Economic Development Officer

Fernie Chamber Of Commerce; Fernie; On-site; CAD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual lifestyle benefits account

Professional development opportunities

Economic development training

Job summary

Fernie Chamber Of Commerce is seeking an Economic Development Officer to advance Fernie’s economic priorities through research, business support, investment attraction, and community-focused projects. This hands-on role engages local businesses, government, First Nations, tourism partners, and regional stakeholders to identify opportunities and drive strategic initiatives for Fernie.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, partnerships, and practical recommendations to strengthen

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in a related field is desirable.
• Experience in economic development, business development, project management, grant writing, or community engagement is an asset.
• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to identify trends and opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including public speaking and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills and ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of economic development strategies and initiatives.
• Conduct research, market analysis, and community assessments to identify opportunities and trends.
• Collect and analyse business and economic data, then prepare clear reports and briefing materials.
• Support business retention, expansion, and attraction initiatives.
• Conduct targeted outreach to prospective businesses, investors, developers, and partners.
• Support investment attraction and investment-readiness initiatives for Fernie open-for-business positioning.
• Identify opportunities for housing, commercial, tourism, and other economic development investment.
• Develop and maintain resources to support new and existing businesses.
• Support business surveys, walks, and other engagement initiatives.
• Build trusted relationships with businesses, government, First Nations, tourism, and community partners.
• Prepare and submit grant applications to support economic development projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Project coordination

Organizational skills

MS Office

Education

Diploma or degree in Economic Development, Business, Economics, Planning, Public Administration

Job description

Help Shape The Future of One of BC’s Most Authentic Mountain Communities

The Fernie Chamber of Commerce is seeking an Economic Development Officer to support the delivery of Fernie’s economic development priorities through research, business support, investment attraction, partnership development, and community-focused projects.

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in strengthening Fernie’s local economy, supporting existing businesses, attracting new opportunities, and helping the community grow in a thoughtful, sustainable way. The Fernie Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice for business in Fernie, supporting a vibrant and sustainable local economy through advocacy, business services, partnerships, and community leadership.

Why Fernie?

Fernie is a place where work-life balance is more than a slogan. Whether your passion is skiing, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, trail running, or simply spending time in the mountains with family and friends, Fernie offers a lifestyle that is increasingly difficult to find. Combined with a vibrant business community, excellent schools, a historic downtown, and a strong sense of community, it's a place where people choose to build long-term careers and put down roots. If you value four-season destination living in an authentic mountain-town with exceptional local spirit, and a welcoming character then Fernie is the place for you.

Why This Role Matters

Fernie is a community with significant opportunity and real complexity. Like many growing mountain communities, it is balancing business growth, tourism, housing, workforce attraction, infrastructure, affordability, and quality of life. This role will help bring focus, data, partnerships, and momentum to the work needed to support a strong and sustainable local economy.

It also provides an opportunity to develop expertise in economic development, investment attraction, stakeholder engagement, grant funding, and community leadership while working alongside experienced business and community leaders.

If you are the kind of person who enjoys working across business, government, community, and tourism, and you want your work to have a visible local impact, this is a unique opportunity to help shape what comes next for Fernie.

About Your New Role

The Economic Development Officer will work collaboratively with local businesses, investors, government, First Nations, tourism partners, community organizations, and regional stakeholders to identify opportunities, support economic growth, and advance strategic initiatives for Fernie.

The role will be hands‑on, community‑facing, and project‑driven. It will suit someone who is curious, organized, comfortable working with data, and able to turn research and conversations into practical recommendations, partnerships, and action.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of economic development strategies and initiatives.
• Conduct research, market analysis, and community assessments to identify opportunities and economic trends.
• Collect and analyse business and economic data, then prepare clear reports, recommendations & briefing materials.
• Support business retention, expansion, and attraction initiatives.
• Conduct targeted outreach to prospective businesses, investors, developers & partners.
• Support investment attraction and investment‑readiness initiatives that position Fernie as open for business.
• Identify opportunities for housing, commercial, tourism, and other economic development investment.
• Develop and maintain resources to support new and existing businesses.
• Support business surveys, business walks, and other business engagement initiatives.
• Build trusted relationships with businesses, government, First Nations, tourism, and community partners.
• Research, prepare, and submit grant applications to support economic development projects.

What You Bring

As the ideal candidate, you will bring a mix of research, communication, relationship‑building, and project coordination skills. You do not need to come from a traditional economic development background, but you should be motivated by community impact, local business success, and practical problem‑solving.

We are looking for someone with:

• A diploma or degree in Economic Development, Business, Economics, Planning, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is desirable, but not essential.
• Experience in economic development, business development, project management, grant writing, research, or community engagement would be considered an asset.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including confidence with public speaking and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with diverse partners.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software.
• A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence.

What You’ll Get in Return

This is a full‑time, year‑round position based in Fernie with a salary ofup to $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The role is primarily office‑based, with regular community and stakeholder engagement. Occasional evening or weekend meetings, workshops, or events may be required.

An Annual Lifestyle Benefits Account for wellness and personal development is provided, along with Professional development and economic development training opportunities where appropriate.

Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to make a visible impact in one of British Columbia's most unique & authentic mountain communities.