Environmental Technician

Halalt First Nation (HFN)’s Lands and Resources Department is seeking 2 full-time 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 operation and maintenance, meeting participation, and community engagement.

**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, Elders and youth engagement initiatives, interviews, and outreach.
- Assist in responding to inquiries from membership related to environmental field program implementation.

**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 Biologist or Program biologist.
- Explaining and reporting activities at community and staff meetings, as needed.

**Qualifications**

**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. Applicants currently enrolled in a post-secondary program will be considered.

**Experience**
- Past experience conducting field work, especially fisheries and aquatics-focused surveys, is an asset.
- Familiarity with GIS/GPS technology (e.g., Google Earth) and other computer programs, including MS Office.
- 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.

**Skills, Abilities and Personal Attributes**
- **Excellent communication skills.**:

- Collaborative, team player with the ability to establish and maintain effective, professional, working relationships.
- Hard working with the ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner.
- Class 5 Driver’s License.
- Enthusiastic, self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as a part of a dynamic team.
- 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. Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings.

**Position Terms**
- Anticipated schedule is Monday-Friday 8am-4pm for a total of 35 hrs/week
- Wage: starting at $24/hour + benefits (negotiable based on education and experience).

**Salary**: From $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Disability insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care

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