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Okanagan Indian Band logo

Indigenous Stewardship Monitor (ISM)

Vernon, BC
CA$28 - CA$32/hour
Mid Level
Full-Time

Top Benefits

3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay
Extended Health & Dental Benefits
Employer Matched Pension Plan

About the role

Indigenous Stewardship Monitor (ISM) Okanagan Indian Band

KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

  • 3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay

  • Extended Health and Dental Benefits

  • Employer Matched Pension Plan

  • 15 Statutory Holidays

  • Paid Winter Holiday Break

  • Cultural Leave

  • Discounted Silver Star lift passes

  • Retention Bonuses after years of service

  • 15 Paid Sick Days

  • Paid Personal Leave

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Professional Development Opportunities

Hours of work**: 40 hours per week (12-hour Averaging Agreement)**

Start Date: ASAP

Deadline for applications**: May 28, 2026**

JOB SUMMARY
The ISM will work closely with Territorial Stewardship (TSD) BC Hydro Projects Manager and the Director of TSD to support the protection and responsible use of lands and waters by observing, documenting and reporting environmental and land use activities for the OKIB. The role focuses on leading field-based monitoring, data collection and verification of on the ground conditions in relation to industry activities, regulatory requirements and OKIB stewardship priorities at the Revelstoke Dam. The ISM will work independently and collaboratively with partners, community members and other departments to implement monitoring strategies.

REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the TSD BC Hydro Projects Manager, or Director of TSD.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Participate in required training to support environmental, archaeological and land use monitoring activities for the Revelstoke 6 project

  • Regularly travel to work sites at Revelstoke dam. Overnight stay will likely be required

  • Lead and conduct field-based monitoring at construction and industrial sites to assess environmental, land and water impacts in alignment with OKIB stewardship priorities and regulatory requirements

  • Observe, document and verify on the ground conditions related to industry activities and established monitoring protocols

  • Identify and report potential concerns, impacts, or safety issues to on‑site staff and the BC Hydro Projects Manager or Director of TSD, as appropriate.

  • Ensure monitoring activities are completed in accordance with established protocols, safety requirements, cultural protocols and reporting standards

  • Collect, record and manage field data using approved tools and systems, including field notes, imagery, samples and GPS‑based applications

  • Maintain organized and accurate monitoring records, ensuring data quality and completeness

  • Coordinate the use and routine maintenance of monitoring equipment

  • Support logistical planning for field activities, including travel, equipment and site access

  • Work independently and collaboratively with TSD staff, other OKIB departments, contractors, partners and community members

  • Participate in meetings, technical working groups and community outreach activities, as directed

  • Maintain a community‑first, culturally respectful approach when engaging with community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and external partners

  • Follows the safety and access requirements for BCH facility

  • Agree to North America Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) including required background check

  • All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

  • Maintain fieldwork schedules, calendars, and timesheets related to monitoring activities across multiple projects

  • Prepare correspondence, reports, meeting notes and other program‑related documentation

  • Support communication with staff, community members and external partners

  • Provide administrative support for meetings, technical working groups and community events, as required

  • Ensure records are kept in line with organizational policies and cultural protocols

  • Perform all duties in accordance with OKIB policies and procedures

  • Perform other duties as required

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Minimum of one (1) year of post‑secondary education (Bachelor’s degree or College Diploma) in biology, ecology, environmental science or a related field of study

  • Registration or eligibility for registration as an Applied Biology Technician, Professional Biologist, Geoscientist or Agrologist in BC preferred

  • Current First Aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain

  • Valid BC Class 5 driver’s licence and reliable vehicle

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Criminal Record Check for vulnerable populations

  • Work Protection Practices WPP) Cat A,B, WPP Local A certification, or willingness to obtain (training provided upon hire)

Experience

  • 3-5 years of experience working in the transportation, mining, construction and/or archaeology industry
  • Previous experience working with Indigenous Nations or understanding of Indigenous Knowledge/Traditional Knowledge
  • Familiar with preliminary field surveys to evaluate potential presence of archaeological features (e.g. work related to Archaeological Overview Assessments (AOA) and Preliminary Field Reconnaissance (PFR)
  • Experience with using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software (e.g. Avenza, QuickCapture, Google Earth) is considered an asset
  • Strong observation and environmental field skills (GPS/orientation, sample collection, surveys, planning and safety)
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

  • Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community

  • Knowledge of the Okanagan Territory and surrounding areas, or willingness to learn

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

  • Physically capable of working outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions

  • Effective stress and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities

  • Demonstrates initiative, engagement and accountability in carrying out assigned duties

  • Ability to maintain a community first perspective and build respectful relationships with community members, including Elders and Knowledge Keepers

  • Strong communication skills, and openness to accepting constructive feedback related to work completed as part of job duties

  • Demonstrates respect, professionalism and strong teamwork skills

  • Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and work demands

  • Ability to follow instructions, established protocols and safety procedures

  • Willingness and openness to learn, develop new skills and participate in ongoing training

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$28.00 - $32.00 per hour dependant upon education and experience.

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:

Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.

Education : College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years

Experience : 3 years to less than 5 years

About Okanagan Indian Band

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