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. The mandate of the LFFA is to promote and support the management of robust and expanding fisheries for LFFNs by integrating environmental values. The LFFA works with all 30 of the LFFN communities, 23 of which are signatories to the LFFA’s governance protocol. The LFFA work with our member First Nations, governments, and stakeholders to restore the productivity of the Lower Fraser River. As a regional organization, the LFFA is well-situated to initiate, conduct and manage large scale analyses of threats and to initiate and execute scientific studies to revive fish and fish habitat spanning across First Nations territories. The LFFA strives to build capacity with the Nations and identify opportunities to align our projects.
We are seeking 2 experienced and enthusiastic individuals to help support our emergency programs. The Community Support Assistant is responsible for the coordination, planning, and support of the emergency capacity improvement programs of the EPS. The CSA will be expected to support the Emergency Management and Preparedness Lead in supporting each of the 31 Mainland Coast Salish First Nations, and assist them 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: Starting salary at $55,000 - $65,000 (depending on experience)
1. Support communities with emergency planning and program development
o Coordinate and set up training and exercising opportunities
o Assist communities with developing, and improving emergency programs
o Coordinate sharing of resources and equipment
o Provide support to communities as requested
o Assist with grant management and funding
2. Coordinate emergency capacity and preparedness improvement within each community based on Disaster Resilience Plan (Hilekw Sq’eq’o)
o Participate in internal plan development and discussions
o Coordinate application of regional plans (ex. Risk assessments, building out hubs model, etc)
o Coordinate drafting of key elements of the Disaster Resilience Plan
3. Support Mainland Coast Salish First Nations during emergencies
o Check in with communities before, during and post emergencies
o Assist communities with EOC operations, forms, working with external partners, finding resources, and communications
o Provide support and coordination during recovery
4. Support Administration of the Emergency Management Department
o Support meeting coordination and set up, including catering organization, venue identification, note-taking, report creation, and filling out of honoraria
o Manage emergency management supplies and inventory
o Manage EPS internal records
o Manage external and internal communications
o Support budget management, fundraising and reporting
Assisting Program Manager
1. Assistance with attending meetings, conferences, workshops and outreach events
2. Provide input into Disaster Resilience Planning and community capacity enhancement
3. Maintain respectful and effective relationships with each of the 31 Mainland Coast Salish First Nations and external partners
REPORTS TO: EPS Emergency Management & Preparedness Lead
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience working in emergency management or planning;
- The ability to work in a team environment and independently;
- The willingness to spend time away from home to attend meetings and/or conduct field work;
- The willingness to set up and disassemble meeting venues, training exercises, and maintain equipment;
- An adaptable attitude to handle variable schedules, demanding schedules during emergencies, politically charged environments, and needs of different partners; and
- Intermediate/advanced computer and typing skills (MS Office Suite).
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
· 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
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
· 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 be flexible to work from home, in office and travel to communities
· A laptop will be provided, and travel will be compensated
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:
This position is subject to a 3-month probationary period and review, and is subject to funding availability.
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 October 10, 2023
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $55,000.00-$65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Work from home
Flexible Language Requirement:
Schedule:
Supplemental pay types:
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)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Abbotsford, BC V3G 2G5
Application deadline: 2023-11-13
Expected start date: 2023-11-30
