SUMMER YOUTH LEAD
30-35 Hours per week / Two-month Contract
POSITION SUMMARY
Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is seeking a sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł Summer Youth Lead. This position will work closely with the Program Coordinator who oversees the program and will lead the delivery of the Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł component of the Tsawwassen First Nation Summer Youth Program during July and August. This is a contract position, and the successful applicant will be responsible for submitting invoices for payment in accordance with TFN procedures. The Lead will report to the Program Coordinator and work collaboratively with Elder xʷasteniya, TFN staff, and community partners.
This will involve supporting walking, cycling, and land-based educational activities with Elders and Knowledge Keepers; arranging speakers to engage the youth on Indigenous and trails topics; and leading the youth on a project that includes signage, amenities and/or art along Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł. The Lead will also support the youth in exploring career development and educational opportunities related to trails, culture, stewardship, recreation, and active transportation.
Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł is a proposed network of trails connecting First Nations and other communities in Metro Vancouver that are accessible via transit. Development of the vision for sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł is led by Tsawwassen First Nation Elder xʷasteniya (Elder Ruth Adams) working with TFN Youth, staff and the Great Blue Heron Way Committee. Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł will help provide healthy and green mobility, recreational and tourism opportunities for people and communities.
The Lead will work closely with Elder xʷasteniya, TFN Youth, TFN staff & volunteers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinating a project such as art, a bench or signage to be installed on or near Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł
- Coordinating field trips and other activities as part of the GBHW Summer Student programming.
- Coordinating land based educational cycling and walking tours along Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł with the youth and Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers
- Coordinating speakers presenting to the youth on Indigenous and trails related topics
- Supporting youth in exploring related career and educational opportunities
- Engaging youth on ideas they have for Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł and barriers they face accessing trails and their land
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- Live within or near Metro Vancouver preferably in or close to Tsawwassen
- Must have a computer/laptop and a cellphone
- A Class 5 driver’s license
Skills and Experience
- If you have passion for Indigenous culture, the land and trails, please consider applying for this position even if you don’t have all the experience below. We are committed to working with the coordinator to provide training and mentorship in areas that will assist in ensuring success in this position and will support personal and professional development goals.
- Knowledge of First Nations’ culture, art and traditions
- Experience instructing or supervising youth 13 through 19 years old
- Experience in leading walking and cycling tours
- A strong commitment to reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Project leadership and management experience
- Self-motivated with proven listening, writing and communications skills
- Experience will Google Drive
- First Aid certification as an asset
- Experience coordinating group outings or events
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Evening/weekend flexibility occasionally required
- Some knowledge of local Indigenous languages an asset
- Knowledge of the land, trails, greenways and other active transportation and recreation routes in Metro Vancouver an asset
- Knowledge of active transportation, recreation, trails, urban planning, transit & road safety an asset
COMPENSATION AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- $27 to $30 per hour. Placement within the pay scale is based on a review of skills, experience and internal equity
- Approximately 30 to 35 hours per week
- Preference may be given to applicants aged 30 or younger, as this position is partially funded through a youth employment grant
- Position starts in early June and ends on August 28, 2026
We wish to thank all interested applicants; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.
Pursuant to the Tsawwassen First Nation Government Employees Act, first priority in hiring among qualified applicants will be given to Tsawwassen Members, second priority to spouses (as defined in s. 3 (1) of the BC Family Law Act) of Tsawwassen Members, and third priority to members of other First Nations. If you fall within one of these categories and you wish to have this voluntary information considered as part of your application, please indicate the applicable category in your cover letter.
