ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation (″AFN″) is looking for a talented individual to join our team as an Emergency Program & FireSmart Coordinator. Reporting to the Emergency Manager, this position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive emergency management and wildfire resiliency program for the Nation. Additionally, this role will coordinate emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery activities while leading the community's FireSmart BC initiatives. This position promotes the integration of Indigenous knowledge, stewardship practices, and community priorities into emergency management and wildfire mitigation activities.
ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. AFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the AFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan “Our Thinking” and continue to progress and move our community forward.
Job Type: This role is full-time, working 35 hours per week.
The primary responsibilities include:
Emergency Management:
- Assist the Emergency Manager in maintaining and implementing the Nation's Emergency Management Program.
- Develop, review, and update emergency plans, procedures, hazard assessments, and resource inventories.
- Coordinate emergency preparedness activities and community awareness initiatives.
- Support Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) planning, training, exercises, and activations.
- Maintain emergency contact lists, resource databases, and mutual aid agreements.
- Coordinate emergency response and recovery activities under the direction of the Emergency Manager.
- Assist with emergency evacuations, reception centre operations, and emergency social services activities.
- Participate in regional emergency planning initiatives and partner meetings.
- Support after-action reviews and improvement planning following emergencies and exercises.
- Monitor hazards and identify opportunities to reduce community risks.
FireSmart Program Coordination:
- Serve as the Nation's designated FireSmart Representative.
- Coordinate and implement FireSmart BC activities and wildfire risk reduction projects.
- Conduct FireSmart home, neighbourhood, and community assessments.
- Assist with the development and implementation of Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans.
- Coordinate vegetation management and fuel reduction initiatives around homes, community infrastructure, and cultural sites.
- Deliver FireSmart education, workshops, and outreach programs.
- Support community members in completing FireSmart activities on private properties.
- Coordinate FireSmart recognition and certification programs.
- Oversee Guardians assisting with FireSmart initiatives, and coordinate with the Guardians manager as needed.
- Maintain records and reporting requirements related to FireSmart projects and funding.
Indigenous Stewardship and Community Engagement:
- Support land stewardship activities that contribute to community safety and environmental sustainability.
- Assist with the identification and protection of culturally significant sites and traditional use areas during emergency planning and response activities.
- Promote community involvement in preparedness, FireSmart, and resilience-building initiatives.
- Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and engagement sessions.
Training and Capacity Building:
- Coordinate emergency management and FireSmart training opportunities for staff, leadership, and community members.
- Assist in developing and supporting Community Emergency Response Teams, Guardians, and volunteers.
- Organize EOC training, tabletop exercises, and full-scale exercises.
- Promote a culture of preparedness and resilience throughout the Nation.
Funding and Administration:
- Assist with grant applications and funding opportunities related to emergency management, FireSmart, climate adaptation, and disaster resilience.
- Prepare reports, presentations, budgets, and funding deliverables.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with funding and program requirements.
- Support the Emergency Manager in strategic planning and program development.
Qualifications:
- Diploma or degree in Emergency Management, Indigenous Governance, Public Administration, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 2 -4 years experience in emergency management, FireSmart programming, natural resource management, or community development.
- Experience working with First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations.
- Experience coordinating projects, training, public engagement, or community-based initiatives.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to lead and coordinate during emergencies
- Knowledge of local, provincial, and federal emergency protocols
What we offer:
- Competitive base salary ($60,060-$70,000 per annum depending on education and experience)
- Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as determined by the Council each year
- Paid annual vacation
- Paid sick days
- Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, Employee and Family Assistance Program, Short- and Long-Term Disability, available after 3 months of service
- Matched RRSP program with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employee’s salary, available after 4 months of service
- Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia
Akisqnuk supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
