Hiring is open CLOSED for the 2024 Wildsight Youth Climate Corps West Kootenay. Than you for your interest. Follow along this season on our Instagram account.
Position: Climate Action Technician
Contract Dates: May 6 – August 23, 2024 (with the potential to extend)
Location: Nelson, with projects taking place in Salmo, Kaslo, Creston and beyond.
Hours: 35–40 hours per week, typically Monday–Friday (occasional evening and weekend work)
Compensation: $20 per hour, certifications and training
Certifications provided:
- OFA Level 1
- S100 / 185 (basic fire suppression and entrapment avoidance)
- Bear Awareness
- FireSmart 101
Training provided:
- Introduction to fire ecology and fuel sampling methods
- Basic chainsaw operation and maintenance
- Introduction to food systems
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Exposure to Indigenous perspectives on the land
- Leadership and communication skills
- Social media strategy
Knowledge of local ecosystems and how climate change is impacting this area both presently and in the future
Introduction to levels of government, community partners and methods for community engagement
Opportunity Description:
As climate change places increasing pressure on our global, regional and local ecosystems and communities, the need to respond with meaningful action could not be more pressing. Harnessing the energy and ambition of young adults, the Youth Climate Corps empowers you to inspire and implement solutions to the climate crisis through employment, training and leadership development.
This position will primarily include hands-on work and skill-building. There will also be some remote online programming. The online components will include some training, plus regular communication and public outreach about your experiences throughout the program.
2024 West Kootenay YCC Projects:
- Salmo Wildfire Risk Reduction Project
A wildfire risk reduction project developed to spread awareness and increase local wildfire resilience. Working with a local forestry company to remove surface fuels and increase the canopy base height to reduce the continuity of fuel loads. Collaboration with local FireSmart Neighbourhoods and Coordinators. - Community Engagement
The crew will work with different organizations and local governments to help educate and connect with the community on fire resiliency, water conservation, and community preparedness. - Several other small projects are dependent on funding and partnerships including residential-based FireSmarting, Sustainable Development Goals, shoreline stewardship, agricultural sector support environmental education facilitating and potentially more.
Your role:
We are seeking 4-6 passionate, motivated and empathetic individuals, driven to take meaningful climate action in your local community. Engaging with local professionals, Wildsight staff and deeply involved community members, you will gain the knowledge, skills and training necessary to advance climate-resilient communities.
With support and direction from the West Kootenay Program Coordinator and other YCC team members, the crew will:
- Participate enthusiastically and professionally in introductory and ongoing training and learning activities (both general and project specific)
- Work collaboratively with fellow crew members and external partners to complete YCC projects at a high standard of safety and quality. Project activities are likely to include:
- Use of chainsaws and other hand tools to implement wildfire risk reduction prescriptions
- Working in remote areas across the RDCK
- Use of GPS and other applications to collect and record data
- Communicating with the general public
- Teaching environmental education curriculum in workshop settings to diverse audiences
- Serve as an ambassador between YCC projects and community members
- Support the YCC team in producing and sharing communications content to tell the story of our work through multiple channels
- Working in a learning environment
Requirements:
- Valid Driver’s License
- Motivation to be part of solutions to climate change
- Passion for community building
- Willingness to engage others in climate action
- Adaptable and adventurous attitude
- Experience working independently
- Capable of working remotely (with the possibility of camping on or near the location)
- Love for the outdoors, with the ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and terrain
- Previous familiarity, education or experience with climate action or in climate-related fields is an asset but not a requirement
Applicant Eligibility:
- Be between 17–30 years of age at the start of the contract
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada
How to Apply:
Wildsight is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our hiring processes and work environment and actively recruits for diversity within our crews. We encourage women, people of colour, people of Indigenous ancestry and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals to apply for this position. Wildsight recognizes climate justice as essential for climate action and we actively recruit for diversity.
Please fill out the application survey to apply. Email any questions to wkycc@wildsight.ca. While resumes, cover letters or other materials (such as art, videos, or information on events/initiatives that you have been involved in) are in no way mandatory, you can email these optional items.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled; Don’t wait to apply!
We are also hiring a Crew Coordinator; view the job posting to learn more.
For more information on Wildsight’s Youth Climate Corps, please visit our home page.
Youth Climate Corps
