The WLC and Raincoast are seeking a Nature Smart Project Coordinator
W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC) and Raincoast Conservation Foundation (Raincoast) are seeking a contracted project coordinator to support ongoing nature smart conservation work within W̱SÁNEĆ Territories.
The successful candidate will help to advance local, collaborative efforts to mobilize nature-smart climate solutions under Indigenous leadership. This work will involve organizing engagement events with W̱SÁNEĆ community members; helping to develop replicable nature smart climate solution frameworks (with the support of local partners); drafting communications pertaining to the project; organizing and facilitating meetings with collaborative partners; and drafting funding proposals for advancing project work. Though the incumbent will be directly supervised by W̱LC’s Marine and Land Use Planner, Raincoast’s Forest Conservation Program Director, will provide ongoing support as needed.
To begin this will be a part-time (15 to 20 hours/week), one-year term position at $30/hour with an anticipated start date of July 2023. The schedule can be flexible (i.e. work times/work days). This will be a hybrid in-person/remote position. The successful applicant must have access to a personal computer and reliable internet connection.
Desired skills & qualifications
- Diploma, degree, or training in ecology, biology, environmental studies, GIS, or similar work experience.
- Some familiarity with the flora/fauna of the Coastal Douglas-fir region and challenges to biodiversity conservation in this area
- Some experience in event planning and/or public outreach
- Fundraising/grant writing experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Confident public speaker with some experience in facilitation considered an asset
- Must be highly self-motivated and able to work effectively in a remote environment.
Assets
- Valid BC drivers license and access to a vehicle
While we welcome applications from all qualified candidates, preference will be given to members of the W̱SÁNEĆ community and those familiar with the SENĆOŦEN language.
Position background
This position has been created to support the CENENITEL Project: Nature-based Climate Solutions through Reconciliation-driven Terrestrial and Marine-based Restoration (CENENITEL Project).
The ultimate goal of the CENENITEL project is to unlock nature-based climate solutions via reconciliation-driven collaboration between conservation groups across W̱SÁNEĆ Territories in the Salish Sea. By combining Traditional Knowledge with academic science we aim to build regional capacity and influence policy to restore degraded ecosystems, increase carbon sequestration, and maximize climate resilience.
Project objectives
- Building local capacity and securing long-term conservation financing for land protection, restoration, and management by First Nations and allied not-for-profit organizations and individuals
- Piloting results-driven nature-smart climate projects on priority landscapes to inform strengthened environmental protection policies based on the best available knowledge
- Improving and expanding legal conservation tools such as conservation covenants to reduce rates of conversion and improve First Nation access to their Territories
This project straddles the policy and applied realms of restoration planning. It is a collaboration led by W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and closely supported by Raincoast Conservation Foundation and Transition Salt Spring. Joining the core group is a network of land trusts and conservancies from across the Territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples; scientists from the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia; and local environmental not-for-profit.
To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Shauna Johnson at shauna.johnson@https://wsanec.com/. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2023.
