Land and Environment Officer

at  SONGHEES FIRST NATION

Songhees Nation Job Posting
Position: Land and Environment Officer
Status: Full-Time and Funding Terms
Reports to: Director of Land & Environment
Salary: $32 to $36 per hour, based on experience
Department: Land and Environment

Application Deadline: Open until filled Do you have a background in environment and capital projects, coordinating and executing environment projects, and an interest in supporting Songhees land and environment work? Songhees Nation is hiring a Land and Environment Officer to work with external partners, government agencies, and assist Songhees with the land and environment department research, field work and projects. The Lək̓ʷəŋən is referenced by the Indian Act as the Songhees Nation, and the nation serves approximately 600 members on New Songhees Reserve 1A and away from home. The Songhees Land and Environment vision is a sustainable land base meeting current and future needs for cultural, residential, recreational, commercial and community land use. Songhees Nation’s Tl’ches Marine Use Plan reflects community priorities and values with appropriate laws and regulations for cultural and environmental protection and conservation. If you’d like to join a committed team implementing Indigenous-led and directed work in Lək̓ʷəŋən territory we want to hear from you! Who you are Respecting Lək̓ʷəŋən culture, values and diversity and committed to the work of decolonization, accessibility and inclusivity for Songhees in the work environment, community, and traditional territory. Be a part of furthering the inclusive community that provides equitable opportunities for Songhees Nation band members. The ideal candidate has living experience with decolonization and working with indigenous nations. We are looking for someone with creative and strategic thinking and the ability to supervise competing priorities and complex relationships and partnerships. You would ideally be comfortable in a self-directed position and work toward positive change in our traditional territory that meets the Songhees Nation’s goals and values. Additionally, you act with a high degree of professionalism and integrity in all situations. What you’ll be doing

• The Lands and Environment Officer will assist the Director of Lands Environment in overseeing major projects coordination and execution of environmental work.
• Advising on the compliance of applicable environmental laws, regulations and standards.
• Working with external parties delegated by director to ensure Songhees environment interests are addressed.
• Working with Songhees Lands Department on land code implementation, land projects, and environmental aspects of archaeology referrals and permits.
• This position assists the Nation’s environmental goals and research in their traditional territories. Duties include, but aren’t limited to:
• Assisting in developing and administering Land Code Laws, policies, and procedures to regulate land use.
• Assisting with meetings with federal partners including Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Transport Canada (TC), Department of Defence (DND), and others.
• Assisting in community outreach and engagement events with the Lands and Environment Department.
• Provides input on annual work plan for Lands and Environment division.
• Assisting in the development of annual work plan, budget and funding applications.
• Working with various stakeholders to assist in developing and administering policies and procedures related to Songhees land and traditional territory.
• Coordinate the development of department submissions in relation to environment and natural resource management and policy reviews on Songhees land and traditional territory.
• Prepare land and environment reports.
• Ensure compliance with environmental elements of land use plans, zoning bylaws, and other regulations through onsite inspections, collection of data and evidence, issuance of citations for violations, and participation in prosecutions as necessary.
• Participate in the response to environmental emergencies.
• Assist staff in the enforcement of laws, bylaws, legislation and contamination.
• Assist in field work as needed.
• Work with staff, members, interest holders and businesses, to protect the reserve land from contaminants.
• Sit on working groups with different stakeholders to make sure that Songhees rights are being upheld and protected, along with environmental protections
• Provide input for the design and delivery of environment projects.
• Supervise Songhees Marine staff and assist with the Guardian staff’s needs to support their growth in their roles
• Perform duties as required. Qualifications
• Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant area of study (marine biology, ecology, environmental science, etc) with at least 3-years related experience.
• Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous, Lekwungen and Coast Salish history and culture required.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License (or equivalent) and Clean Drivers Abstract.
• Successful Criminal Record Check (CRC) required. Cultural and diversity knowledge with a harmless approach regarding members and within nation work.
• Project management experience involving the ability to plan, implement, and oversee projects.
• Analytical ability and skill to identify existing and potential problems.
• The ability to prepare technical documents, workplans, and monitoring plans is required.
• Skills and experience focused on field data collection, data management, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) in environmental work are required.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with director, staff, members, and others.
• Proficient in Microsoft products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Coordinate work schedules and procedures with marine and assist with Guardian staff.

