Environmental Technician

Halalt First Nation (HFN)’s Natural Resources Department is seeking two Environmental Technicians to assist with the Nation’s participation in the Salish Sea Initiative, freshwater stock assessment, and related projects within its
traditional territory. HFN is a small indigenous community located near Chemainus, BC, with a traditional territory encompassing mid-Vancouver Island, the Salish Sea, and the Fraser River area. HFN and its staff work closely with other Quw’utsun Nation communities, including Cowichan Tribes, Penelakut Tribe, Lyackson First Nation, and Stz’uminus First Nation to develop, coordinate, and implement regionally-important environmental monitoring and stewardship programs.

The Environmental Technician will assist with environmental monitoring and restoration efforts within HFN traditional territory, including Cowichan Valley watersheds and neighboring marine and estuarine environments. Responsibilities will include field survey implementation, field equipment operations and maintenance, and community engagement.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience working in the field, particularly aquatic (freshwater and marine) environments, experience working with indigenous communities, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Preference will be given to Quw’utsun Nation members and members of other Indigenous communities.

The following duties, responsibilities and expectations are provided for reference. Candidates should speak to their abilities and experience in their cover letter and resume.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist with field survey implementation, including, but not limited to eelgrass surveys, beach tending, water quality monitoring, and salmon population monitoring.
  • Participate in environmental restoration work and associated monitoring.
  • Operate and maintain small water vessels, fish monitoring equipment (e.g., rotary screw traps, sonar units), and vehicles in support of field programs.
  • Coordinate with other Nations and contractors to facilitate collaborative field program implementation.
  • Assist with junior technician supervision, training, and coordination.
  • Organize and archive biological samples including tissue samples, eDNA samples, scales, otoliths, and water samples, coordinate with external laboratories on sample shipment and management.
  • Review sonar echograms and video to generate salmon escapement estimates.
  • Conduct data entry, database management, QA/QC.
  • Conduct field- and desktop-based mapping using GPS/GIS.
  • Occasionally represent HFN at symposiums, meetings, conferences, and delegations.
  • Assist with community meetings, Elder and youth engagement initiatives, and outreach.
  • Field equipment and vessel maintenance.

Reporting/Communication Expectations

  • Regular communication with program biologists and other HFN staff on program implementation/progress.
  • Daily check-ins (work planning and safety) at the beginning of the workday and check-outs at the end of the workday with the Senior Technician or Biologist.

Education

  • Secondary school diploma or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • Post-secondary diploma and/or degree in environmental sciences, geography, oceanography, biology, fisheries management, or a related field is an asset.

Experience

  • Past experience conducting field work, especially fisheries and aquatics-focused surveys, is an asset.
  • Familiarity with GIS/GPS spatial data collection and post-processing technologies such as Google Earth, QGIS, and ArcGIS.
  • Awareness of data and communication security and confidentiality.
  • Experience operating boats of various sizes and following safety procedures is an asset.
  • Experience maintaining and repairing field equipment is an asset.
  • Experience piloting drones is an asset.

Skills, Abilities and Personal Attributes

  • Collaborative, team player with the ability to establish and maintain effective, professional, working relationships.
  • Proficient with programs in Office 365, primarily Excel, Outlook, and Word.
  • Hard working with the ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner.
  • Class 5 Driver’s License.
  • Indicate if you have: Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), Small
  • Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (MED A3), marine basic first aid (STCW 95), Restricted Operator Certificate-
  • Marine (ROC-M).

Work Conditions

This position is primarily field-based during the spring – fall months, with some office-based work. The Environmental Technician may be required to work in adverse weather, demonstrate flexibility with work hours, including weekends and evenings, in support of field program implementation and to participate in community engagement activities.

Position Terms

  • The successful candidates will initially be offered a 6-month contract with the potential for contract renewal;
  • The anticipated schedule is Monday-Friday 8am-4pm for a total of 35 hrs/week; some flexibility in work hours, including work on evenings, weekends, and holidays, is expected;
  • Wage: $25 – $30/hour (depending on education and experience).

If you are interested in this position, please send your resume, cover letter, and the contact information of two references to: melissa.evans@halalt.org *Note – applications received without a cover letter will not be considered.