**This is a temporary 8-week summer student position**
About us
The Emergency Planning Secretariat was developed by Mainland Coast Salish First Nation Leadership, to improve disaster preparedness within Mainland Coast Salish communities, as well as to address the lack of adequate community involvement and representation in regional disaster planning, climate adaptation and emergency management initiatives. The EPS supports the 31 Mainland Coast Salish First Nations in resilience planning and emergency preparedness by supporting community efforts, connecting communities to regional resources, convening regional discussions/learning opportunities and supporting community coordination.
The EPS is driven by Hílekw Sq’eq’ó (to get ready together in Halq'eméylem), a Regional Action Plan based on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction that outlines how the region can achieve a state of resilience through collaboration and the weaving of Mainland Coast Salish values and knowledge with best practices from around the world. Our priorities include resilience over protection, ensuring longevity of sacred/spirit and archaeological sites, food security, community wellness and leveraging nature-based solutions, as well as the full realization of DRIPA.
The Emergency Planning Secretariat is currently supported by the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance (LFFA), who acts as a secretariat for the EPS. The LFFA is a voice for the First Nations of the Lower Fraser River. The LFFA works collaboratively and holistically with Lower Fraser First Nations (LFFNs) to manage their fisheries and to support cultural and spiritual traditions for future generations.
*This is a hybrid remote position, travel within the MCS’s territories is required (Squamish to Boston Bar) on occasion with our main office located in Abbotsford.
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic individual to help support our Emergency Management Program. The Emergency Preparedness Summer Student is responsible for the support, planning, & outreach of the emergency program of the EPS. The EM Preparedness SS will be expected to assist the Preparedness Department in supporting each of the 31 Mainland Coast Salish First Nations, as they build their emergency programs. This includes coordinating regional tactical improvements in emergency management and response capacity according to the EPS Regional Action Plan.
COMPENSATION: Hourly Wage is $20.00 (35 hr/week)
TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Support communities with emergency planning and program development
· Assist in coordinating and set up training and exercising opportunities
· Assist communities with developing, and improving emergency programs
· Assist in coordinating the sharing of resources and equipment
· Provide support to communities as requested
· Research and create equipment needs for each hazard
2. Assist in emergency capacity and preparedness improvement by creating a regional asset mapping plan to include all types of resources
· Track community training
· Participate in internal plan development and discussions
· Assist application of regional plans (ex. Risk assessments, building out hubs model, etc)
· Assist in drafting of key elements of the Disaster Resilience Plan
3. Support Mainland Coast Salish First Nations during emergencies
· Check in with communities before, during and post emergencies
· Assist communities with EOC operations, forms, working with external partners, finding resources, and communications
· Provide support and coordination during recovery
4. Support Administration of the Emergency Management Department
· Support meeting coordination and set up, including catering organization, venue identification, note-taking, report creation, and filling out of honoraria
· Manage emergency management supplies and inventory
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
· Adaptability
· Collaboration
· Communication
· Creativity & Innovation
· Problem-Solving
REPORTS TO: EPS Communications Coordinator
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Relevant post-secondary experience
· Training or relevant experience in emergency management and planning;
· Knowledge of B.C. First Nations perspectives and communication styles/preferences;
· Knowledge of political and social impacts that affect BC First Nations;
· Experience building and maintaining respectful relationships with First Nations, colleagues, external agencies and their representatives.
· Familiarity with online calendar and task management systems
· Excellent organizational and time management skills;
· Problem solving and decision-making skills to manage situations during emergencies
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES
· Knowledge of B.C. First Nations perspectives and communication styles/preferences;
· Knowledge of political and social impacts that affect BC First Nations;
· Experience building and maintaining respectful relationships with First Nations, colleagues, external agencies and their representatives.
· Familiarity with online calendar and task management systems
· Excellent organizational and time management skills;
· Problem solving and decision-making skills to manage situations during emergencies
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
· Must between the ages of 15 and 30 at the start of their employment
· Is a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred
· Must be legally entitled to work according to BC legislation and regulations
· Must be willing to submit to a criminal record check and be in compliance with federal vaccination regulations
· Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
· Must have access to a reliable laptop and wifi
· Must be flexible to work from home, in office and travel to communities
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:
This position is subject to Canada Summer Jobs Criteria
Completed tasks relative to any or all of the above duties and responsibilities will be measured in terms of:
A. Production of Outputs (Quantity, Quality and Timeliness)
B. Knowledge of the Job
C. Work Attitude
D. Interpersonal Working Relationships
E. Contribution to the Organizational Goal
PLEASE EMAIL A COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO: [email protected]
THIS JOB POSTING WILL BE AVAILABLE UNTIL FILLED
Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (8 weeks)
Pay: $20.00/hr (35 hr/week)
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Work from home
- Travel is compensated
Flexible Language Requirement:
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday (8:00am- 4:00pm) with occasional evening and weekends for events.
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Abbotsford, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Do you identify as an indigenous persons?
Education:
- Secondary School (preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person, remote
Application deadline: 2026-05-24
Expected start date: 2026-06-15
Job Types: Seasonal, Internship / Co-op
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Abbotsford, BC V3G 2G5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Do you identify as an Indigenous Persons?
Education:
- Secondary School (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Abbotsford, BC V3G 2G5
