WildSafeBC Community Coordinator – Columbia Valley

Position: WildSafeBC Community Coordinator

Location: Invermere, Radium Hot springs and surrounding areas

Wage: $21 – 23 per hour    

Type: Contract

Hours: 500 hours, with possibility of more hours dependent on funding

Term: May 6^th 2024 to November 30^th 2024

Anticipated Start Date: May 6, 2024

Application closing Date: April 8, 2024 at 9 am PST

Application closing Date: April 8^, 2024 at 9 am PST – date extended until position is filled

Are you passionate about wildlife in your community?

Do you want to contribute to human-wildlife conflict reduction in a meaningful way?

British Columbia Conservation Foundation’s vision is for thriving fish and wildlife populations in British Columbia. Our mission supports fish and wildlife through education, collaboration and habitat conservation. The Foundation is a mission-driven, registered non-profit and charity. We are one of the most active environmental non-profits in the province and were established in 1969.

WildSafeBC is the provincial leader in preventing conflict with wildlife through collaboration, education and community solutions. The WildSafeBC message of “keeping wildlife wild and communities safe “emphasizes the important role humans play in reducing our impact on wildlife and increasing community safety. Our work focuses on actions we can take to avoid attracting wildlife into our communities, raising awareness of human-wildlife conflict issues and seeking solutions to reduce conflict and increase public safety.

The WildSafeBC Community Coordinator position is a unique opportunity to make a difference in reducing human-wildlife conflicts where you live. Professionalism, good communication and community engagement skills are essential for this position as well as an ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Community Coordinators will attend group training sessions to learn WildSafeBC conflict-reduction information relating to BC wildlife species, and effective engagement and delivery techniques, which they can bring into their communities.

Responsibilities

• Delivering WildSafeBC presentations to community groups, service clubs, and schools.
• Arranging, setting up and presenting public displays and conducting bear spray workshops at community events and special functions.
• Conducting door-to-door campaigns and garbage bin tagging in neighbourhoods where wildlife conflicts are present.
• Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with local Indigenous communities and knowledge keepers.
• Developing and maintaining a working relationship with local Conservation Officers, Bylaw Officers, local municipalities and community groups.
• Working with the local media (print, radio, television and social media).
• Working with all groups and individuals, including local businesses and campgrounds, within the community, regardless of their views or personal positions regarding wildlife.
• Identifying wildlife attractants that are causing problems within a community and develop human-wildlife conflict reduction plans based on community needs and desires.
• Recording and reporting of activities and specific data as requested by the Provincial program development staff.
• Production of an end-of-season Annual Report for the community program.

Essential Qualifications

• Must have a valid Class 5 driver’s licence.
• Must have a reliable vehicle that can be insured for work purposes and pass daily vehicle inspections.
• Must be willing and able to successfully pass a Criminal Record check.
• Have a good understanding of local human-wildlife issues.
• Must have a proven ability to write clear and concise reports.
• Must have demonstrated public speaking skills.
• Must be able to build relationships with partners and collaborators.
• Must reside near to or in the community and be able to legally work in Canada.

Skills and Assets

• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to engage with the public.
• Strong communication skills (both oral and written).
• General computer proficiency and a good working knowledge of virtual meeting platforms, cloud-based filing systems and Word and Excel.
• Good working knowledge of social media platforms.
• Bachelor of Science in Biology or a suitable equivalent.
• Bachelor of Education or a related equivalent.
• Natural Resource Studies..
• Relevant experience in communications and community engagement.

To apply for this job

Applicants are to submit a cover letter and resume as separate files, each in .pdf format with their name in the file title (e.g. YourName_Location_CoverLetter.pdf) using the form below. Applications must be submitted via this website only (no outside sources). Be sure to clearly indicate in your cover letter how you connect with the role and how you meet the qualifications of this position.

The posting closes when positions are filled, interviews to be scheduled very shortly afterwards for selected candidates.