Youth Engagement Coordinator

**About AWARE**

The Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE), established in 1989, is Whistler’s environmental charity. Our mission is to protect the natural environment through advocacy for conservation, climate action, and circular economy practices, while empowering others to join these efforts. We work independently and collaboratively to connect people with nature and build sustainable, climate-resilient communities. Every team member plays a crucial role in driving change within their programs.

AWARE is seeking a passionate and motivated **Youth Engagement Coordinator** to support a research project evaluating community youth climate action programs, with a focus on fostering sustainable, climate-resilient communities. This role will engage local youth, develop strategies to increase their involvement in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, and raise awareness of sustainable practices that support Whistler’s Big Moves Climate Action Implementation Plan. The position will also support AWARE’s environmental initiatives, including the Zero Waste Campaign, which is aligned with Whistler’s Zero Waste Action Plan (ZWAP). This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in gaining experience in environmental issues while delivering programming that aligns with AWARE’s charitable mandate.

This position is 30 hours per week, funding dependent, based in Whistler with occasional work in other communities within the Sea to Sky region

**Core Responsibilities**:
**Community Youth Engagement for Climate Action**:

- Identify innovative and impactful ways to foster community youth engagement in environmental initiatives, such as conservation, climate action and circular economy practices.
- Support local youth in participating in environmental projects.
- Build partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and environmental groups to amplify youth involvement in climate-related activities.
- Research and become knowledgeable about various youth engagement models, with a focus on those related to environmental sustainability and climate action.
- Support delivery of youth engagement initiatives and events.

**Waste Education & Environmental Programming Support**:

- Provide support to AWARE’s Zero Waste Campaign and other environmental programs related to conservation, climate action and circular economy practices.
- Set up and deliver Zero Waste Stations at events in the Sea to Sky region, providing waste diversion and sorting support. Contributing to reducing the environmental footprint of local tourism.
- Educate the public on waste management, reduction, and diversion techniques to achieve zero waste targets and how they contribute to environmental protection.
- Assist with the setup and takedown of Zero Waste Stations, including lifting equipment and working outdoors.
- Contribute to team culture and continuous improvement through feedback collection and participation in post-event evaluations.

**Project Coordination**:

- Support the planning, coordination, and logistics of environmental programs and events.
- Ensure timely progress of projects, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
- Provide administrative support, including data collection, report writing, and document management.
- Compile data, trends, and best practices into various communications formats, from formal reports to social media content.
- Work with program leads to create awareness and communication tools to encourage public participation in new and existing programs.

**Collaboration & Reporting**:

- Work closely with program leads, local organizations, and community partners to implement environmental programs and promote sustainability.
- Engage with the public through outreach and educational initiatives, raising awareness about environmental issues and sustainability practices.
- Regularly meet with mentors and supervisors to develop a professional development plan focussed on career objectives, skills development and access to learning materials.Regularly meet with mentors and supervisors to report on progress.
- Contribute to team meetings and special projects, providing input and feedback to help improve the organization’s impact.
- Track and report on the impact of the organisation's youth engagement and climate action initiatives focussing on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

**Why Join Us?**
- **Sustainability Impact**: Play a key role in making a measurable difference in the community by promoting waste diversion and sustainability practices.
- **Community Engagement**: Work at exciting events and public spaces to connect with the community and engage with people passionate about sustainability.
- **Team Culture**: Join a small, dedicated team of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference and having fun while doing it.

**Qualifications**:
**Eligibility**:

- Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of t