Food Sovereignty Coordinator

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Lands Manager, the Food Sovereignty Coordinator will be responsible for developing and coordinating food security initiatives and programs. We envision a world in which our food systems are sustainable, resilient, and equitable. The system is inclusive of local farms and local food producers, businesses, and individuals who are ethnically, culturally, and economically diverse, healthy, thriving and empowered.

The Food Sovereignty Coordinator will coordinate workshops and organize knowledge transfer activities in which community members will learn food preservation techniques, including canning and dehydrating, for a variety of foods. These workshops, which will engage both Elders and youth, will support the transfer of knowledge and culture, as well as build skills to mitigate future supply chain disruptions and other food security concerns associated with climate change.

Additionally, the Coordinator fosters relationships with internal programs and community food-based organizations to address Food Sovereignty, food access, food security, and availability challenges through workshops and meetings, as well as reducing food waste from events and gatherings by re-directing it to internal programs or clients.

Success profile

What does it take to be successful working at Seabird Island? Check out the top traits we’re looking for and see if you have the right mix.

• Relating to Others: the ability to coordinate personal insights and knowledge of others into effective actions; the
  ability to make use of accurate interpersonal skills in interacting with others.
• Initiator/Change Agent: Is proactive and self-starting by seizing opportunities and originating action to achieve goals.
• Practical Thinking: the ability to make practical, common-sense decisions; to see and understand what is happening in
  a commonsense way.
• Frequent Interaction with Others: The job requires a strong “people orientation”, versus a task orientation. The job
  will comfortably deal with multiple interruptions on a continual basis, always maintaining a friendly interface with
  others.
  
• Ethical: Maintains and promotes individual and organizational integrity and values in conduct of all activities.

Work that matters

Seabird Island located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver.

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Benefits and perks

Benefits vary by job type, apply after a successful probationary period and are confirmed in the interview and hiring process.

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time,
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions,
• Access to internal training programs, professional development and skill enhancement,
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
  
• Casual dress code

What you'll do

• Lead, coordinate, and manage the logistics of Food Sovereignty and food security initiatives, including supply sourcing, procurement, and distribution.
• Develop a Food Charter for Seabird Island and assist in the creation of a sustainable agricultural policy or law.
  
• Ensure all agricultural lessees are moving towards a regenerative agricultural approach, monitoring, and ensuring compliance with all Seabird Island’s laws.
• Coordinate a wide range of activities related to Food Sovereignty and food security initiatives and community-based gardens.
  
• Lead other employees of the Food Sovereignty and food security program as the program develops.
  
• Raise awareness about food security and sovereignty through coordinating and driving the formulation and delivery of key initiative deliverables, including Food Sovereignty and food security resources, community “best practice” case studies, online informational and educational resources, and initiative based stand-alone events.
  
• Develop and implement an outreach plan to engage key target audiences to ensure that Seabird Island’s resource development and policy advocacy efforts on Food Sovereignty and food security are relevant and impactful.
• Assist in improving food security through community development and working closely with leadership in the implementation of policy, programs, and strategic plans related to food and food health.
  
• Make recommendations to the Director and Lands Manager on communal food security matters and resolutions.
  
• Present information to the membership on Food Sovereignty and food security programs within Seabird Island.

Relationship and team building

• Work respectfully, positively, professionally, and collaboratively with team members and all levels of Seabird Island.
  
• Demonstrate behaviors, actions, and attitudes that are consistent with Seabird Island’s vision, mission, culture, and values.
  Provide opportunities for the enhancement and development of positive cultural identities of the staff and clients.

Reporting, administration, and other duties

• Provide financial coordination, i.e. budget monitoring and reporting.
  
• Cultivate professionalism, diligence, and dedication in staff, ensuring quality program delivery at all times.
  
• Compile and submit monthly reports to the Program Manager, containing both narrative and statistical information.
  
• Source funding initiatives to enhance and promote Seabird Island’s Food Sovereignty program.
  
• Participate in community activities and functions as required by Seabird Island and Chief and Council, including but not limited to Seabird Island Festival, and the Seabird Island Open House.
  
• Act as an ambassador to other communities and the province at large, representing the image of Seabird Island at all times.
• Other duties or responsibilities as assigned by your Manager, Director, Executive Director, or Chief & Council.

What you bring

Education

• A degree in Human Services, a degree in Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics/Business or a
  related field, OR experience in Food Security, Food Justice, or Human Rights.

Skills/Experience

• Three years of experience working in a position that addresses food security issues, on an organic, regenerative or permaculture farm, or on food safety, and food management as well as financial/budget management experience is essential.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a coordinator capacity and a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in community services or related field.
• Experience writing proposals, giving presentations, facilitating meetings, consultations, writing briefings and managing volunteers is an asset.
• Knowledge of food security including supply, procurement, safe handling, and storage.
• Desire to act in the service of the community, to advance and uphold rights and culture with sensitivity to, and knowledge of, environmental issues related to food security (traditional and non-traditional) and using a trauma informed lens to ensure cultural safety practices.
• Experience in planning, developing, and implementing, as well as coordinating and overseeing events; activities, relationship-building with communities, stakeholders, and various levels of government.
• Strong research skills, and problem-solving as well as organizational, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in often difficult logistical situations.
  
• Ability to work unsupervised and demonstrate motivation and initiative.

Requirements

• Proficient computer skills with the Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams.
• Proficient interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Ability to agree as well as adhere to Seabird Island Band Human Resources (HR), Finance, and Information Technology (IT) Policies and Procedures, etc.
• Knowledge, respect and understanding of Stó: lō culture, traditions and language or willingness to learn.
• Experience working with First Nations community is considered an asset.
• Valid BC Driver’s License with a clean Driver’s Abstract within the last 5 years.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (CRRP)

Reports to: Lands Manager

Pre-employment screening

• Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with SIB HR Policy, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights code, preference may be given to Applicants of Indigenous, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.