Job opportunity - Youth Land Steward (closed)
This position is full-time (35-40hrs), starting at $22/hr, Monday to Friday and occasional weekends. Employment benefits include: extended medical, dental, vision, long term disability and more (family members included).
Job Description
The Youth Land Steward is responsible to work as part of a team tasked with the delivery of ecosystem restoration and land and water stewardship projects at Xwaaqw’um village site. Youth Land Steward’s will work with our Restoration Coordinator and other Stqeeye’ staff, Elders, Community Advisors, and Volunteers to perform project work. Youth Land Stewards will receive hands-on work experience, training and mentorship in traditional Quw’utsun stewardship practices, scientific methods and leadership.
Job Requirements
Demonstrated previous employment experience working in a group of 2 or more to complete a project or task in a team environment.
Experience safely completing physically demanding projects or tasks in the outdoors.
Experience or openness to engage the public through participation in volunteer events, educational material creation, interpretive displays and/or presentations and event planning.
Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment that recognizes the significant contributions of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers in ecosystem restoration activities. Along with an openness to engage in Western scientific practices.
Interest in acquiring conservation, resource management, and stewardship experience.
Candidate must be willing to commute to Salt Spring Island (travel assistance available) or find their own suitable accommodation.
With completed training, willingness to provide basic first aid to the team and respond to and report safety concerns
Preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, Aboriginal Employment Preferences Policy. Local knowledge of Quw’utsun culture, protocols, and language is an asset.
Willingness Statements
Willing to practice and uphold Quw’utsun protocols, especially when working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Willing and able to perform daily physical project work.
Willing to participate and successfully complete training opportunities.
Willing to work in moderate to extreme weather conditions and hike into semi-remote locations.
Willing to perform physically demanding work (ex. hiking, carrying gear and equipment, invasive plant species removal, and construction).
Willing to assist with the response to safety concerns and emergency incidents.
Responsibilities
Listen and take direction from Restoration Coordinator, Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and designated persons. Including being open to and taking part in local cultural and spiritual practices.
Perform work required for wetland monitoring, native plant nursery assistance, mapping and assessment, p’hwulhp (garry oak) restoration, seeding food crops and native plant crops, and transplanting, fish stream surveys, marine surveys and invasive species management.
May be required to operate various hand tools including shovels, rakes, etc.
Perform work required for completing assigned public relations and communications projects such as public outreach and education, photos and videos interpretive tours, and workshops.
Undertake field data collection, computer data entry and historical baseline research.
Work in conjunction with and take direction from the Stqeeye’ Learning Society’s staff and/or Community Advisors and volunteers to coordinate Restoration Team projects, educational opportunities and review team safety.
Participate in completing work safely and in accordance with WorkSafe BC. With completed training, willingness to provide basic first aid to the team and respond to and report safety concerns.
Take part in debriefing work, risk management discussion and feedback sessions.
About Stqeeye’
Stqeeye’ Learning Society is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization whose work focuses on a historical Cowichan village site, Xwaaqw’um, in the area now known as Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park on Saltspring Island. Our mission is to provide land-based educational opportunities for youth that foster a strong sense of identity and pride by introducing them to Quw’utsun ancestral and scientific stewardship practices.
