Summer Fisheries Youth Intern

POSITION OVERVIEW

POSITION: Summer Fisheries Youth Intern
HOURS OF WORK: 20-28 hours per week (average 4 days per week) from June/July* to August
REPORTS TO: Lais Chaves (Interim Fisheries Manager), Nicole Jung (UBC partner)        
WAGE RANGE: $25 per hour

*The start date for these positions is as soon as individuals are available. Position start date can be flexible to the youth intern candidates’ potential schooling schedules but must be discussed with the position supervisors

The main purpose of this seasonal position is to train and equip future stewards of SȾÁUTW̱’s marine territorial waters and fisheries, supporting this next generation in their journey of lifelong, cultural, and relational learning as Saltwater People. Summer Fisheries Youth Interns will assist the SȾÁUTW̱ Fisheries Department in fulfilling their mandate to facilitate stewardship of the SȾÁUTW̱’s waters,  and will also have opportunities to learn from a diverse range of teachers, including SȾÁUTW̱ Elders/knowledge holders, SȾÁUTW̱ Fisheries staff, and the scientific partners of SȾÁUTW̱’s Fisheries Department. Interns will be supported to take on leadership roles and to share their learning, supporting SȾÁUTW̱ Fisheries in hosting events for community, youth, and Elders to gather and connect. As a participant in the Summer Fisheries Youth Intern Program, individuals will have the chance to develop valuable skills, cultivate meaningful connections, and make a positive impact on the health of SȾÁUTW̱ and our waters. Two positions are made available annually as part of this program.

TO APPLY

Apply online now by clicking the button below.

TO APPLY

Apply online now by clicking the button below.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Participating in educational workshops and training sessions to learn about SȾÁUTW̱ fisheries, marine biology/ecology, and culturally-grounded stewardship principles.
  • Assisting with field research activities and monitoring programs – such as fish population surveys, habitat assessments, and water quality monitoring – by deploying equipment, handling fish, and/or collecting data.
  • Engaging and taking on leadership roles in hosting events, excursions, and outdoor activities to gain practical experience and build relationships with the broader SȾÁUTW̱ community.
  • Participating in fishing and harvesting activities in support of SȾÁUTW̱ food sovereignty and food fish deliveries.
  • Collaborating with peers to effectively communicate and share learnings with SȾÁUTW̱ community members, supporting community engagement in sustainable, safe fishing practices and environmental stewardship.
  • Networking with professionals in the field of fisheries management and conservation to explore potential career pathways and opportunities for further education and training.


CORE COMPETENCIES

Culture/Language

  • Respect for and interest in further exploration of W̱SÁNEĆ culture and SENĆOŦEN language is required.

Willingness to Learn & Collaborate

  • Open to learning from a diverse range of teachers/knowledge holders, including SȾÁUTW̱ Elders, staff, and others.
  • Willing to share, communicate, and teach the knowledge gained through this program, where appropriate, with others, including other youth.
  • Able to establish and maintain respectful, cooperative and productive working relationships with a variety of individuals to complete work assignments.
  • Capable of exercising sound judgment and discretion when dealing with sensitive issues and/or conflict.

Organization & Leadership

  • Capable of working independently on projects based on supervisor direction and/or your own interests.
  • Able to effectively schedule and manage time in a position where hours worked and duties performed may change week-to-week.
  • Promotes a safe work place, contributes to ensuring established safety procedures are followed.

Personal Attributes

  • Demonstrates the following personal attributes: Respect, Empathy, Strength, Pride and Equality.
  • Demonstrate strong work ethic including the ability to take initiative; to attend work on a regular and consistent basis, and to demonstrate a collaborative approach to problem solving.
  • Presents a professional, positive and helpful attitude at all times when interacting with partner organizations, community members, and co-workers.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Applicant Criteria

  • Applicants between 17-25 years old are welcome to apply.
  • Preference may be given to SȾÁUTW̱ members and secondarily other W̱SÁNEĆ/Indigenous youth.
  • No previous training required, as training will be provided for all program activities.
  • Criminal record check required.

Given the workplace conditions, candidates must have the ability to

  • Perform fieldwork under strenuous conditions during all weather conditions
  • Work outside normal working hours if/when given advanced notice (i.e., early morning, late night hours, and/or weekends)

The following skillsets are an asset

  • Computer skills in MS Office, Canva, or interest in acquiring training
  • Experience working with youth and/or Elders
  • Experience with safety protocols for working near or on the water

WORKING CONDITIONS

Scheduling

  • Flexibility to work outside normal working hours notice (i.e., early morning, late night hours, and/or weekends) if/when given advanced to meet community and organizational needs
  • May be required to attend meetings and community events outside of normal office hours and may be required to travel out of town to attend activities such as meetings, conferences, or workshops.

 Physical Demands

  • Perform fieldwork under strenuous conditions during all weather conditions.
  • Lifting (approximately 50 lbs), bending, and/or or stooping.
  • Manage potential for conflicts with employees, the public or Nation members.

Tools/Equipment

  • Office-based with use of standard office equipment and software application
  • Training will be provided to operate various types of fishing gear, boats, motors, aquatic equipment, navigation aids, and communications devices if required

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to apply online, by clicking “Apply Now” on this page.

Alternatively, you may also submit a cover letter and résumé outlining their qualifications and interest in the position. Email all applications to Shae Harding (SȾÁUTW̱ Fisheries Liaison) at fisheriesliaison@stautw.ca.

As described above and in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to SȾÁUTW̱/W̱SÁNEĆ youth and/or qualified Indigenous applicants (including Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit candidates). SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community it serves.

All applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their application and list their age if they choose. Hiring decisions will be made based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs, while supporting SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation’s commitment to Indigenous employment and self-determination.

DEADLINE: May 30, 2026, at 4:30pm

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TO APPLY

Apply online now by clicking the button below.