The Trails Society of British Columbia (Trails BC) is seeking a sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł Summer Youth Lead. This position leds the delivery of the Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł component of the Tsawwassen First Nation Summer Youth Program during July and August. 

This will involve leading cycling and walking land-based educational tours with Elders and Knowledge; arranging speakers to engage the youth on Indigenous and trails topics; and leading the youth on a project that includes signage, amenities and or art along  Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł. The Lead will also engage the youth career development planning opportunities related to trails. 

Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł is a proposed network of trails connecting First Nations and other communities in Metro Vancouver that are accessible via transit. Development of the vision for sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł is led by Tsawwassen First Nation Elder xʷasteniya working with the Trails BC personnel, TFN staff and Great Blue Heron Way Committee. Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł will help provide healthy and green basic mobility, recreational and tourism opportunities for people and communities. 

The Lead will work closely with Elder xʷasteniya, Trails BC staff & volunteers and Tsawwassen First Nation Youth Centre staff.

Activities

• Coordinating a project such as art, a bench or signage to be installed on or near Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł
• Coordinating land based educational cycling and walking tours along Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł with the youth and Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers
• Coordinating speakers presenting to the youth on Indigenous and trails related topics
• Informing youth on related career and educational opportunities
• Engaging youth on ideas they have for Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł and barriers they face accessing trails and their land

Terms

• Salary: $27 to $30 per hour
• 30 to 35 hours per week
• Applicants should be 30 years old or younger as a portion of this position is funded through a youth employment grant per week
• Position starts mid June and ends on August 28
• Interviewing starts May 7. Position will remain open until filled.

Requirements

• Live within or near Metro Vancouver preferably in or close to Tsawwassen
• Must have a computer/laptop and a cellphone
• A drivers licence

Skills and Experience

If you have passion for Indigenous culture, the land and trails, please consider applying for this position even if you don’t have all of the experience below.  We are committed to working with the Coordinator to provide training and mentorship in areas that will assist in ensuring success in this position and will support personal and professional development goals.

1. Knowledge of First Nations’ culture, art and traditions
2. Experience instructing or supervising youth 13 through 19 years old
3. Experience in leading walking and cycling tours
4. A strong commitment to reconciliation, equity and inclusion
5. A strong commitment to gender equality
6. Project leadership and management experience
7. Self-motivated with proven listening, writing and communications skills
8. Experience will Google Drive and Google Docs
9. Some knowledge of local Indigenous languages an asset
10. Knowledge of the land, trails, greenways and other active transportation and recreation routes in Metro Vancouver an asset
11. Knowledge of active transportation, recreation, trails, urban planning, transit & road safety an asset

How to Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to Melissa Demkiw, sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł Program Manager at meldemkiw@trailsbc.ca with the subject “sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł Summer Youth Lead”.