City of Williams Lake

Indigenous Relations and Climate Action / Active Transportation Coordinator

POSITION DETAILS:                      
OPERATIONS: Planning & Development Department
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week, attendance at meetings as required
POSITION: Exempt, Two Year Term
RATE OF PAY: Based on experience and education  
 
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Under the direction of the Director of Planning & Development, the incumbent will advance and maintain relationships with local Indigenous communities and will lead advancement on climate change and active transportation initiatives.  
 
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advance and maintain relationships with local Indigenous communities and help the City continue to implement the TRC Calls to Action.
• Meet regularly with local Indigenous communities and build and maintain relationships.
• Continue to support event hosting.
• Identify and make City spaces more welcoming and culturally safe for Indigenous Peoples.
• Support liaison with industry, business, community service providers and non-profit groups to create community resources and protocols and build capacity including grant and funding opportunities.
• Support City departments to develop consistency re First Nations engagement, communications, and partnership agreements, including government-government agreements, staff exchanges, mentoring and reconciliation initiatives.
• Advance, maintain and form partnerships with other organizations to help provide information on the systemic racism that Indigenous Peoples in our community face.
• Lead and support meaningful engagement processes with Indigenous organizations, as required.
• Improve land use planning and coordination with local First Nations.
• Update the City’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory.
• Research and develop a Community Energy Emission Plan that will outline a carbon reduction strategy for the City of Williams Lake.
• Liaise with required operational departments, groups and Council.
• Engage the community and community-based organizations in community energy and emission planning.
• Work with the Fraser Basin Council to support the development of Regional Climate Adaptation Strategy and the impacts to City planning and operations. Manage the implementation of BC-wide initiatives related to climate change adaptation and resilience.
• Evaluate and strengthen educational and capacity building strategies to address carbon reduction and climate adaptation / active transportation strategies within the City of Williams Lake.
• Establish methodology to determine community GHG emissions.
• Research sustainability topics, best practices in carbon emissions and reduction strategies, and prepare communication materials.
• Support and promote active transportation initiatives.
• Incorporate Indigenous reconciliation within climate resilience initiatives.  
• Promote energy conservation, GHG reductions and other best practices.
• Research grant opportunities relative to the initiatives of this role.
• Facilitate connections and collaboration among organizations and interests that are pursuing common adaptation-related goals in communities and regions.
• Liaise with communities and professionals and provide mentorship on climate resilience and planning and implementation.
• Prepare reports as required.
• Attend, organize and provide administrative support for related committees.
• Other related duties as required.

 
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
Includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Minimum 2 years experience in an administrative role.
• Preferred experience in the following:
  • developing, planning and coordinating sustainability-related projects
  • leading or supporting multi-interest collaborative processes
  • seeking funding opportunities and developing proposals and
  • developing and facilitating workshops and meetings for participants of diverse backgrounds
• Post-secondary education and/or equivalent experience in a related field such as planning, policy, business, sustainability or environmental management
• Familiarity with climate, resiliency, energy and sustainability issues and opportunities
• The successful candidate will have a keen interest in sustainable community planning and Carbon Reduction Strategies.
• Proven skills in public relations, speaking and presenting.
• Ability to deal courteously, tactfully and diplomatically with people.
• Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative.
• Strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Desire and initiative to undertake additional training courses for upgrading of skills and abilities.
• Strong computer skills
• Valid Class 5 Drivers License.

 
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed resume and cover letter outlining qualifications, experience, copies of applicable certifications, and letters of reference no later than 4:00 pm, May 30, 2023 to the attention of Ashley Williston, Director of Human Resources, City of Williams Lake, 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC, V2G 1N3 - Fax (250) 392-8484, or email awilliston@williamslake.ca
 
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.