JUNIOR FIRESMART COORDINATOR

Full-time, Temporary

Who we are

We are the Pacheedaht First Nation - a resilient, thriving community rooted in our sacred lands and waters. Our home brings peace, safety, and belonging, connecting us to one another and to our ancestors.

Guided by our teachings, we steward our territory and exercise our rights, title, and jurisdiction with care, protecting the wildlife, clean air, waters, and forests that sustain current and future generations. Pacheedaht First Nation is a proud, progressive government focused on the health, safety, and self-reliance of our people while preserving our culture, values, and language. We hold four reserves (174 hectares) within our traditional territory in Port Renfrew, about 80 km from Victoria, with an estimated 286 members, including roughly 100 living on-reserve.

About the role

Reporting to the Emergency Program Manager, the Junior FireSmart Coordinator supports the planning and delivery of community FireSmart activities in alignment with Canadian FireSmart principles and the Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) FireSmart Community Funding & Supports program guidelines. The role assists in reducing the community’s wildfire risk through coordination of education, outreach, assessments, and community engagement initiatives funded through the 2025 UBCM FireSmart grant.

We are seeking someone who brings a background in community engagement, wildfire risk reduction, and a commitment to upholding the values and teachings of the Pacheedaht First Nation. The ideal candidate demonstrates a passion for protecting lands and waters, experience working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, and an understanding of FireSmart principles and emergency preparedness. They are dedicated to fostering safety, stewardship, and knowledge-sharing within our Nation, ensuring the wellbeing of both our people and natural environment for generations to come.

This is a full-time, temporary position for a period of 6 months, with the potential to transition into a permanent full-time role depending on future funding. We encourage applicants seeking long-term growth and community impact to apply.

What you will do

As the Junior FireSmart Coordinator for Pacheedaht First Nation, you will:

FireSmart Planning & Project Support

• Assist in the planning, implementation, and tracking of FireSmart activities and projects as outlined in the approved UBCM FireSmart grant work plan.
• Support data collection and reporting requirements for FireSmart projects, including interim and final reporting to UBCM.

Community Education & Engagement

• Support public education and outreach campaigns to promote FireSmart practices and wildfire risk reduction in the community.
• Help coordinate and participate in community events, workshops, open houses, and FireSmart days.
• Aid in developing and distributing educational materials for diverse audiences, including residents, local businesses, and youth.
• Assist with FireSmart assessments (e.g., home ignition zone or community assets) and work with residents and stakeholders to interpret and communicate assessment findings.

Lived and learned experience we are seeking

To be the successful candidate for this position, you will have/demonstrate:

• Education or equivalent: First Aid and wildfire risk reduction course certifications considered an asset.
• Skills grounded in lived experience: Commitment to community safety, wildfire resiliency, and continuous learning.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Systems experience: Experience Microsoft Office Suite is an asset, along with the ability to prepare reports and presentations.
• Cultural grounding: Knowledge of Pacheedaht First Nation culture, history and local traditions.
• People & relationships: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to engage respectfully with a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines.
• Indigenous experience: Indigenous lived experience and/or significant experience working with Indigenous communities is strongly valued.
• Certifications & Checks: Valid BC driver’s licence (Class 5; Class 4 preferred) with a clear driver’s abstract preferred.
• Clear Criminal Record Check, including the vulnerable sector, as required.
• Ways of working: Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by community events.
• Office-based with frequent community engagement and fieldwork.
• Regular travel within the community and potential work in outdoor settings during FireSmart activities.

What we offer

• An opportunity to work with like-minded people and do meaningful, community-focused work.
• A pay range of $25 per hour. 
• Full-time, seasonal employment.
• Additional paid time off over the festive season, plus generous sick and personal leave.
• Every other Friday off, and hybrid work arrangements, where applicable.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Participation in community events and festivities.

Persons of Indigenous ancestry will be given preference per s16(1) CHRA.

Pacheedaht First Nation - or “People of the Seafoam”- are a Nuu-chah-nulth people from the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.