First Nations Liaison - Wetlands Workforce

Job Description

About BCWF and Wetlands Workforce (WW)The B.C. Wildlife Federation is British Columbia’s leading conservation organization. As a province-wide member-driven charitable organization, with over 43,000 members and more than 100 member clubs, our organization represents the interests of all British Columbians who aim to protect, enhance and promote the wise use of the environment for the benefit of present and future generations.We are pleased to announce this exciting opportunity for you to join our team and make a BIG impact on watershed and wetland health in B.C. The Wetlands Workforce (WW) project will deploy work pods in the field to support the maintenance, monitoring and inventory of restored wetland sites across B.C., engage in planning activities related to the restoration of future wetland restoration sites and inventory of natural wetland sites for the development of better wetland management tools. The WW Project is supported through the Province of BC’s economic stimulus fund to provide temporary employment for a minimum of 100 people. Work pod activities will be supported in part by direct employment as well as multiple sub-contracts provided to partnering conservation organizations across the Province.The BCWF is hiring several positions for the Wetlands Workforce project. Other positions include:

• Project Manager
• Assistant Project Manager
• Project Accountant
• Wetlands Assessment & Field Coordinator

Other positions may also come open throughout early 2021. Interested parties can see all available current postings at https://bcwf.bc.ca/current-opportunities/.Applicants will first be considered for the position for which they have applied. If the applicant’s experience is suitable for one of the above roles, they may be invited to interview for this role in addition to or in lieu of the role applied for.Position TermsReporting to the Wetlands Workforce Project Manager and the Director of Conservation Stewardship, the First Nations Liaison will be responsible for fostering and maintaining relationships with First Nation communities through the delivery of the WW project. The First Nations Liaison will ensure effective and respectful communication between BCWF and partnering organizations, and First Nations/ Indigenous communities connected with the various WW project sites. The position will involve direct collaboration with First Nations and Indigenous leadership in B.C., ensuring that work plans are designed with and approved by these leaders. The First Nations Liaison will ensure that Indigenous voices are represented throughout the entire WW project, and that BCWF can demonstrate to funders that goals of collaboration have been achieved.This is a full-time, contracted position starting from hiring date and ending December 15, 2021. Occasional evenings, weekends and/or extended hours may be required to accommodate activities and events. At the current time, there is no clear opportunity for extension as this is a one-time fund.You will be expected to primarily work remotely (e.g., home office), collaborating virtually with a headquarters team, partners, and First Nations communities. Travel around the province during the field season to engage with First Nations communities and to facilitate training may be required. Applicants living outside of the Lower Mainland, but in British Columbia, will be considered.Core Responsibilities

• Identify and build connections with First Nations communities where the traditional territories overlap with WW project sites.
• Provide advice and direction to WW field staff and partners to ensure on-site collaboration with First Nations.
• Meet with First Nation leaders, elders, and other knowledge holders to gather input into project.
• Develop shared learning sessions, training opportunities, and recruitment to encourage First Nations' involvement (e.g., First Nation technicians and guardians).
• Collaborate and liaise with local First Nations on field site plans.
• Facilitate on-going identification and resolution of concerns raised by First Nations communities.
• Provide continual updates to local First Nations on field site work.
• Plan and implement shared learning sessions between WW and First Nations.
• Develop reports on First Nations collaboration and impact.
• Manage a budget specific for First Nation engagement

Competencies and Skills Work Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in communicating with and working alongside First Nations communities in British Columbia.
• Experience in budget management.
• Experience using tact and diplomacy.
• Experience in the conservation field, specifically working with wetland and riparian habitats, is an asset.
• Charity/Non-Profit experience is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Indigenous land base, culture, customs and treaties.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Self-starter, well organized, analytical, flexible, and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work with community, partner, funder, and BCWF representative.
• Demonstrate ability in effective oral and written communications.
• Experience in a communications position working with a large team and communicating with boards and/or decision makers.
• Strong personal alignment with BCWF’s mission, goals and values.

Education:

• Post-secondary education in a related field of Indigenous Studies, Environmental Studies, or equivalent training is an asset.

How to ApplyTo apply, visit https://bcwf.bc.ca/current-opportunities/ and follow the instructions listed on the corresponding job posting.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until January 27th, 2021. Only applicants who are considered for an interview will be contacted. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, interviews will be conducted over video conferencing.We kindly ask that applications be sent by email only – no fax, mail or phone calls please.Application deadline: 2021-01-27Expected start date: 2021-02-01Job Types: Full-time, ContractSalary: $27.00-$33.00 per hourBenefits:

• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work remotely:

• Yes