Indigenous Guardian Coordinator

POSITION:                        INDIGENOUS GUARDIAN COORDINATOR (LAND & SEA)

HOUR OF WORK:              FULL-TIME, TEMPORARY (35 HRS/WEEK FOR 8 MONTHS)

REPORTS TO:                    LANDS & FISHERIES MANAGERS

WAGE:                               $35.00 per HOUR

POSITION SUMMARY: The Indigenous Guardian Coordinator (Land and Sea) will lead the development, delivery, and oversight of a community-based Guardian program grounded in Indigenous values, cultural teachings, and environmental stewardship. This 8-month contract position plays a key role in protecting and monitoring the lands and waters of Tsawout First Nation, while building capacity, fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer, and contributing to food sovereignty initiatives.

The Coordinator is responsible for securing funding, coordinating seasonal fieldwork, developing a comprehensive annual workplan, and working closely with community members, Elders, youth, and partners to uphold the Nation’s responsibilities to the land and sea.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Development and Coordination

• Develop, implement, and update an annual workplan that reflects community priorities, seasonal cycles, and stewardship goals.
• Coordinate day-to-day operations of the Indigenous Guardian program, including training needs, schedules, patrols, equipment, and monitoring activities.
• Lead planning and logistics for seasonal stewardship and harvesting efforts (e.g., crab, prawn, halibut, and plant gathering).
• Support community harvesting and distribution of traditional foods, particularly for Elders and vulnerable community members.

2. Fund Development and Reporting

• Research, write, and submit grant proposals to support the Guardian program’s continuity, growth, and special initiatives and training needs.
• Manage budgets in collaboration with the Assistant Manager and finance team, ensuring alignment with funding agreements.
• Track deliverables and prepare clear and timely reports for funders, community leadership, and collaborators.
• Foster long-term funding partnerships rooted in respect for Indigenous governance and autonomy.

3. Environmental Monitoring and Stewardship

• Coordinate marine and terrestrial monitoring efforts, including data collection on ecosystem health, species presence, and resource pressures.
• Develop Safety protocols for staff and external collaborators in coordination with other departments, as necessary (i.e. volunteers, elders, youth)
• Ensure safe and effective use of tools such as GPS units, water quality kits, mapping software, and field devices.

4. Cultural Knowledge and Community Engagement

• Work with Elders and Knowledge Holders to incorporate Indigenous teachings, stories, and language into stewardship activities.
• Organize cultural camps, harvesting expeditions, and community events that emphasize Indigenous law and relationship to place.
• Provide regular updates to community members through meetings, newsletters, and storytelling.

5. Intergenerational Learning and Mentorship

• Mentor junior Guardians, Summer Interns participants by offering hands-on training, guidance, and cultural education.
• Support youth land-and-sea learning through seasonal harvesting, language immersion, and skill-building workshops.
• Create opportunities for Elders and youth to engage directly through cultural knowledge transfer.

6. Partnership and Collaboration

• Represent the program at regional and inter-Nation gatherings, stewardship networks, and meetings with external partners.
• Build respectful and reciprocal relationships with researchers, governments, and conservation organizations.
• Coordinate shared initiatives where appropriate and ensure partnerships align with community protocols and values.

Qualifications

Required:

• Strong connection to and knowledge of the lands and waters of the Tsawout First Nation.
• Proven leadership and coordination experience in a community-based, environmental, or cultural context.
• Experience with grant writing, proposal development, and program budgeting.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, including the ability to work with Elders, youth, and partners.
• Passion for Indigenous land and sea stewardship, cultural revitalization, and food sovereignty.

Assets (Preferred):

• Experience in field monitoring, traditional harvesting, or marine safety.
• Familiarity with Indigenous culture, language(s), protocols, and knowledge systems.
• Marine safety or field certifications (e.g., SVOP, MED A3, Wilderness First Aid) or willingness to obtain those.
• Proficiency with digital tools for mapping, data entry, and reporting.

Working Conditions

This position includes outdoor fieldwork in all seasons and conditions, as well as office-based planning and reporting. Travel may be required for community events, training, or regional coordination and training. Flexible schedule required, including some evenings and weekends tied to tides, weather, and cultural seasons. 

OTHER FACTORS

Culture/Language

Respect for and working knowledge of the SȾÁUTW̱ culture is required.

Personal Attributes

The Indigenous Guardian Coordinator maintains strict confidentiality in performing their duties and demonstrates the following personal attributes: Respect, Empathy, Strength, Pride and Equality 

Our Benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance

Preference may be given to qualified individuals of First Nation Ancestry. 

Apply now and join our team!