Sr Watershed Guardian
Job No:
AQAM202342
Location:
Cranbrook, BC
ʔaq̓am is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation (pronounced ‘k-too-nah-ha’). ʔaq̓am Organization exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the ʔaq̓am Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan – “ka kniⱡwityaⱡa ~ Our Thinking”, and continue to progress and move our Community forward.
ʔaq̓am is located in the beautiful, sunny centre of Ktunaxa Traditional Territory in the southeast corner of British Columbia. If you love the outdoors, the mountains, fresh air, and the sun, this is the place for you. We are here to work towards achieving ʔaq̓am’s Vision: “A vibrant, healthy community, speaking our language, governing effectively, and maximizing our lands and resources for the benefit of future generations and all living things, in a manner consistent with qanikitȼi (our values and principles).” Be a part of an excellent team, perform meaningful work that will realize long-term benefits, share in worthwhile accomplishments, celebrate successes, join in the camaraderie, build strong relationships and enjoy lifelong learning!
About the Opportunity
The “aʔkiⱡ kansquwik Sina: Working with Beavers to Build Climate Resilience in Cherry Creek” Project Manager is seeking a Sr. Water Guardian to be involved in all aspects of the work including habitat assessment, data collection and field surveys in the Cherry/Mather Creek Watershed.
Overview:
The “ʔakiⱡ kansquwik Sina: Working with Beavers to Build Climate Resilience in Cherry Creek” vision is being developed to increase our collective knowledge of the current health of Sina/beaver wetlands within the Cherry/Mather Creek watershed and begin to build the capacity and expertise needed to develop and implement actions that will maximize Sina populations across Ktunaxa traditional territory in future.
The Sr. Watershed Guardian and the Research Advisor will work together to develop materials and outreach methods to share observations of Sina in the watershed including knowledge about the benefits of coexistence with beaver for climate change resilience such as water storage, drought, wildfire and flood mitigation, and biodiversity protection. The Sr. Guardian will also participate in training opportunities and work with the Jr. Guardians to guide them in all aspects of their work along with members of the research and engagement team. Other aspects of the work will see the Sr. Guardian collecting,maintaining, and sharing traditional Ktunaxa knowledge through talking with Elders, Knowledge Holders, and community members, and then sharing that knowledge and information with the community and the The “aʔkiⱡ kansquwik Sina: Working with Beavers to Build Climate Resilience in Cherry Creek” team.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Willing to work outdoors in variable weather conditions. The work will include going out to creekside sites in the Cherry/Mather Creek watershed to observe the wetland environments including documenting plants, water flow, and beaver sign and entering observations on field forms or computer-based applications.
- Participate in training of field-based research methods in wetlands and possibly beaver relocation methods.
- Participate in meetings to share information and observations with community members.
- Participate in workshops and training that will enhance and support future monitoring and data collection methods on ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa.
- Assist with Habitat Assessments that include connecting to the natural landscape and Ktunaxa culture through water stewardship.
Duration of the position is from January 2025 until November 2025 - Hourly wage rate of $33/hour
For more information about the position please contact Bonnie Harvey 250-426-5717 bharvey@aqam.net
Preference will be given to candidates of Ktunaxa or other Indigenous ancestry and ʔaq̓am encourages applicants to self-identify within your application.
Thank you to all those that apply, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
