Environmental Project Coordinator

Westbank First Nation; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension plan with benefits

Flexible time-off

Job summary

Westbank First Nation is seeking an Environmental Project Coordinator to develop and implement conservation and stewardship initiatives within syilx territory. The role balances ecological science with TEK, coordinating internal teams and external partners to ensure timely delivery of projects and documentation.

You will work closely with the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Title & Rights, integrating traditional knowledge with modern environmental practices, while ensuring compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or technical degree in Natural Resource Management or related field.
• Diploma or certification in Project Management.
• 3+ years in environmental project coordination in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• 5+ years of knowledge of environmental land use policies, regulations, and legislation.
• Experience with Environmental Assessments is an asset.
• Experience with First Nations/Indigenous communities is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Designs and executes work plans, manages schedules, oversees budgets and reporting.
• Coordinates engagement, facilitates workshops, and coordinates community input.
• Liaises with regulatory agencies to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Researches and coordinates assessments and data integration for plans and regulations.
• Manages data and documentation across GIS and electronic systems.
• Mentors junior staff and oversees project documentation and procurement processes.

Skills

Coordination

Communication

Facilitation

GIS literacy

Data management

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor’s or technical degree in Natural Resource Management

Diploma or professional certification in Project Management

Tools

ArcGIS

Laserfiche

Job description

• Intergovermental Affairs Title and Rights
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: ENVIR001771

Description

Located within the traditional unceded territory of the syilx people, Westbank First Nation is a progressive and prosperous self-governing First Nation. The Okanagan Valley truly has it all, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

Westbank First Nation values diversity and we are committed to creating a healthy, strong and vibrant community through programs and services that promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and healing. Come join our team and become part of an innovative and rewarding place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Environmental Project Coordinator coordinates, administrates, and supports the development and implementation of initiatives relevant to conservation, stewardship, and environmental programs. Reporting to the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Tittle & Rights, the Environmental Project Coordinator coordinates relevant programs and initiatives across WFN and its traditional syilx territory. This position works closely with a team of specialists to balance modern ecological science with traditional knowledge to protect land, water, wildlife, and community resources. This role coordinates between internal departments, external consultants and entities, and leadership – ensuring projects, documentation, and communications are organized, tracked and delivered effectively.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or technical degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Biology, Geography, or a related field
• Diploma or professional certification in Project Management
• International Association for Public Participation Certification is an asset
  Professional certification regulated under the BC Professional Governance Act is an asset
• Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on experience in environmental project coordination, project management, working in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Minimum of 5 years of professional knowledge of environmental land use policies, regulations, and legislation
• Experience with Major Projects, Environmental Assessments, and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act is an asset
• Experience working with First Nations, Indigenous communities, or Indigenous government considered an asset
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered

REQUIREMENTS

• Criminal Record Check with results acceptable to WFN
• Must hold and maintain a valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License with a clean driver’s abstract
• Physical ability to periodically perform outdoor fieldwork as needed
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and uses discretion on all matters relating to the affairs of the Westbank First Nation

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

• Designs and executes work plans, manage project schedules, oversee budget planning, financial tracking, and reporting requirements
• Tracks project progress and adjust strategies as needed to meet objectives
• Coordinates engagement, facilitate workshops, host membership and community engagement, and report and integrate relevant input and findings within projects and initiatives
• Builds cooperative relationships with local groups, NGOs, governments, and First Nations partners
• Liaises with regulatory agencies to stay updated on changing laws and ensure ongoing compliance
• Represents WFN interests in partnerships and joint initiatives at the nation, local, provincial and federal levels, as appropriate

Cultural Integration & Traditional Knowledge

• Works with Elders and community members to integrate traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) into projects and initiatives
• Integrates syilx values and ethics of land stewardship with baseline data collection
• Ensures that the use of TEK respects cultural protocols and enhances the relevance and accuracy of projects and initiatives

Technical & Policy Work

• Coordinates the monitoring of conservation areas and other areas of interest
• Researches and coordinates assessments and research
• Analyzes and coordinates the integration of relevant trends, data, and engagement results to inform plans, policy and regulation
• Combines scientific data with traditional ecological knowledge to facilitate management plans, reports, and compliance documents
• Researches and implements enforcement mechanisms, policy, and regulations
• Oversees restoration tasks and stewardship responsibilities

Documentation & Information Management

• Combines scientific data with traditional ecological knowledge to facilitate management plans, reports, and compliance documents
• Receives, processes, and integrates data, information, and resources into applications and data management systems used by WFN, including but not limited to (GIS applications and systems, Laserfiche, Cultural KnowledgeKeeper, etc.)
• Tracks project budgets and consultant invoices
• Supports preparation and tracking of purchase orders, contracts, and financial data
• Maintains records of funding agreements and reporting requirements; Prepare financial summaries and reports

Training and Mentorship

• Develops educational and engagement materials and workshops to build community capacity in Natural Resources & Stewardship
• Provides basic training and mentorship to junior staff or community members interested in Natural Resources & Stewardship
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Westbank First Nation policies, standards, and procedures including WFN Government Strategic Plan and the Community Comprehensive Community Plan, and as assigned by the Director of IGA/Title & Rights

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Exceptional coordination and organizational, strong verbal and written communication, meeting facilitation, basic GIS and database literacy, and multi‑stakeholder or rights‑holder coordination;
• Strong understanding of syilx culture, history, unceded territory rights, and Indigenous resource management practices; Ability to adapt and work in a dynamic team environment and execute initiatives independently.
• Strong interpersonal, research, analytical, and report‑writing skills.
• Ability to use with GIS mapping tools; experience with ArcGIS considered an asset.
• Interest and passion for communicating science in ways that engage and include the public to encourage stewardship and promote community interest in environmental activities
• Experience in community-based research/monitoring considered an asset
• Demonstrates a high degree of confidentiality in interpersonal interaction
• Working knowledge of the history of colonization in Canada and its ongoing impact on modern issues affecting Indigenous Peoples
• Working knowledge in communicating with Indigenous Peoples, demonstrating sensitivity and empathy, and awareness of how language choices can influence and impact conversations

The median salary for this position is: $80,947

Westbank First Nation offers a competitive and thoughtfully designed total rewards package that reflects our commitment to employee wellbeing and long-term success. In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to participate in the Municipal Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan with a 9.31% employer contribution following the eligibility period along with comprehensive extended health and dental coverage.

Our unique and generous flexible time‑off provisions are designed to promote work–life–family balance and overall wellness. At WFN, we also prioritize continuous growth and leadership development by investing in meaningful education and professional development opportunities that support both individual advancement and organizational excellence.

This opportunity will close at midnight on Sunday, November 22, 2026.

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to qualified WFN Members & Indigenous applicants.