This internship is hosted by the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, with funding from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.

Position purpose:

Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) was created in 2013 as a powerful and unifying voice for Eightnłeʔképmx Bands regarding the Teck Highland Valley Copper Mine. It is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the eight Participating Bands. Headquartered in Merritt, B.C., with a workforce of over 40, CNA provides training and job readiness along with cultural, social, and technical programming to the over 2,935 members of the eight Participating Bands.

The goal for the intern is to help support and obtain a baseline of important species and species at risk habitat and population. Data collected will be used to inform community members with ongoing plant and wildlife habitat, population data, harvesting spots and when they are ready to harvest. Additionally, data collected may help support decision-makers with evidence-based data to determine policies for future conservation decisions, such as closed hunting areas or invasive species management plans.

Education, experience, and requirements:

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree at either UVIC, SFU, UNBC, UBC
• Strong level of written & verbal communication
• Physically fit to hike in varying terrain and lift up to 50 lbs
• Respect for cultural diversity, Indigenous & Western Knowledge systems
• Experience working with local Indigenous people and have knowledge of culture and traditions
• Ability to identify various plants and wildlife, and
• A valid BC Driver’s License (Class 7N)

Roles and responsibilities:

• Bighorn Sheep surveys
  • Learn about population dynamics and conservation challenges.
  • Enhance monitoring and wildlife health assessment skills.
• Harvestable plant survey
  • Explore plant identification and sustainable harvest practices.
  • Build knowledge in botany and biodiversity conservation.
• Rattlesnake den surveys
  • Gain insight into rattlesnake ecology and habitat.
  • Develop skills in field data collection and species identification.
• Deer surveys
  • Understand population tracking and habitat preferences.
  • Practice data recording and wildlife management techniques.
• Support nłeʔképmx Land Guardians
  • Engage in Indigenous land stewardship.
  • Develop community engagement skills and field observation techniques.

CNA will provide training and professional development to support the right candidate. CNA believes in growth and curiosity. If you have some of these qualities and believe you would be of value to the organization, then they want to hear from you!

Acknowledgement

The Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly is an equal-opportunity employer. They encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to building a respectful and inclusive workplace that reflects the community they serve. This position is open to all candidates who meet the qualifications. A hiring preference will apply for qualified candidates of Canadian Indigenous ancestry, with a priority for qualified nłeʔkepmx candidates. CNA thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Your application to this posting is deemed to be your consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of recruitment. CNA respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of personal information.