Additional Beneficial Skills:

• Working in inclement weather conditions
• Working in remote locations
• Working on the water – boat maintenance, care, and safe operation
• Marine-life identification skills are considered an asset (invertebrates, mammals, birds, fish, shellfish, etc)
• A working knowledge of environmental processes, current and historical impacts, and developing technologies are an asset
• Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDV-BS), and Restricted Operator Certificate for Maritime Radio (ROC-M) certifications are considered an asset

Benefits
The successful candidate will be entitled to the Songhees Nation Pension and Benefits plan after the successful completion of the probation period. Benefits include extended health benefits, dental, life insurance, LTD, and AD&D.
Recruitment Process
Candidates will be required to complete a phone pre-screen, in person interview, reference checks, and a criminal record search, only those who are shortlisted will be contacted.
How to Apply
Please send resumes to: Kathy Bryce, Land Assistant and Registrar, Songhees Nation Phone 250-386-1043 ext. 208 Email: kathy.bryce@songheesnation.com
Additional Information:
Songhees Nation is committed to increasing the number of members working for the Nation. Hiring preference will be given to qualified candidates who are Songhees Nation members, or those with Indigenous ancestry.
If you require an accommodation as part of the recruitment process, please email felicity.peters@songheesnation.com
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $32.00-$36.00 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In perso

• The Lands and Environment Officer will assist the Director of Lands Environment in overseeing major projects coordination and execution of environmental work.
• Advising on the compliance of applicable environmental laws, regulations and standards.
• Working with external parties delegated by director to ensure Songhees environment interests are addressed.
• Working with Songhees Lands Department on land code implementation, land projects, and environmental aspects of archaeology referrals and permits.
• This position assists the Nation’s environmental goals and research in their traditional territories. Duties include, but aren’t limited to:
• Assisting in developing and administering Land Code Laws, policies, and procedures to regulate land use.
• Assisting with meetings with federal partners including Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Transport Canada (TC), Department of Defence (DND), and others.
• Assisting in community outreach and engagement events with the Lands and Environment Department.
• Provides input on annual work plan for Lands and Environment division.
• Assisting in the development of annual work plan, budget and funding applications.
• Working with various stakeholders to assist in developing and administering policies and procedures related to Songhees land and traditional territory.
• Coordinate the development of department submissions in relation to environment and natural resource management and policy reviews on Songhees land and traditional territory.
• Prepare land and environment reports.
• Ensure compliance with environmental elements of land use plans, zoning bylaws, and other regulations through onsite inspections, collection of data and evidence, issuance of citations for violations, and participation in prosecutions as necessary.
• Participate in the response to environmental emergencies.
• Assist staff in the enforcement of laws, bylaws, legislation and contamination.
• Assist in field work as needed.
• Work with staff, members, interest holders and businesses, to protect the reserve land from contaminants.
• Sit on working groups with different stakeholders to make sure that Songhees rights are being upheld and protected, along with environmental protections
• Provide input for the design and delivery of environment projects.
• Supervise Songhees Marine staff and assist with the Guardian staff’s needs to support their growth in their roles
• Perform duties as required. Qualifications
• Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant area of study (marine biology, ecology, environmental science, etc) with at least 3-years related experience.
• Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous, Lekwungen and Coast Salish history and culture required.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License (or equivalent) and Clean Drivers Abstract.
• Successful Criminal Record Check (CRC) required. Cultural and diversity knowledge with a harmless approach regarding members and within nation work.
• Project management experience involving the ability to plan, implement, and oversee projects.
• Analytical ability and skill to identify existing and potential problems.
• The ability to prepare technical documents, workplans, and monitoring plans is required.
• Skills and experience focused on field data collection, data management, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) in environmental work are required.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with director, staff, members, and others.
• Proficient in Microsoft products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Coordinate work schedules and procedures with marine and assist with Guardian staff