Marine Emergency Response Guardian

Department: Land and Environment Reports To: Land and Environment Officer Status: Full-Time- March 31, 2027 with Extension Pending Funding Renewal Salary: $24 to $32 per hour, based on experience Application Deadline: Open until filled Do you have a background with Indigenous-led marine stewardship, environmental monitoring, marine vessel operation, and an interest in supporting the work of Songhees Nation’s Land and Environment Department? Songhees Nation is hiring a Marine Emergency Response Guardian to lead the development and implementation of a Marine Spill Response Plan while contributing to ongoing marine and land stewardship activities. The Marine Emergency Response Guardian will be part of a dynamic team implementing Indigenous-led stewardship in Ləkʷəŋən territory, ensuring that cultural, environmental, and marine relations, connections and food systems are protected. The Ləkʷəŋən is referenced by the Indian Act as the Songhees Nation, and the nation serves approximately 600 members on New Songhees Reserve 1A and away from home. The Songhees Land and Environment vision is a sustainable land base meeting current and future needs for cultural, residential, recreational, commercial and community land use. Songhees Nation’s Tl’ches Marine Use Plan reflects community priorities and values with appropriate laws and regulations for cultural and environmental protection and conservation. If you’d like to join a committed team implementing Indigenous-led and directed work in Ləkʷəŋən territory we want to hear from you Who you are Respecting Ləkʷəŋən culture, values and diversity and committed to the work of decolonization, accessibility and inclusivity for Songhees in the work environment, community, and traditional territory. Be a part of furthering the inclusive community that provides equitable opportunities for Songhees Nation band members. The ideal candidate has living experience with decolonization and working with Indigenous Nations. We are looking for someone capable of coordinating fieldwork, participating in marine stewardship and emergency response activities, and collaborating effectively with Nation members and partner organizations. You would ideally be comfortable in a self-directed and self-motivated position and work toward positive change in our traditional territory that meets Songhees Nation’s goals and values. Additionally, you act with a high degree of professionalism and integrity in all situations. What you’ll be doing Reporting to the Land and Environment Officer, the Marine Emergency Response Guardian will engage with Nation members, external partners, government agencies, and the public, and support the Songhees Land and Environment Department in research, monitoring, and field work. Duties include, but aren’t limited to: Lead the coordination and implementation of spill response planning in collaboration with consultants and partners (e.g. WCMRC). Maintain an inventory of spill response and emergency equipment, ensuring readiness and proper storage. Assist in the management, maintenance, and safe operation of marine vessels. Conduct regular patrols of Songhees traditional marine territory to monitor and respond to trespassing, fires, unauthorized harvesting, and boat abandonment. Contribute to awareness building with public and Nation members on the compliance of applicable Songhees laws, environmental laws, regulations, and standards. Support environmental and cultural monitoring programs through data collection, reporting, and recommendations. Participate in Coastal Marine Response Teams (CMRT) working group meetings to assist in the collaborative development of a national community response framework. Participate in other meetings with external partners, ensuring Songhees environmental interests are addressed and partnerships align with Songhees protocols, values and strategic plans. Engage with Nation members, Elders, and Knowledge Holders and use feedback to guide development of the spill response plan. Take part in and help coordinate marine emergency training and exercises, such as practice boom deployment, vessel-based spill containment, and fire suppression drills. Research best practices for Indigenous and community-led marine emergency response, including reviewing existing response frameworks, tools, and case studies. Collaborate with other Nations and partners to share knowledge and approaches. Contribute to monthly newsletters, website updates, and community communications. Participate in invasive species removal (e.g. Himalayan Blackberry, Japanese Wireweed, English Ivy) to help restore native ecosystems and traditional food systems. Provide input on grant proposals to support the Guardian program continuity, growth, and training needs. Work with external parties as delegated by the Director to ensure Songhees environmental interests are addressed. Represent the Songhees Land and Marine Guardian program regionally in the Salish Sea and Vancouver Island Guardian networks. Assist the Nation with land and environment goals and research within Songhees traditional territory. Support the distribution of seasonal marine harvesting to members particularly for Elders and vulnerable nation members. This position could require flexibility in scheduling, with the potential for weekends and varying start times. Qualifications Certificate, diploma, or degree in a relevant area of study (Environmental Science, Ecology, Indigenous Studies, Resource Management, etc.) with at least 3-years related experience or equivalent work experience. Willingness to work in inclement weather conditions, remote locations, and on the water. Commitment to Indigenous-led land and marine stewardship, as well as the vision and values of the Songhees Land and Environment Department. Excellent organizational and communication skills, including the ability to interact positively with external partners and Nation members, including youth and Elders. Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License (or equivalent) and Clean Drivers Abstract. Successful Criminal Record Check (CRC) required. Demonstrates cultural awareness, respect for diversity, and a professional, inclusive approach when working with Nation members and colleagues. Analytical ability and skill to identify existing and potential problems. Dependable, motivated, and demonstrates initiative, comfortable working independently or as part of a team. Ability to communicate and work effectively with director, staff, members, and others. Proficient in Microsoft products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook. This field position requires a combination of desk-based tasks and working in marine and terrestrial environments. Work may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, rough waters, and physically demanding tasks. Candidates should be comfortable outdoors and in marine fieldwork. Boating experience and familiarity with marine technology (GPS, marine radios, satellite phones) preferred but not required if other environmental qualifications are strong. This position will require lifting and transporting of equipment, and at times will require heavy lifting upwards of 50lbs. Additional Beneficial Skills: Mechanically inclined, with basic knowledge of boat maintenance, and safe operation considered an asset. Marine-life identification skills are considered an asset (invertebrates, mammals, birds, fish, shellfish, etc) A working knowledge of environmental processes, current and historical impacts, and developing technologies are an asset. Experience with field data collection, monitoring, digital tools, GIS, data entry and reporting considered an asset. Scuba diving experience is an asset. Marine safety or field certifications are an asset, including but not limited to: Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDV-BS), and Restricted Benefits The successful candidate will be entitled to the Songhees Nation Pension and Benefits plan after the successful completion of the probation period. Benefits include extended health benefits, dental, life insurance, LTD, and AD&D. Recruitment Process Candidates will be required to complete a phone pre-screen, in person interview, reference checks, and a criminal record search, only those who are shortlisted will be contacted. How to Apply If this describes your background, skills, and attributes, please submit your resume and cover letter to: Kathy Bryce, Land Assistant and Registrar, Songhees Nation Phone ext. 208 Email: If this doesn’t describe you exactly, but you feel you are well suited to this opportunity, we encourage you to apply. Additional Information Songhees Nation is committed to increasing the number of members working for the Nation. Hiring preference will be given to qualified candidates who are Songhees Nation members, or those with Indigenous ancestry. If you require an accommodation as part of the recruitment process, please email #J-18808-Ljbffr