**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.
*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 Communications Program. The Communications Summer Student(CSS) is responsible for supporting the implementation, planning, & improvement of the communications program of the EPS. The CSS will be expected to support the Communications Coordinator in creating fundamental communications pieces and engaging with the 31 Mainland Coast Salish First Nations.
COMPENSATION: Hourly Wage is $20.00 (35 hr/week)
TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Support Communications Coordinator in developing fundamental communications pieces for community distribution:
· Emergency Planning & Preparedness Plans
· Emergency Checklists & Go-Bags
· Promotional Material and Info Brochures
· Website Content
· Research & Idea development
2. Create engaging content for social media directed at developing community preparedness and capacity
· Blog posts
· Instagram & Facebook posts
· TikTok & YouTube videos
· Exploring the option of podcasts
3. Support Administration of the EPS
· Attend meetings and take comprehensive notes
· Assist in the setup and take down of events, trainings, and workshops
· Work with & support First Nation communities with EPS ongoing projects
· Find & research new funding opportunities for current projects
· Maintain respectful and effective relationships with each of the 31 Mainland Coast Salish First Nations and external partners
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
· Adaptability
· Collaboration
· Communication
· Creativity & Innovation
· Problem-Solving
REPORTS TO: EPS Communications Coordinator
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Relevant post-secondary experience
- Excellent graphic design skills – Expert with Canva and Adobe Creative Suites experience is a plus
- Excellent writing skills with a great appreciation to detail, tone and message
- Thorough working knowledge of Office 365, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Experience making social media content
- Knowledge of charitable or non-profit environment working environments would be an advantage
- Strong attention to detail, ability to multi-task, willingness to learn, problem-solve and innovate
- 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
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 or Chilliwack, 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
