Climate Action Technician
West Kootenay Crew, Youth Climate Corps
Contract dates: Early May to late August 2026 (with the potential to extend into fall, pending funding)
Location: Nelson, BC, and area. Occasional travel to project locations further afield such as Creston (with travel cost coverage).
Hours: 35–40 hours per week, typically Monday–Friday (occasional evening and weekend work)
Compensation: $22.50 per hour (with an additional 4% vacation pay) + certifications and training
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. Much of the work we do is in partnership and collaboration with other organizations
This position will primarily include hands-on work and skill-building. There will also be some remote online programming, including some training, plus regular communication and public outreach throughout the program.
Youth Climate Corps programs in BC’s Columbia Basin region are a partnership between Wildsight and Youth Climate Corps BC. For opportunities elsewhere in BC, visit the Youth Climate Corps BC website.
2026 West Kootenay YCC Projects (pending final details)
- Invasive species removal and native plant restoration
- Community engagement
- Wildfire risk reduction and agricultural support
- Water quality training and sampling projects
- Small business retrofits: Crew will provide education and hands-on demonstrations of low-cost building retrofits for local businesses to help lower their energy consumption
- Land stewardship initiatives
Certifications provided:
- OFA Level 1 (or equivalent Emergency First Aid)
- S100 / 185 (basic fire suppression and entrapment avoidance)*
- Wildlife awareness
Training provided:
- Introduction to fire ecology
- Basic chainsaw operation and maintenance*
- Introduction to local food systems
- Low-cost building retrofits
- Exposure to Indigenous perspectives on the land
- Leadership and communication skills
- Social media strategy
- Basics of soil science
- Water Quality Monitoring*
- 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
*Pending project funding and approval
Your role:
We are seeking a crew of 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 Wildsight’s Youth Climate Corps Program Manager, 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
- Demonstrating low-cost retrofit options for small businesses
- Communicating with the general public, with the potential to visit individual residents regarding local water and Firesmart programs on behalf of local government
- 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
- Invasive species removal
- Native plant establishment and seed-saving
- 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
Requirements:
- 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 our application form 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 to wkycc@wildsight.ca.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled; don’t wait to apply!
For more information, please visit our home page.
To help you review the application questions prior to filling out the form, here is a pdf of the entire application form you may review if you wish!
