Program Officer, Environmental Health - Term To March 2025

The First Nations Health Authority is a diverse and transformational health organization of professional, innovative and dedicated team members and leaders.

The first of its kind in Canada, FNHA works as a health-and-wellness partner with BC First Nations to support self-determination and decision-making to improve health outcomes.

JOIN OUR HISTORIC JOURNEY
At FNHA, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to BC’s history. With a unique governing structure and mandate, our fluid work environment means you can play an active role in real change.
Our talented teams value respect and foster lateral kindness in their working relationships. Our holistic approach to wellness, based on First Nations teachings, is incorporated into all aspects of work culture. Where else will you get to create a personal wellness plan as part of your performance goals?

Reporting to the Provincial Manager, EPHS,; the position supports the delivery of Environmental Health services to First Nations communities in the coordination of Environmental Public Health Services Programs and community research projects including the Drinking Water Safety Program, Environmental Contaminants Program, and Indigenous Climate Health Action Program.

Union Code: PSAC
Hours: 37.5

As a health and wellness organization, the First Nations Health Authority has aligned with the Provincial Public Health Order released on October 14, 2021. We have a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all employees at First Nations Health Authority. This policy requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If selected for employment, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination by providing a copy of your BC Vaccination Card Passport with the QR code.

• Provides support to the Provincial EPHS Manager, the Manager, Drinking Water Safety Program, Environmental Contaminants Program Coordinator, Regional Managers and Environmental Health Officers in the coordination of community drinking water programs and community research projects relating to the Drinking Water Safety Program, Environmental Contaminants Program, and Indigenous Climate Health Action Programs.
• Coordinates the activities and processes for the granting of Funding Agreements to First Nations for the Drinking Water Safety Program, the Environmental Contaminants Program, and the Indigenous Climate Health Action Program and conducts monitoring financial activities. Prepares documentation to initiate the transfer of funds to First Nations or organizations. Prepares and administers service contracts, memorandum or letters of understanding, or other agreements.
• Provides guidance to First Nations communities and applicant organizations in the preparation of Drinking Water, Environmental Contaminants, and Indigenous Climate Health Action proposals.
• Assists in the Call for Proposal process and coordinating the review and selection of proposals by Selection Committees. Provides guidance to First Nations communities who are carrying out their EPHS program funded projects. Supports the program review, development, and implementation of EPHS programs.
• Develops communication and/or program awareness strategies, and makes presentations.
• Provides advisory services and recommendations to management, the Safe Drinking Water and Environmental Contaminants Review Committees, First Nations governing bodies and health organizations, community representatives, project staff and contractors, and federal and/or provincial government officials.
• Compiles and enters data on the electronic water quality database, and retrieves information for reporting and program use. Assists the preparation of status reports and program review reports. Supports the implementation and development of the water quality database. Provides EHO’s and community users with water quality database support surrounding usability requests and account management.
• Travels to community to meet with community members and staff to provide education/guidance related to the Drinking Water Safety Program, and other EPHS activities.

A full job description is available upon request.

• Diploma in First Nations Studies, Public Administration or Programming, Natural or Environmental Science, or Sociology.
• Two (2) years of experience in planning and delivering community programs or services, administering grants and contribution agreements, preparing communication, awareness, or presentation materials, and providing service delivery to First Nations clients, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Basic knowledge of First Nations traditions and etiquette.
• Knowledge of the culture, traditions, historical impact, political, health, and socio-economic plans, priorities, and emerging issues of First Nations groups.
• Basic knowledge of environmental contaminant issues facing First Nations communities.
• Basic knowledge of First Nations Health Authority Drinking Water Safety Program.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures related to grants, contribution agreements, service contracts, and other agreements.
• Knowledge of proposal preparation and evaluation.
• Knowledge of project management.
• Ability to use a variety of computer software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyse information, provide advice, and develop recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Interpersonal relations skills.
• Ability to work well with others as part of a team.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Diversity

The First Nations Health Authority is committed to respecting diversity within our workforce; preference will be given to individuals with Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Inuit, Métis).

What You Can Expect From Us

Joining our family means joining an organization that supports personal growth, in-house training, a paid volunteer day and a unique full-day orientation program.

Leading with culture, all FNHA employees complete San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. We support our family to be leaders in wellness and all staff members develop a yearly wellness plan as part of their performance partnership and goal-setting.

Closing

Please note that only those applicants shortlisted will be contacted. If you do not hear from us about this position, please accept our sincere appreciation for your interest in FNHA!

For more information about us, please visit: www.fnha.ca/about/work-with-us

If you have any inquiries or issues please contact FNHA Recruitment at [email protected] or 1-844-699-3186.