Overview
Do you have a background with Indigenous-led land stewardship, reviewing development proposals, and conducting environmental monitoring? Songhees Nation is hiring a Land Referral Guardian to support the consultation and engagement process for projects proposed within Songhees traditional territory, which may impact Songhees rights, title, or interests. The Land Referral 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. 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 seeking someone capable of coordinating referral responses, maintaining a proactive presence on the land to monitor development activities, and working collaboratively to safeguard Songhees traditional territory. 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 Land Referral Guardian will be responsible for receiving and responding to referrals in a timely manner. They will assist in consultation and engagement, project tracking, environmental monitoring, and other activities to support the work of the Land and Environment department.
Duties include, but aren’t limited to:
• Receive and review inquiries from a wide range of proponents who are planning projects within Songhees traditional territory, and provide input and expertise on behalf of the Nation.
• Assess potential environmental, cultural and socio-economic impacts of proposed land use activities or developments.
• Prepare official response letters, integrating input from all relevant colleagues (e.g. with environmental, cultural heritage or archaeological expertise).
• Facilitate a timely response to all referrals, consultation letters, and requests for consultation.
• Maintain accurate records and track deliverables associated with referrals, monitoring, and consultation activities.
• Enter data into a project tracking system, including geographic, environmental, archaeological, cultural, and traditional land use information.
• Consult with Songhees land and environment staff, elders, community members, government, and professional agencies (including archaeological and environmental consultants, surveyors, lawyers, etc.) as needed.
• Proactively monitor major development projects and other activities to ensure proper consultation occurs and Songhees rights, title, and interests are respected.
• Participate in marine and terrestrial monitoring efforts as required, including environmental and cultural data collection.
• Contribute to ongoing marine and land stewardship programs and initiatives.
• Participate in meetings with external partners, ensuring Songhees environmental interests are addressed and partnerships align with Songhees protocols, values and strategic plans.
• Provide input on grant proposals to support the Guardian program continuity, growth, and training needs.
• Support the Land and Environment team with environmental and cultural monitoring programs through data collection, reporting, and recommendations as needed.
• Collaborate with other Nations and partners on sharing appropriate knowledge and approaches.
• 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.
• 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 (Land Management, Environmental Studies, Indigenous Studies, Resource Management, etc.) with ideally 2-years related experience or equivalent work experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills – must have the ability to communicate and work effectively with developers, community members, and staff.
• Knowledge and understanding of Songhees Nation’s culture, history, reserve lands, traditional territory, and Douglas Treaty rights are an asset.
• Experience using Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and proficient data management skills.
• Commitment to Indigenous-led land and marine stewardship, as well as the vision and values of the Songhees Land and Environment Department.
• 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.
• This position will require lifting and transporting of equipment, and at times will require heavy lifting upwards of 50lbs.
Additional Beneficial Skills:
• Experience with Referral Management Software (such as LOUIS Toolkit) is an asset
• A working knowledge of environmental processes, current and historical impacts, and developing technologies are an asset.
• Experience with field data collection, monitoring, mapping, GIS, data entry and reporting considered an asset.
• Scuba diving experience is an asset.
• Preference may be given to candidates with familiarity of the Heritage Conservation Act and demonstrated skills and experience in professional cultural resources management.
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, Lands Assistant and Registrar, Songhees Nation Phone 250-386-1043 ext. 208 Email: kathy.bryce@songheesnation.com. If this doesn’t describe you exactly, but you feel you are well suited to this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.
About Songhees Nation
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.