Instructor - Contract

Position: Instructor
Term: Contract
Wage: $55/hr, for 160 hours
Location: Tofino, British Columbia

Company Overview
Coastal Restoration Society (CRS) is committed to supporting First Nations, Provincial and Federal Government in the fight against climate change. CRS projects develop and implement solutions which mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the long-term health and productivity of marine and aquatic habitats. CRS projects specialize in removing anthropogenic pollution from marine ecosystems, support the enhancement of marine habitat carbon sequestration, mitigate the effects of aquatic invasive species and reverse habitat degradation in shared environments with a focus on First Nations territorial lands and waters. Everyone at our organisation recognizes the importance of a healthy environment. Whatever your job with us, you’ll strive and innovate to achieve a better future. Our role is complex and our work can be challenging - important work usually is. But your contribution will count, and so will you.
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‍Job Overview
The Indigenous Water Conservation and Restoration Education Initiative (IWCREI) is anew project that emerged from conversations between Indigenous communities and Coastal Restoration Society (CRS). This project aims to meet the needs of coastal Indigenous communities for a marine and aquatic focused conservation and restoration training program which centers Indigenous science and knowledge. The benefits of this project extend beyond the Nations and students directly involved and aims to improve marine conservation efforts across the sector while improving co-management of marine and aquatic spaces.

CRS is looking for instructors to deliver this course for the first time in Tla-o-qui-aht territory for Tla-o-qui-aht students. Priority will be given to Tla-o-qui-aht and Nuu-Chah-Nulth instructors. The 160 hours can and most likely will be divided amongst multiple instructors. You are not expected to be able to cover every module(see below) - the hope is that multiple instructors will teach the course. Course material and program design was led by six Nuu-Chah-Nulth Knowledge Holders and supported by five industry advisors, creating a holistic and comprehensive educational package that will be given to you. The modules of the program are thus follows:
1. Nuu-Chah-Nulth Worldview
2. Nuu-Chah-Nulth Values
3. Observation
4. Food Sovereignty
5. Landmarks and Place Names
6. Oceans and Navigation
7. Forests
8. River Keepers
9. Changes
10.Invasive Species
11.Human interactions and Pathways for Change

Course Design: The aim of IWCREI is to create a course that meets the needs of the Nations. The course does not need to look any one way and can be creative in its form and delivery (for example classes can be in person, pre recorded video content, on the land, or whatever is desired/required by those involved in course creation). We are not seeking to create a university course but rather a bridge that connects Indigenous science and knowledge with technical skills and provides hands-on experience. Ideally, course delivery will be mostly land-based.

The course will be delivered in partnership with North Island College and participants will receive course credits upon completion. These credits can count toward future schooling and the course itself will provide entry level training for environmental restoration and the blue economy.

The course content will not be owned by CRS or North Island College. Since Indigenous Knowledge Holders will be guiding course development and delivery, Indigenous Knowledge Holders will be the owners of all intellectual property developed through this project. North Island College will sign a licensing agreement which allows them to deliver the course for a specified time period. When the course is delivered in future years additional licensing agreements would be signed.

CRS has created Information Sharing Agreements with Knowledge holders which guide how personal knowledge and data is/is not recorded, stored, and shared. Information Sharing Agreements are developed to ensure respectful and meaningful engagement between Coastal Restoration Society and the Indigenous Knowledge Holder is maintained. These are living documents that are tailored to the needs of the individual, and you will be expected to sign one upon your hire.

Timeline:
January 29th - March 1st (40 hours)
-Instructor prep time, inclusive of building and planning course materials and delivery with guidance from course package and curriculum
-Review equipment list and advise CRS Project Management any additional equipment needs for course delivery

March 6th - March 31st (120 hours) - Exact 3 week period TBD
-Deliver course materials over three weeks, a total of 15 days

Job Responsibilities and Duties
-Develop and plan a 15 day course in partnership with other instructors with guidance of a curriculum and course package
-Deliver course materials over 15 days in Tla-o-qui-aht territory to Tla-o-qui-aht students Ideal Candidate
-Interest and deep awareness of Indigenous land stewardship and/or environmental conservation/restoration
-Interest and deep awareness of Tla-o-qui-aht laws, knowledge, and protocols
-Outstanding interpersonal and verbal communication skills
-Comfortability instructing outdoors, on the water, and by boat
-Punctual, reliable and well organized● Ability to be flexible and adaptive in response to challenge and/or adjusting needs

Required Experience
-Certificate/Degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences/Studies, Environmental Monitoring, or a related field OR Relevant community experience working with/instructing for Indigenous folks, and Indigenous land and water stewardship experience
-5+ years of experience instructing in an Environmental Field and/or Indigenous Knowledge systems
-Awareness of Indigenous rights, laws, and protocols
-Experience in course development and/or delivery

In your application please include:
-Resume
-Cover Letter
-References

We encourage people who feel unsure if their qualifications meet our requirements to apply.

If you have any questions regarding this position, do not hesitate to contacthannah@coastrestore.com and sandy@coastrestore.com

Please send your resumes to admin@coastrestore.com, with “IWCREI - Instructor” in the subject line.

In your application please indicate if you would like us to keep your resume on file for future opportunities.

If you see this posting outside the time frame listed, please submit your resume as we may have ongoing opportunities.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
‍APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1st, 5PM
Anticipated start date February 12th.